As I read the coverage of the sudden senseless passing of Lucky Dube, I was reminded of my good friend Justin Kalikawe. He, like Dube, was also a rastaman. A rastaman from Bongo whose songs reflected his view of the world. The view which revolved around doing good, being just and being true to oneself.
In the song "Ugenini" (Being in a foreign land) - Kalikawe has a message to people who live in foreign countries not forget their motherland. He insists that it is okay to go to Europe, United States and Australia and search for wealth, but remember to bring it back and help build our motherland. He continues to say even when the Europeans came to Africa they got resources but then took them back to build their motherland in Europe etc. We ought to do the same!
Ever since I met Kalikawe, I knew he was a man ahead of his time. He was always writing songs in his head. Which is not unexpected since he was a musician. What is unexpected is that he wrote about things that were not right and he insisted on making them right or at least urging everyone to make them right.
In his short life he produced at least 10 albums and at this pace, I am guessing had he lived, he could have doubled that by now. As we are getting ready to release the movie Bongoland II...there is no place like home...I thought it was only appropriate to once again tell the world about the song Ugenini since it relates to the upcoming movie and our brother Juma.
This video was shot in January of 2003 in Bukoba and he specifically wrote the song for Bongoland. As you recall the character Juma was having hard time in the United States and he was contemplating going back home. The song represented his dilemma.
Unfortunately, Justin never had a chance to see this video or the movie. He died in August of 2003.
You are gone but not forgotten. Here is to you buddy!
2 comments:
I first met Justin Kalikawe, when he was just starting to get into reggae. He had also just started growing dreadlocks. I remember people laughing at him, "eti mHaya anaimba reggae". But he was determined and succeeded. Who has the last laugh now? Justin Kalikawe may be gone but he has left his mark.
Thanks Chemi,
He has a great line "Watu wa jamii yako, walikupatia elimu, ili ubaki nao usaidiane nao maishani...mbona leo unawapa mgongo...unatamani ugenini nani atawasaidia...
Makes you think of all of us who got free primary, secondary, high school and even University for FREE.
Now we are sitting comfortably in the suburbs of United States and Europe...
Josiah
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