Ssewa Ssewa – Creator | Inventor

FUFA wants to steal my brand

1 h : 30 min

Ssewa Ssewa, the founder of the Janzi Band and inventor of the 22-string Janzi instrument, has accused FUFA of trademark theft. The controversy centers on FUFA’s decision to launch "Janzi" as its official sportswear brand and the name for its sports equipment line (including the "Zakayo" match ball). Registration: He claims the name is his registered trademark, protected under the ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization) Harare Protocol since October 2017. Invention: He argues that because he "invented" the modern Janzi instrument and built a global brand around it, FUFA’s use of the name on Uganda Cranes jerseys and merchandise is a blatant infringement. Brand Confusion: He expressed frustration that FUFA is now warning the public against "counterfeit Janzi merchandise," effectively gatekeeping a name he established. FUFA officially launched "Janzi" in February 2024, claiming it is a 100% FUFA-owned registered trademark. Their rationale includes: Eliminating Middlemen: By creating their own brand, they aim to produce cheaper jerseys and equipment for local clubs and the national team. Cultural Heritage: They have framed the naming (alongside "Zakayo") as an effort to embrace Ugandan heritage and identity.

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Uganda's secret weapon

NC-17

2 h : 59 min

The "Airport Fix": The traditional adungu uses metal nails as tuning pegs, which often got flagged as security threats at international airports. Ssewa Ssewa replaced them with guitar-style pegs and all-wood construction, making it "tour-ready" for the global stage. Dual-Scale Magic: It’s a 22-stringed powerhouse with a unique setup: 11 strings are tuned to a diatonic scale and 11 to a pentatonic scale. This allows a musician to switch between traditional Ugandan folk sounds and Western-style melodies instantly. Official Recognition: It is one of the few modern African instruments to be officially patented (by ARIPO) and recognized by the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, giving it a formal status that many traditional instruments lack. The Sound: It bridges the gap between the earthy, percussive nature of the adungu and the crystalline clarity of a harp or a kora.It’s been incredible to see how the Janzi Band and others are using it to ensure that Ugandan music doesn't just stay in the archives but "flies" (as the name Janzi or "grasshopper" implies) across the world.Whether it’s being used for a soulful solo or a high-energy Afro-fusion set, it definitely carries the soul of the country in a way that feels both ancient and brand new.

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Resonance - Ssewa Ssewa & Prof. Joewi

Arriving Soon

April 2026

While Ssewa Ssewa is the soul of the project with his handcrafted Janzi, Prof. Joewi brings the electronic heartbeat. Together, they’ve created a live performance concept that bridges the gap between a traditional folk session and a modern high-energy DJ set. The Anatomy of "Resonance" The Concept: It is a "Live DJ x Instrumentalist" hybrid. Instead of just playing a backing track, Prof. Joewi manipulates Afro House and Deep Tech beats live, while Ssewa Ssewa improvises over them using the Janzi and various traditional percussions. The Sound: It’s often described as "Roots and Beats." You get the crystalline, harp-like melodies of the 22-string Janzi floating over heavy, rhythmic basslines. It makes the Janzi feel perfectly at home in a club or festival setting, not just a cultural gallery. The Mission: "Resonance" is designed to show that African traditional music is "vibrationally" compatible with modern electronic music. It’s an effort to take Ugandan sounds to global electronic dance music (EDM) stages like Tomorrowland or ADE. This partnership is a direct answer to the "innovation" Ssewa Ssewa spoke about on NRG Radio. By teaming up with a DJ/Producer like Prof. Joewi, he is effectively "beta-testing" the Janzi in the most modern environment possible. It proves the instrument's versatility—it can be soulful and acoustic one minute, and the lead synth-equivalent in a house track the next. The live sessions, which have been gaining serious traction on YouTube and at boutique Kampala events, are a masterclass in cultural fusion.

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Ssewa Ssewa - Hope (The Live Room)

50 min

The performance is a masterclass in Afro-fusion, centering on the crystalline, harp-like sounds of the Janzi—the 22-string instrument invented by Ssewa Ssewa himself. Unlike a polished studio track, The Live Room version emphasizes "raw energy and heart," allowing the acoustic textures of the Janzi to breathe alongside a heavy, soulful groove provided by a top-tier lineup of Ugandan instrumentalists: Omwana Wengoma – Percussion (traditional and modern)Josh – KeysJerry – BassJonah Kawowo – Guitar Theme and Message: True to its title, "Hope" is intended as a "musical reminder that even in the darkest times, hope lives on." The song blends upbeat, rhythmic African beats with Ssewa Ssewa’s baritone vocals, which often glide between traditional Luganda melodies and global soulful influences. It represents his "cross-cultural marriage" between Uganda and the world—a sound that feels ancient due to its folk roots but entirely modern in its production and delivery. Signficance of "The Live Room"This session is part of a broader series of "Live Room" performances (captured at venues like Mezo Dinnertainment) that aim to showcase the "Janzi Vibes"—a movement focused on technical excellence and live musicianship. It stands as a testament to Ssewa Ssewa’s work with his Janzi4Hope foundation, using music as a tool for social impact and emotional healing.For listeners, the session is more than a song; it's a demonstration of how the Janzi instrument can lead a full band, providing a melodic foundation that is as versatile as any Western instrument while remaining distinctly Ugandan.

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Soka Lami – Instrumental Cover by Ssewa Ssewa ft Davie , Jonah & Josh

45 min

The Janzi Lead: Ssewa Ssewa uses the Janzi to carry the iconic melody. The instrument’s dual-scale system allows him to capture the soulful, rhythmic nuances of the original song while adding that signature Ugandan "harp-like" resonance that makes the track feel organic and airy. The Power Trio (Davie, Jonah, & Josh): * Davie’s keyboard work provides the lush harmonic bed, bridging the gap between traditional folk and modern jazz-fusion. Jonah (on bass) and Josh (on drums) lock into a "pocket" that honors the song's South African roots while injecting a sophisticated, live-band energy that feels both tight and improvisational. Atmosphere: The arrangement is clean and spacious. By removing the vocals, the team highlights the intricate counter-melodies and the rhythmic "push and pull" that defines high-level instrumental Afro-fusion. This cover serves as a showcase for the Janzi’s versatility. By placing it alongside a standard drum kit, bass, and keys, Ssewa Ssewa proves that the Janzi isn't just a "world music" novelty—it is a lead instrument capable of holding its own in any professional ensemble. It’s a sophisticated, "grown-up" take on a beloved melody that feels perfect for both a focused listening session and a sunset lounge atmosphere.

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