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Rhythms of the Earth
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...” Ecclesiastes 3:1
God Bless Africa
I was born Lajul Ochan at Palabek, Acholi in northern Uganda, on 22 February 1955 to Daina Lalela (nee Okot Tek-Tuk) and Erifasi Otema Allimadi, (EOA). Sister Margaret Oyella was born on 4 October 1956 and sister Maureen Aporomon on 24 May 1959. Sister Queen and brother Jimmy were born to Mama Laloyo but one day they were just gone. Between 1958 and 1962 political rallies were a constant feature of life at Bungatira as demands for independence accelerated.
This was the first time I met Apolo Milton Obote, (AMO), and other founders of our nation. They were far-sighted zealous charismatic men who advocated for UHURU (freedom), not only for Ugandans, but for all Africans and other downtrodden people. EOA always reminded me of their student days at Gulu High School in the early 1940s when he and AMO would talk about freedom and self-determination.
Our home was a clandestine staging point for many prospective students enroute through Juba, Khartoum, and Cairo to the USSR, eastern Europe, India, and China. This was part of preparation to guarantee enough qualified personnel for a new Uganda.
Heart-thumping drumbeats, stamping feet, bass choruses, with echoic solos and shrill ululations would fill the hot dusty atmosphere. Throngs of men, women and children adorned in black, red, and blue, party colours of Uganda National Congress (UNC), thereafter Uganda Peoples Congress (UPC), would mill around our village compound feasting after inspiring speeches, singing NKHOSI SIKELEL’ IAFRIKA, (God Bless Africa), a Xhosa hymn, evoking passions of nationalism, edifiying the “wind of change” that was blowing across Africa for total liberation of the continent, ‘from Cape to Cairo.’
Lord, bless Africa
May her spirit rise high up
Hear thou our prayers
Lord bless us
Your family.
Descend, O Spirit
Descend, O Holy Spirit
Lord bless us
Your family.
...Enoch Sontonga 1897
Water Spirits and Solar Eclipse 1959
There was a perplexing encounter with water spirits (demons) as a 4 year-old with other youngsters at Palabek. These creatures tried to entice us into the water as they hovered above the brook. Of course we never heeded their beckoning. On a sunny mid-afternoon while playing outside at Bungatira, the sky darkened, gradually becoming totally dusky. Soon afterwards, it was shining again. Then one night, a band of protectorate force raided our home and took EOA away for “involvement in a conspiracy to usurp authority of the Uganda Protectorate.” (More information available at the British National Archives, London). Sometime later, Margaret and I ran and hid in the coffee plantation after being terrified by an aircraft with an object dangling underneath circling really low above our compound.
Adokorach
In 1961 Great-grandma Margherita Awilongom passed away and sister Adokorach was born. Independence Day finally came on 9 October 1962. I joined in the first celebrations at my village school, Bungatira Church of Uganda Primary where Grandpa Saulo Allimadi was my class teacher in year 2. This was when initially I met Christine (Cissy) Achii Odwong, Betty (Beth) Akidi Owor, Ruth Lucy Adoki Okot, Luka Otim Owor, James Oywak, and Andrew Openy Lakor. One day in September 1963 Adokorach died just before EOA’s maiden trip to USA.
And on a sombre morning of November 1963 we prayed during the assembly and returned home without having lessons in honour of JFK, the fallen American President. Mama Daina Lalela then left after years of a troubled marriage. Sometime later sister Lucy Labong was born. Shortly after, Alice Lamunu Oruk came to Bungatira, mother to Milton, born 4 March 1962; named after AMO, and Andrew born 31 December 1963.
New York City and Washington, D.C
I was baptised "William Alfred Lajul Otema Allimadi" on 24 May 1964 by Bishop Silvanus Wani of northern Uganda diocese at Bungatira Church. And in August 1964 EOA took us to New York City, on his appointment by Premier AMO as Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations.
Home was Apartment 14M 300 East 33rd Street at Kips Bay Plaza. Margaret and I attended NYC PS116 in Manhattan. Friends were Nancy and Cindy Schwartz, Gladys Roman, Julio Chabraire, Joseph Nabwera from Kenya, Tom from Tanzania, and Kenneth Smith. Mary Schacter was our tutor and Joseph was the official family photographer from Corps Diplomatique. One evening, celebrated Kenyan nationalist Tom Mboya visited us at home.
In June 1965 Walter was born. The following month, I returned to Uganda as young passenger travelling alone. Later that year James Mwa Allimadi (Uncle Jim), then just 19, came to the US where he attended Fairleigh-Dickinson University and Howard University. He lived with us both in NYC and DC until 1971.
Papa's Got a Brand New Bag
In Sepember 1966 sister Susan was born and we moved to Washington, D.C. EOA became full ambassador both to the UN and USA, and later to Canada. We lived at 5911 16th St. NW., next to the Chancery, and at 111 East 70th St. in NYC. Salvatore Odel from Bungatira, was EOA's personal valet. I attended Paul Jr. High. My pals were Eric Williams, Almarie Lee, Leroy Hamilton, Carlton Escore, “girl-across-the-street” Kimberly Muriel, Stella Lukumbuzya from Tanzania, Anthony Ogbebulu from Nigeria, Victoria ‘parcheesi’ Barthelmes, and Theodora ‘without love’ Sukati from Swaziland. Notable guests included Ugandan poets and playwrights Okot p'Bitek and Taban lo Liyong.
