Most musicians pick up a guitar. Ssewa Ssewa made the instrument himself.
KlaViral has learned the Ugandan multi-instrumentalist and music entrepreneur, born James Ssewakiryanga Junior, is the creator of the Janzi, an instrument inspired by traditional African sounds. He’s also the founder and director of Janzi Band, and the group has spent years carrying Ugandan sounds well beyond Kampala.
Here’s the deal — music runs in the family. His late father, James Ssewakiryanga Senior, was a master drummer and teacher, and his late mother, Betty Namata Ssewakiryanga, was a dancer, instructor and actress. It was his mother who introduced him to the amadinda, the traditional Ugandan xylophone.
Turns out, he did it without formal professional training. He briefly studied business at university before committing to music around 2000.
Janzi Band was formed in Kampala on August 27, 2009, and the name draws inspiration from the grasshopper. The sound blends Afro-fusion, world music, ethno-pop, jazz and roots, mixing traditional Ugandan instruments with Western ones.
The band has also racked up a stage résumé: Bayimba, Pearl Rhythm, Milege World Music Festival, Blankets and Wine, Nyege Nyege and Tokosa Food Festival, plus clubs and hotels around Kampala. The list of collaborators includes Navio, A Pass, Isaiah Katumwa, Suzan Kerunen, Giovanni Kiyingi, Mame Ndiak and the late Hugh Masekela.
On record, his debut album “Eka” (2017) means “Home.” It was followed by “Nva K’la” (2020), “Down in Uganda” and “Janzi 2 Scales” (2021) and the 2024 song “Ekyenyanja,” with songs like “Muwala,” “Culture,” “Ekilooto” and “Happy People” also in the catalog.
The latest project is the 2026 “Janzi Resonance” EP with Professor Joewi, which pairs live Janzi improvisation with electronic sounds influenced by Afro House and Deep Tech. His music comes out under Janzi Music.
A man who couldn’t find the instrument he wanted, so he invented it — and then started a band to play it.
We’ll update if we hear more.
