- THE FAMILY
-
The ANAWIM family informally debuted in June 2004 as the trio
(Fr. Michael, Fr. Simon & Edward) underwent seminary formation at Kinyamasika
National Seminary. The group back then wrote Catholic praise songs in a combination
of three languages: English, Italian and Luganda. Community get-togethers served
as their platform for showcasing music talent in a fashion never dared before within
formation circles. The enthusiasm with which they pursued their objectives reawakened
in their contemporaries a desire to participate much more in Catholic youth ministry.
At the close of July 2004, the trio determined to take the dream to a professional
level. This is when the group caught the eye of one of Uganda’s esteemed producers,
Henry Kiwuuwa, then attached to No-End entertainment recording studios. By December
the same year, the group had recorded with him five finely blended songs: Omukama
(My God), Strengthen my Heart, I’ll follow you and Shine on Me (the three done in
R&B) and Njagala (I desire), a groovy Kwaito hit that later became the group’s
maiden album title song.
The trio shortly after wrote and performed the Theme Songs for the 2005 AMECEA (Associated
Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa) Plenary meeting on the plight of
AIDS: Start from Today & Ekitiibwa Kyaffe (Our glory emanates from the Lord).
These enjoyed commendable reception as well. The trio then wrapped up its maiden
album with Sancta Maria, giving testimony to its strong devotion to the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
The group has recorded with other producers as well, worthy mentioning here are:
Steve Jean (Fenon Studios), Andrew Kiwanuka (Soul Records), David Mukalazi (Maestro
Sounds), and Washington alongside Paddy Kayiwa (Dream Studios). This gave its maiden
album a unique blend of R&B, Kwaito, Hip-hop, Dancehall and serene contemporary
Gospel genres. The group on the 8th of January 2006 launched this 7-track album
featuring a variety of upcoming Catholic gospel artists. The event was well attended
by over 1000 fans and covered by a number of local leading media houses including:
The New Vision, The Red Pepper, Bukedde and The Monitor. “This was the first of
its kind in Catholic circles”, some of the Anawim fans were heard commenting.
The group didn’t retire at audio production, but also explored the video industry;
shooting its debut album video with one of East Africa’s best video crews: Twisted/Mega
vision. This video has received considerable airplay on three Television Stations:
East African Television, WBS TV (Gospel Soul) and UBC TV, evangelising many across
East Africa. The airing of its second album's theme video, Teri Akusinga (Your
are the Lord of All) is now on.
The trio pride in producing youthful contemporary records which they believe deeply
enhance ministering to youths of diverse backgrounds. They have featured and been
featured in several music projects and pastoral conventions, alongside renowned
local and international artists: Christian and secular. Among these, are Fr. Stan
Fortuna (South Bronx, USA), Fr. Anthony Musaala and other celebrated artists.
The group commits to the promotion of mutually-enriching professional working relationships
with all its partners: religious, financial and educational institutions, media
houses, fellow artists and fans. Among other projects, the group is currently planning
on animating this facility with online forums and chatrooms which they believe will
eventually narrow experiential gaps and foster socio-religious networking.
Everyone that has contributed to their mission is deeply thanked. Your contribution
is priceless.
May God bless you all.
- FR. MICHAEL SSENFUMA
-
Early life
Fr. Michael Don Senfuma was born in Nsambya hospital, Kampala district, Uganda,
to Mr. John Bechmans Kintu and Ms. Susan Ndagire Namugwanya. He was raised up in
Masaka district where his father lives in a small village called Nkalwe. His parents
divorced while he was very young and so never lived with both of them simultaneously.
Fr. Michael loved and appreciated music right from the age of 8. He used to admire
the seminarians play the organ at Nkoni parish where he would attend masses as an
altar server.
Later, while attending school at St. Louis Kabulassoke primary school and St. Clement
SSS, Fr. Michael joined the choir where he featured prominently as conductor and
tenor. On admission to Bukalasa seminary, Fr. Michael joined the company of two
fellow seminarians that had exceptional talent at playing the pipe organ: Michael
Mukasa and Andrew Njogerere. These were to eventually usher him into the more sophisticated
culture of musicianship that many today associate him with.
After completing formation at Bukalasa seminary, Fr. Michael was admitted to Alokolum
National seminary in Gulu from where he graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts
degree in Philosophy and Religious Studies.
Between 2000 and 2001 Fr. Michael was posted to Kijjukizo parish in Lyantonde for
a year's pastoral experience. While there, he interacted with youth of profound
inspiration that would a few years later invigorate his own passion for music, youth
apostolate and performance arts.
In 2002, while at kinyamasika NMS, Fr. Michael teamed up with fellow seminarians:
Edward (Aydie) and Fr. Simon with whom he determined to take their talent at writing,
recording and performing religious contemporary music to a higher level.
Music/ministerial profile
After completing his formation and graduating with a Bachelors degree in Theology
and religious studies, Fr. Michael was ordained priest, by Bishop John B. Kaggwa
on August 7th, 2005. Fr. Michael's first appointment was as assistant parish priest
at Villa Maria parish. Alongside other ministerial obligations, Fr. Michael remained
deeply involved in the mission and calendar of the Anawim, especially serving as
Director. Together with the duo, Fr. Michael has ably participated in ministering
to charismatic renewal conventions in the UK, inter-university prayer meetings in
Uganda, performing at the Harrel conference in Mbarara, fundraising for Kinnyamasika
National seminary, among other evangelistic duty calls.