Then there were the White House Christmas parties, buffets at the UN, and lazy summer days at Rock Creek Park and Central Park. I appeared on children’s morning tv show "Claire and Coco" with Margaret and Maureen. Our favourites were Motown, Elvis Presley, Andy Williams, the Beatles, the Monkees, and Tom Jones.
I joined a teen soul band with pal Robert Robertson and boys from the neighbourhood. Riots and dismay followed the gunning down of Martin Luther King, Jr. on 4 April, and Robert Francis Kennedy, (RFK) on 5 June 1968. That December I returned to Uganda and almost drowned in the swimming pool of Apolo Hotel. On 3 January 1969, Grandpa Saulo Canikare Allimadi passed away at Mulago Hospital. Sister Doris was born and sister Irene joined the family.
Ntare School
In January 1969 I joined Ntare School in Mbarara, western Uganda, but would return to the US for vacations. I established friendships with the Bananukas, Eddie Katiti, Bob Byamukama, David Kihazo, George Rabon Kilara, Olanya Peny-Can, Bosco Olwedo Ogal, Tom Okullu Oteng, Green Mugarura, Richard Kamugisha, Mugwanya, Emmanuel Koojo, Mugume, Mushabe, Bazira, Joy Olivia Bungeri, Margaret Rabazaire, Dave Bagombeka, David Nganwa, James Rutasikwa, Kenneth Duku.
In December 1969 I met (Uncle Paul) Paulo Muwanga for the first time while he visited New York. EOA had been friends with him since 1952. A week or two later on a grey wintry afternoon in Washington, living up to my credo as "Soul Brother #3", I was blasting speakers doing the latest moves completely oblivious that EOA had walked in from his office next door.
"Lajul!" he snapped, clearly agitated waving a piece of paper in his hand. "Stop that music, the President has been shot." AMO survived and made a full recovery.
The Lions
I acquired my first electric guitar, a Christmas present from Auntie Jane Evelyn, joined The Lions school band and learned many modern African dance rhythms and styles- Sukisa, Kiri-kiri, Tight-rope, Embalasasa, No Parking, Apollo Eleven, Moonwalk, Nkunze Island (Brian Lea). Favourite artistes were Johnny Bokelo, Franco, Tabu Ley, Veve, Hadijah Namale. The Lions’ fans included Namusisi and Serena. We performed in schools and clubs around Mbarara. Girls from Bweranyangi would come over for our shows. I still recall one evening at Maryhill Nyamitanga during a Lions dance concert, how the girls were captivated with my rendition of the NAKUBONDELA rhythm. We also enjoyed nights on the town with Kampala City Fives and choregrapher Christoper Kato when they came on tours.
Kidnapped
In January 1971 just before Major General Idi Amin’s coup d'etat, my sisters and I were kidnapped at Entebbe Airport on a return trip from the US. We were driven in darkness at high speed to Kampala and kept at Hotel Equatoria. The following morning the police chief Inspector General Erinayo Oryema and Mama Daina located and rescued us.
On 25 January 1971 Maj. Gen. Idi Amin took over and EOA condemned the revolt from the US. AMO was away in Singapore for Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit. He later settled in Tanzania for exile. Grandpa Pirimon Achuria Okot Tek-Tuk was shot, and died at Erinayo Oryema’s Nakasero residence that morning. In April 1971 EOA ventured back home instead of remaining in exile.
A week or two later the remains of the Buganda King Edward Mutesa II, were returned to Uganda. The King, who was also the first President of Uganda, had fled to England in May 1966 after confrontation with AMO. He died in 1969.
The Flaming Stars
In July 1971 I accompanied Okema ‘Michou’ and Gasparo of Supersonic Jazz band at Gulu Custom Corner during a matinee. On 15 February 1972 my first baby, Jay Omara was born to Cissy ‘Nalinga’. I set up The Flaming Stars band and theatre at Bungatira with Luka ‘Smith Goya’, Silver, Shannon, Alex ‘Bavon’, Onen ‘Lakado’, Charles Omoya ‘Acholitek’, Dickson Lukwiya, James ‘Mac Vorster’ Abola, ‘Nelly ya Moreau’ Okello, Alice Alanyo, Janet Betty Akullu, Cissy ‘Nalinga’, Beth ‘B2’, Doreen, Anna, Margaret, and Maureen. I remained close to my bosom pal, 'bro' Wilfred Aliker Atiko though he opted not to join the group. Sister Barbara was born and sister Betty came to the family.
In May 1972 I joined Gulu High School; my pals were Ekadu Abe, Achaye, Modicum Okello, Peter Omoya, guitarist Lacere, Vicky Kalungi, Mary Kansiime. Anxiety and terror filled Ugandan Asians as they panicked to leave the country within 90 days of Idi Amin’s decree.
