Connect Uganda - Philly Lutaaya remembered

Philly Lutaaya remembered

Written by Lubwama Steven

Monday, 17 December 2007

One of the most popular artiste from Uganda,the late Philly Lutaaya who succumbed to AIDS nearly 20 years ago, was remembered on 16th December 2007 in a concert organised by MTN Uganda. The concert was held at Nakivubo national stadium and attracted many Ugandan artists who took a chance by singing renditions of the fallen hero's songs. The crowds cheered the musicians who included Mariam Ndagire, Bobi Wine, Mesach Ssemakula, Bebe Cool, Phina Mugerwa, Butherman and many others.

Philly Bongoley Lutaaya (19 October 1951 – 15 December 1989)

Bebe cool thanked the people for turning up as sign that even the current artists will be remembered after their demise. Uganda has been loosing many artists in the past years like the late Herman Basudde, Paul Job Kafeero, Jimmy Katumba and many others.

Philly Bongoley Lutaaya (19 October 1951 – 15 December 1989) was a Ugandan musician who was the first prominent African to give a human face to HIV/AIDS. Before dying of AIDS, Lutaaya had spent his remaining healthy time writing songs about his battle with AIDS and touring churches and schools throughout Uganda to spread a message of prevention and hope.

Philly Lutaaya was popular in Uganda in the 1960s, and in the 1970s he toured Congo, Kenya and Japan. In the mid 1980s he settled in Stockholm, Sweden. There he recorded his hit album, "Born in Africa," which is still popular in Uganda. The Nigerian-Swedish musician Dr. Alban, who has called Philly Lutaaya "one of the greatest African musicians" later released an album also named "Born in Africa".

After his death at age 38, the Philly Lutaaya Initiative Association continued his work. With assistance from UNICEF, the Initiative sponsors lectures in schools and communities across Uganda highlighting personal testimonials of hundreds of people infected with HIV. In Uganda, October 17 is the Philly Bongoley Lutaaya Day. May his soul rest in peace.