Christopher Ssebadduka

Christopher Ssebadduka was a pioneering Ugandan musician known as the "Grandfather of Kadongo Kamu." He was born in 1926 (some sources say 1929) and became famous for his contributions to Ugandan folk music, particularly the solo guitar genre known as Kadongo Kamu.

Ssebadduka began performing on the streets and in markets of Kampala in the mid-1940s. In 1955, he recorded Omukazi Malaya, which is considered the first commercially released Kadongo Kamu song. His success led him to join the Uganda National Theatre in the late 1950s. He was also among the few musicians selected to perform at Uganda's Independence celebrations in 1962 at Kololo Airfield.

In the 1960s, he founded the Kadongo Kamu Cultural Society, where he mentored young musicians. His music often conveyed wisdom, morals, and social commentary, but this also led to political troubles. His 1978 song Kyaali Kyetagisa, which criticized government policies, forced him into hiding when Milton Obote returned to power in 1980. He only resurfaced in 1986 when President Museveni took over.

Ssebadduka passed away in 1998 due to tuberculosis. His notable songs include Nantondo, Kodikodi, and Tereza ow'ebbina eddene .