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    Charles Obina’s  rhythms of hope

    The Standard EditorBy The Standard EditorSeptember 16, 2024Updated:September 20, 2024 Profiles No Comments4 Mins Read
    Charles Obina, during some of his performances.
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    By:  Bill Dan Arnold Borodi 

    An enchanted audience was hooked to  Charles Obina’s rhythms  during the Annual Career day Exhibition of the UCU School of Journalism Media and Communication. 

     At Nkoyooyo Hall,  the sight of his uniquely designed  and modernised  traditional Ugandan instrument,the Adungu added to the backdrop  of a riveting real life musical narrative.

     Obina’s story is one of strength, talent, and perseverance. Born and raised in Northern Uganda’s Agago District, his journey  from  the wartime atrocities of the Acholi sub-region  to the international stage has been astonishing. 

    Charles Obina at the annual Career day Exhibition of the UCU School of Journalism Media and Communication.

    Despite his achievements, the 32 year old has encountered tough life struggles. In the early 2000s, he  had a saddening and ugly encounter  with the  Lord’s resistance Army (LRA) an ordeal which greatly  impacted  his life .  On October 22, 2002, they  raided his village capturing every male , including his father, relatives and community members . “28 people were captured , killed , beheaded and cooked in a pot,later on , the surviving  abductees were forced to eat the meat” a sad voiced Obina narrates.This attack is popularly known around the world as the Omot Massacre allegedly commanded by Okot Ngwinya Aye Rwota from Sinia Brigade of the LRA.

     This catastrophic incident  forced Obina and the remnants of his family into an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, where they battled life and death daily .  A gifted musician , music became Obina’s  solace during these dark times. 

     Obina recalls that his school  was disrupted but he later on joined Patong primary school where he actively took part in music festivals  using the “Adungu”, an instrument he had learnt to play well.

    He recalls that music festivals were a big thing during that time and he competed at the national level in Kampala where his school won in 2005.  It was a showcase opportunity that led to his escape from the war-torn region when national  cultural troupes spotted his talent. 

    He joined the Crane Performers Culture Troupe which supported his education through secondary school at Lubiri Secondary School  allowing him to continue honing his musical abilities.

     In 2018,  Obina enrolled  at the Africa Institute of Music in Kampala where he earned a diploma  specialising in the guitar .This education helped him blend traditional and Western music, creating a unique fusion that resonates with diverse audiences.

    Obina improved the “Adungu” by expanding the number of strings from 10 to 22. This modernisation increased its adaptability in aiding his solo career and he received  recognition for his performance at the Bayimba International Arts Festival.

    Obina’s music is more than entertainment; it’s a tool for healing and advocacy. His songs address issues like climate change, girl child empowerment, and social transformation drawn from his personal experiences and community struggles.

    He was greatly inspired by  the late   Geoffrey Oryema, who shared a similar past and musical career.  

    Geoffrey,the son to Erinayo Oryema  a former  Inspector General of Police (IGP) during Obote 1 and a minister in  President Idi Amin ’s government  was  allegedly murdered by Amin  , forcing his family to flee into exile. Geoffrey Oryema  found asylum in France and   became one of Uganda’s outstanding musicians on the international scene. 

    Charles Obina is one of the children seen in the Oscar nominated  War Dance documentary movie directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine , a touching story of talented children living in a war zone and using music as a tool to deal with the trauma.  The film showcases the triumph of the human spirit and has won several International awards .

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    This is the digital news site of the Uganda Christian University community newspaper, "The Standard". The Standard newspaper was established in May 2007 under, formerly Department, but now School of Journalism, Media & Communication.

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