Ssewa Ssewa is a Ugandan multi-instrumentalist, music entrepreneur and inventor of the Janzi, a musical instrument inspired by traditional African sounds. As the founder and director of Janzi Band, he has built a musical identity around blending Uganda’s cultural heritage with contemporary and international sounds.
Born James Ssewakiryanga Junior, Ssewa Ssewa has spent much of his musical journey exploring how traditional instruments can connect Ugandan music to audiences around the world.
Through his work with Janzi Band and his solo projects, he has established himself as a distinctive figure in Uganda’s live music scene, combining cultural storytelling, instrumental experimentation and energetic performances.
Early Life and Musical Background
Ssewa Ssewa grew up in a family deeply connected to music and the performing arts. His late father, James Ssewakiryanga Senior, was a master drummer and teacher, while his late mother, Betty Namata Ssewakiryanga, was a dancer, instructor and actress.
His early exposure to music came through his family, with his mother introducing him to the amadinda, a traditional Ugandan xylophone. Although he did not receive formal professional music training, he developed his skills through experience and continued exploration of traditional instruments.
He briefly studied business at university before committing fully to music, beginning his professional journey around 2000.
His background helped shape an approach that brings together traditional Ugandan musical heritage and contemporary performance styles.
How Janzi Band Started
Janzi Band was formed in Kampala on August 27, 2009, under Ssewa Ssewa’s leadership, with early collaborators drawn from his circle of friends and other musical groups.
The band’s name draws inspiration from the grasshopper, reflecting an ambition to create music that connects different cultures and reaches audiences beyond Uganda.
Janzi Band’s sound blends Afro-fusion, world music, ethno-pop, jazz and roots influences. The group combines traditional Ugandan instruments with Western instruments such as guitars, keyboards, saxophones, bass and drums.
This approach allows the band to move between culturally rooted compositions and contemporary arrangements, performing both original music and covers.
Its live performances have made it suitable for a wide range of events, including festivals, weddings, corporate functions and club shows.
Janzi Band’s Music and Major Performances
Over the years, Janzi Band has performed at several Ugandan music and cultural events, including Bayimba, Pearl Rhythm, Milege World Music Festival, Blankets and Wine, Nyege Nyege and Tokosa Food Festival.
The group has also maintained a presence at venues around Kampala, including clubs and hotels, bringing its fusion sound to different audiences.
Ssewa Ssewa and the band have collaborated with artists including Navio, A Pass, Isaiah Katumwa, Suzan Kerunen, Giovanni Kiyingi, Mame Ndiak and Hugh Masekela.
In 2017, Janzi Band released its debut album, Eka, meaning “Home”. The album featured songs including “Eka”, “Afrika”, “Njabala” and “Omwana Wabantu”, reflecting the group’s connection to home, culture and African musical identity.
Ssewa Ssewa and the Janzi Instrument
One of Ssewa Ssewa’s defining contributions is the Janzi, an instrument he invented as part of his wider effort to explore and develop new ways of presenting African music.
The instrument forms a central part of his musical identity, allowing him to draw on traditional sounds while experimenting with contemporary arrangements.
His work demonstrates how cultural instruments can be incorporated into modern live performances without abandoning their connection to African musical traditions.
Beyond his performances, Ssewa Ssewa releases music under Janzi Music, extending his work through solo projects and collaborations.
Music Releases and Recent Projects
Ssewa Ssewa’s releases include Nva K’la in 2020, followed by Down in Uganda and Janzi 2 Scales in 2021. His other notable songs include “Ekyenyanja”, released in 2024, as well as “Muwala”, “Culture”, “Ekilooto” and “Happy People”.
In 2026, he worked with Professor Joewi, also known as Prof. Joewi, on the Janzi Resonance EP. The project combines live Janzi improvisation with electronic sounds influenced by Afro House and Deep Tech.
The collaboration reflects his continued interest in bringing traditional instrumentation into contemporary musical spaces.
Ssewa Ssewa and Janzi Band’s Place in Ugandan Music
Ssewa Ssewa and Janzi Band occupy a distinctive space in Uganda’s music industry through their focus on live instrumentation, cultural expression and musical fusion.
From the band’s formation in 2009 to its debut album and later experimental releases, the project has consistently explored ways of presenting traditional Ugandan sounds alongside contemporary influences.
Professor Joewi
For Ssewa Ssewa, the Janzi is more than an instrument; it is central to his artistic identity and his effort to introduce audiences to new interpretations of African music.
Through performances, collaborations and continuing musical experiments, he and Janzi Band remain part of Uganda’s evolving live music scene, connecting local heritage with broader musical influences.
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