In September 1972 Uganda exiles invaded Uganda from Tanzania. This failed and backfired. Amin detained EOA and someone helped him escape. Cissy and Baby Jay were abducted. In November 1972 Josephe, a musician of Bavon Marie Marie's Negro Succes band came to Bungatira. Coaching me more guitar rhythms and leads, we composed MONI NGAI, (My Friend).
Dar es Salaam
In February 1973 following a farewell prayer by Janani Luwum, then Bishop of Northern Uganda, I left with sister Irene, and Peter Oola’s family via Nairobi and joined EOA in Dar es Salaam. First we stayed at Palm Beach Hotel, then at Oyster Bay with Mama Atima. Irene attended Zanaki Girls' School and I went to Azania School for Boys. Friends included the Mfinangas and Stumai.
In May 1974 I joined Super Volcano Jazz band on stage at Iringa during a stopover on way to Lusaka, Zambia. I travelled together with Uncle Jim, Ramsey Owot, Margaret and Maureen.
Lusaka
President Kenneth Kaunda looked after us personally. First we stayed at Zani Muone Hotel, then at the sprawling Mulungushi Village, and later at Rhodes Park. Margaret and Maureen went to Roma Girls School, and I attended Kamwala School. My pals were John Gondwee, Henry Mamba, Fabian Mwamba, Theodore, Roy Gray, Evans Mutale, Joe Elem Angole, Paul Kibuuka-Musoke, 'big-girl' Janet Nyendwa, Rosta Mwansa, Carol, and Liz (Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe). Uncle Jim and Ramsey continued at University of Zambia.
My friend Kado of l’Orchestre Lipopo du Zaire showed me more guitar styles. I performed on Television Zambia (TVZ) on ‘Youth Forum', ‘University in Perspective’ and ‘Today’s Folk.’ And of course we watched live the unforgettable Muhamad Ali-George Foreman “rumble in the jungle.” Sister Lucy, cousin Atuk and brother Jack joined the family in Dar.
In October 1975 backed by the Makusi band, I performed KOP ME WILOBO, (Trials of Life) at the national theatre to a standing ovation, during the national music and cultural festival of Zambia. Rikki Illilonga, Emmauel Milimena, and Dorothy Masuka were showcased as well. Then I received the news that my son Jay had died. Twin brothers Ronnie and Colin were born to Mama Alice; sister Atim Signe and brother Eric were born to Mama Lisbeth Larsen.
Kokubanza
My gap year began, and I returned to Dar es Salaam in March 1976. I joined education ministry, higher learning department. My Tanzanian girlfriend Winney Kokubanza Kyabulyo was abducted on way from work found days later.
In January 1977 I joined Journalism School at Nyegezi Social Training Institute, Mwanza, (now St. Augustine University). A few weeks later in Uganda on 17 February, Archbishop Janani Luwum, government ministers Erinayo Oryema (minerals and water resources), and Oboth Ofumbi (foreign affairs), were killed after being tortured and pepppered with bullets for "attempting to overthrow" Idi Amin's junta.
My mates were Sam Kagua, Jovin Domitian, Guido Peter, Walter Lee, Sr. Theo, Pauline Mwangi, Nuhu Mugulamba, Sute Mwakasungula, Bernadette Low Thion, Tom Best Okello, Mackay Ochora, Ngao Xulu, Maj. Francis Agwa, and Kidolezi.
I performed with Lawi Som of l'Orchestre Banangenge during their shows at the campus. I did my internship at Dar es Salaam University Press, and at Tanzania Publishing House, as manuscript proofreader and assessor. Then we would enjoy ocean breeze weekend interludes with l’Orchestre Marquiz du Zaire at Oyster Bay seafront. Paulo Muwanga visited us from London.
Snake in the Grass
Then in September 1978 Field Marshall Idi Amin invaded Tanzania and annexed the Kagera Region. He sent troops across the border and jet fighters over Lake Victoria, bombing Saa Nane Island off our campus. That October President Julius Nyerere declared war on Idi Amin, calling him a ‘snake in the grass’, and reassured Ugandans that the battle was targeted only at aggressors, appealing to Tanzanians against harassing Ugandan exiles.
In November 1978 I graduated with first class honours in journalism. Following intense clashes with heavy losses on both sides, the Tanzanian army dislodged Amin’s occupation forces, and in turn invaded Uganda!
EOA revealed that after consultations with Nyerere, 40 thousand Tanzanian combatants and the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) composed of Ugandan exiles, were deployed. While visiting AMO one afternoon for a photo session at his Msasani residence, he calmly predicted that we would be returning home soon. Then in March 1979 Paulo Muwanga, EOA, Uncle Jim, sister Margaret and I joined other exiles at the Moshi Conference to establish a new Uganda administration. On 11 April 1979 Kampala fell and Idi Amin fled.
Rhythms of the Earth II
Ntare School Alumni
BLAPIXNET
She's So Far Away
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Copyright © 2008 Bill Lajul Allimadi. All Rights Reserved