Eduwado Kayondo to stage debut headline show this Sunday

Eduwado Kayondo is a 29-year-old Ugandan singer, songwriter and recording artist. Born Edward Kayondo in 1997 in Kawempe Division, on the outskirts of Kampala, he is the only child of the late Isaac Rutabagisha and the late Betty Nakanwagi.

A genre-blending artist, Kayondo combines contemporary sounds with elements of folk, blues, country and soul. He sings in both Luganda and English, drawing inspiration from his life, adventures, experiences, dreams and aspirations, as well as the people and world around him.

He began performing his original compositions at open-mic sessions while at university, gaining popularity on campus with Omwana we Nabbingo. He also performed at poetry and acoustic music nights around Kampala.

He officially released Omwana we Nabbingo in 2023. His latest release is Coming to Zimbabwe, and he is currently working on his debut album.

Over the years, Kayondo has collaborated with several artists, including Keith Mugenyi on Abatabazi and Larry The Stork on Enziggi. He has also worked with visual artists, including Mustafa Khan, who painted the cover art for his second single, Boy from Kampala. In film and television, he contributed music to Loving Beyond, a Ugandan series on Pearl Magic.

Kayondo has performed on several prominent stages in Kampala’s arts scene, including the National Theatre, where he has appeared at events such as Comedicine by Fun Factory. Other venues include Alliance Française Kampala, Goethe-Zentrum Kampala and the Onomo Arts Experience at Onomo Hotel. He has also performed several times at the Ethiopian Embassy.

On Sunday, October 25, Kayondo will stage his debut headline show at Donel’s Bistro in Ntinda, from 5pm to 7.30pm. He will perform both released and unreleased music in an intimate setting expected to accommodate about 100 people.

Philip Matogo spoke to him about his maiden show.

Why now?

I have been performing in Kampala’s underground arts scene since 2022, mainly at acoustic, poetry and comedy nights, where I perform my original music. Over time, I have built a considerable following within the contemporary arts community, including music, poetry, theatre, film, dance, visual art and comedy.

As my audience grew, people who enjoyed my music began suggesting that I organise my own show. Whenever I performed as a guest artist, people would ask, “Where else can we come to see you perform?”

So, this year, I decided to stage my maiden show. I wanted an intimate setting and chose a beautiful venue that can accommodate about 100 people. For my first show, I decided to start small before going all out with a full concert, which requires considerably more resources and preparation.

Does your music have crossover appeal?

Yes, it does. Based on my Spotify analytics, my music appeals to different age groups. My biggest audience is made up of listeners aged 25 to 34, who account for 49 per cent of my audience. Those aged 18 to 24 make up 29 per cent, while the 35-to-44 age group accounts for 15 per cent.

Listeners aged 45 to 54 account for three per cent, those aged 56 to 64 make up two per cent, while people aged 65 and above and those under 18 account for one per cent each.

I believe these figures reflect the fact that I write songs inspired by stories and experiences that resonate with a diverse audience.

What is your aim in organising the show?

First, many people know Eduwado Kayondo’s music but have never met me in person. I want my loyal fans who attend the show to see the person behind the music and put a face to the name.

I also want to begin performing longer sets. At events where I am invited as a guest artist, performers are usually given only a few minutes to sing between two and five songs. Yet I have enough material to sustain a performance lasting more than an hour.

I want to share a wider selection of my music and give audiences a fuller experience of my catalogue. It all begins this month with my debut show on October 25 at Donel’s Bistro in Ntinda.

What are your future plans?

After my maiden show, I want to focus on completing my debut album, which I plan to release by the end of the first quarter of next year.

How do you want to be remembered?

I want to be remembered as the boy from Kampala who shared his identity, thoughts, opinions, stories, art and creativity with the world through music that blends traditional and modern sounds.

I want my music and influence to inspire change and build bridges in a world torn apart by war. I hope to be remembered as an ambassador of peace through music.

I also want to be remembered as an artist who defied the odds and succeeded in life and music, even at a time when there were many reasons to give up. I want my music to be remembered for healing people and bringing them together.

Ultimately, I want to be a voice for the voiceless through music that addresses civic and social issues.