2024 has been an amazing year for all ardent local music lovers since there has been at least a lesson or two to learn, especially how old music regained popularity.
Old music regaining popularity has reinforced the fact that music is indeed timeless, highlighting how the relationship between social media and music depends on attention spans.
With most new releases currently lasting a minimal time, this brought back the idea that older music will always find younger audiences.
On TikTok, one of the most used apps currently, more than a handful of songs from previous decades have been brought back to renewed popularity, either temporarily or over longer periods.
Here are some of the songs that we managed to list:
- Londa e Number (commonly referred to as ‘Atakwagala Oba Omulaba’) – Betty Mpologoma
If you grew up listening to Ugandan band music in the early 2000s, the name Betty Mpologoma is not new to your ears. She has a rich catalog of hit singles.
The year 2024 has seen her single “Londa e Number” (Produced in 2005) bounce back in style with the catchy line ‘Atakwagala Oba Omulaba’ which is commonly used as a meme for those who are heartbroken and facing disappointments in relationships.
- Charles Yimirira Awo – Zani Lady C
Zani Lady C claims to have recorded this song in 1999 at Kasiwukira’s studio when starting her music career. She notes that the jam was produced by Tim Kizito who allegedly went missing in the USA.
Going by her statements, she says, “It’s a love song describing how much I admire my lover regardless of the hardships or challenges he could be going through. And that whatever struggles he goes through daily and those that are yet to come, wouldn’t change the love I have for him.”
The jam regained popularity with several individuals dropping challenges, especially on TikTok after Viola Nakitende re-did it.
- Good Lover (I Love My Mwami) – Brown Shugar
Brown Shugar recorded this masterpiece about six years ago and the song had stalled. Just out of the blue, a Nkuba Kyekyo through her TikTok channel brought it back to life when she shared a video of herself cleaning Bobi Wine’s portrait while jamming to the song.
Just like that, the song became big again and Brown Shugar who had put her music career on ice, started getting wedding bookings and other performances plus media interviews. Thanks to the power of TikTok.
- Bajjakakasa – Stabua Natooro
The phrase “American Height Ever Smart Mulenzi Muto” has gained her song popularity following how widely it is used by girls on TikTok. The common use of the word has kept Natooro’s star shining and gave her song a bigger mileage.
- Ebichupuli – Chance Nalubega
Save for her comeback on the scene a few years ago when she did a song with Sheebah Karungi, Chance Nalubega has also enjoyed a return of her song ‘Ebichupuli’ on the playlists. 0755733308