Fr. Michael, together with Fr. Stanslaus Fortuna, an American priest is currently
working on the inception and running of a Dare 4 mo
International Conference, that will aim to attract and showcase youth energy whilst
promoting positive growth.
Fr. Michael confessed to believing in challenging the young church especially in
impoverished and marginalized communities to utilize every opportunity that can
help them harness their spiritual, academic and musical skills, and spur them into
fully developed individuals.
'God is more than willing to make everyone purposeful if we depend on him, work
hard and live to our best. Dont sit back and watch others do their best, be the
one to make it happen for God and others. Start today.....'
- FR. SIMON LUKYAMUZI
-
Early life
Fr. Simon, now a Roman catholic priest, was born in Nsambya Hospital - Kampala district,
to the late Catherine and Henry Kakooza. May their souls rest in eternal peace!
Fr. Simon loved music since nursery school. When he joined primary school at Mugwanya
Preparatory School - Kabojja, this passion grew even stronger - thanks to his teachers
who determined to acquaint him with the rudiments of music, singing and choir conducting.
Good memory goes to the Brothers of Christian instruction that run the school and
Mr. Luswata, the then school choir's director. "These and many others did impact
on me as I was always impressed when we performed out of school and we did so well",
says Fr. Simon in a grateful tone. Fr. Simon finally mastered his 'thing' while
at Kisubi minor seminary where he attended a series of music lessons and diocesan
music festivals.
On completing his minor seminary formation, Fr. Simon continued to Katigondo major
seminary, from where he graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social
and Philosophical studies of Makerere University.
Between 2001 and 2002, Fr. Simon was posted to a remote community in Kitimbwa parish
for a year's pastoral experience. While there, he interacted with a number of youth
groups on various socio-spiritual empowerment projects. In 2003 while at Kinyamasika
NMS, Fr. Simon teamed up with Ntege and Fr. Michael to muster their song-writing,
recording, producing and performance skills towards a common philosophy - The Anawim
Dream.
Music/ministerial profile.
After completing his formation and graduating with a bachelor of arts degree in
Theological studies, fr. Simon was ordained priest by bishop Mathias Ssekamanya
on the 29th of July 2006 at Lugazi Cathedral. Fr. Simon's first appointment was
to Kayunga parish as curate. Alongside his curatorial duties, Fr. Simon remained
deeply involved in the activities of the Anawim, especially serving as public relations
secretary. Together with the trio, fr. simon has put up amazing performances and
produced sensational music records.
Fr. Simon is currently supplying both as animator and regional publicist for The
Anawim besides his curatorial duties at Namiryango parish, Lugazi diocese.
- EDWARD NTEGE
-
Early life
Ntege, now an information-systems developer and moderator of The Anawim promotional
campaign, was born in Kampala, Uganda, to Christine and Gerald Namukule. Ntege,
the third of three siblings, had a slightly different upbringing, one that hoped
to turn him into a 'man of the cloth'.
Ntege loved and appreciated music right from the age of 8 when he is remembered
to have loved taking to the dance floor during house-parties. The thrill he found
in music and performance eventually saw him take on a choir-master’s role while
in Primary six at Mugwanya Preparatory school, Kabojja. From there on, Ntege kept
appearing in church choirs at music festivals, as a soprano and later a tenor. During
his times and probably up to this day, Nyenga Seminary, under the chaplaincy of
Fr. Peter Ntege (his music mentor), boasted producing the biggest number of formidable
choir trainers, directors, keyboardists, pianists and guitarists that would often
supply in other secondary schools and parish choirs. Ntege grabbed this opportunity,
learning music directing, writing and composition, playing jazz drumsets, guitars
and keyboards in addition to stage performance.
Ntege continued his seminary formation at Alokolum National Major Seminary, then
affiliated to Makerere University, where he graduated in 2002 with a Bachelor of
Arts degree in Social and Philosophical studies. While there, Ntege teamed up with
Fr. Michael Ssenfuma, improving his guitar and performance skills during preparations
for seminary community events. Little was apparent to him then that this bonding
would later give birth to The Anawim.
Between June 2002 and August 2003, Ntege was posted to his alma mater, Nyenga Seminary
for a year’s pastoral experience. While there, Ntege worked closely with Fr. Peter
Richard Ntege, his earlier mentor that was then working in Milwaukee, USA coordinating
the failed USA-tour that the seminary choir was being scheduled to take that year.
Ntege supplied as local coordinator and animator among the community of choristers
and chaperons, giving him a real taste of what it meant to coordinate and mobilise
group promotional campaigns and music tours, among other details.
Later that year, while at Kinyamasika National Major Seminary, Ntege together with
Frs. Simon and Michael re-affirmed their love for music, as a result conceiving
The Anawim. They used this opportunity to hone their talent at writing, recording,
producing and performing sacred contemporary music towards a higher cause – promoting
the Anawim philosophy.
Music/ministerial profile
At the end of his third year at Kinyamasika, in May 2006, Ntege stepped out of the
formation to the priesthood and pursued further studies and a career in computing
and information systems.
Besides trailing this new career path, Ntege continues to coordinate the promotion
of The Anawim as a trendy contemporary Catholic music family. A family that aims to reach
out beyond diocesan and national confines to challenge fellow youths into optimizing
their giftedness in music, preaching and performance to support evangelistic causes.
Together with the rest of the family, Ntege, has participated in ministering at
charismatic conventions, signing recording contracts, producing sensational records/albums
and performing at several music events.