SILENCE VITAL FOR EVERY BELIEVER

By Robert Bake Tumuhaise

I have no doubt the time I spent upcountry during the festive season revived my life. One of the things I enjoyed a great deal was freedom from noise. I was in a village with no telecom network, no internet, no discos, no batembeyi, and not many vehicles. The calm I felt gave me an atmosphere to evaluate my life in 2009 and to plan better for 2010. The peace I got reminded me what a gift silence can be! From the first century saints, through the ascetics of the middle ages, to the most recent saints of Padre Pio’s time, “Quiet Time” has been part of the life-style of the great men and women of God.

As you well know, today we are living in a world of noise. There are too many voices fighting for our attention at ago. While the street preacher is still assuring you of how you are soon perishing in hell, the mutembeyi will be shouting at the top of his voice to make you see his clothes. You will be fleeing from the hooting taxi, only to bump into a noisy truck marketing music. Even at places of work and at home, there will always be someone to shout at you. In the end you may never have a settled mind, unless you take a deliberate decision to withdraw from noise once in a while.

Each one of us needs to create some personal time. This is something I emphasize in my book "TOUCHING HEAVEN, RAZING HELL!" You need some uninterrupted time for yourself, if possible everyday. This is what I call "Me-Alone-Time". A time to reflect on your achievements, failures, weaknesses and strengths. A time to evaluate your past, meditate on the present and plan your future. A moment to take unrushed decisions for the good of your spiritual, marital or work life. Don’t say you have no time for silence; you have exactly the same number of hours in a day like the Pope and yet he gets time off his busy schedule to reflect on his life. 2010 is not a year of excuses; it’s a year of action.

Bake is an author, and Managing Director,

World of Inspiration.
Contact: bakerobert@yahoo.com / 0712-868424.

SUCCESS IS ACHIEVABLE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

By Robert Bake Tumuhaise


BAKE, for the last 10 years I’ve been chasing a UK Visa in vain. I have prayed and fasted but God has forsaken me. Now I know I am going to die a poor man,” my friend recently lamented. I was about to tell him not to be foolish, but I did not because I realized he was simply a victim of a crippling mindset. No wonder Saint Paul urges us to be transformed by renewing our minds daily.

This young man is just one of the many captives that have postponed living and are languishing in self-created limbo, waiting to start enjoying life when their dream of going abroad comes true.
It’s funny how some people struggle to leave a country that others are struggling to enter. While you may struggle to go to India to make money, hundreds of Indians entering Uganda are prospering!

When Winston Churchill thought of calling our motherland the Pearl of Africa, he had seen many treasures in this land.

How did the Bitatures, the Wavas, the Mukwanos make their money? And how many Ugandans have returned from South Africa, America, UK, without even enough money for a ticket back?
The belief that you can only succeed from abroad is part of a poverty/failure mindset that must be overcome.

I have a strong conviction that a person prepared to succeed will always succeed anywhere in the world. I remember reading about a man who was once a millionaire. All his factories were destroyed during war and he fled to another country as a refugee without anything. However, within two years, he was a millionaire again! This implies that his success was in his mind.

God has given each of us talents and gifts which, if used creatively and according to his purpose, will inevitably lead us to success. In this world there are people who wait for things to happen and there are those who make things happen. I am among the latter. How about you?


The writer is an author & Managing Director of World of Inspiration.
Contact: bakerobert@yahoo.com / 0712-868424

"The Rite of Spring" at the National Theatre

If there is one powerful African dance company that has single-handedly revolutionized contemporary dance in Uganda, working in fusion with the European style, it is the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet.

The posse of lithe dancers will put up a weekend of mesmerising performance on Friday and Saturday (23-24^th April 2010) in the National Theatre auditorium here in Kampala, at 7:30 pm respectively, and tickets are already on sale at our Booking Office.

You cannot afford to the miss the highlight ballet, The Rite of Spring (le sacre du printemps) on the well known music of Igor Stravisky with live percussions by one of Uganda's best percussionists, Hermann Ssewanyana, and other 11 dancers of Uganda National Contemporary Ballet.

"I have always wished to create this great work, Rite of Spring, but before now was never able to find the dancers I needed," says choreographer Valerie Miquel, on Stravinsky's masterpiece. "And now I have found them; the Uganda National Contemporary Ballet has what it takes; thanks to them we can now present this fantastic piece of music and dance."

Igor Stravisky (1882 -1971) was a quintessential Russian composer, pianist and conductor, in fact, is considered one of the world’s most outstanding influential composer of 20^th century music. According to wikipedia, The Rite of Spring did not earn Stravinsky enviable stature as "a musical revolutionary, pushing the boundaries of musical design," it also "transformed the way in which subsequent composers thought about rhythmic structure…the music's innovative complex rhythmic structures timbres, and use of dissonance have made it a seminal 20th century composition."

When I ask Valérie to tell us in simple terms the story behind the acclaimed dance piece, her eyes dance merrily and she says: "There is no story. For me this music is a celebration of life: life in nature, life of human beings. Spring is the strongest season - the rebirth of nature each year - and is full of strength and energy. Spring is also the season of renewal, where all is new, innocent, and open to everyone. That is why we have among us a little four year-old girl, Martina."

She adds: "The dancers represent all the powerful animalistic instincts of life, which are in all of us. Forget about understanding, just feel free and flow with us through this passionate dance. And celebrate life!"

There will be special guests –the Chinese Kung Fu Club of Kansanga who will present All Men are Brothers and Skar  who will sing where is this Love, a song created for the street children.

Like I said, tickets are being sold at the National Theatre Kampala for 5,000 shillings or  you can call 0773 09 15 86 or 0712 72 74 24.    

The "Pearl of Africa a Powerhouse of Art

By Robert Bake

The recent happenings on Uganda’s literary scene undoubtedly point to a great revolution that’s taking place in the art and creative industry in the country. The Authors’ Forum every month, the gathering by Kampala Readers’ Club every fortnight, the various trainings for screenwriters, movie producers, directors and actors/actresses, and more regular art exhibitions, among other events, cannot be happening at this magnitude by accident.

Today, the media has opened more to promotion of local talent and the works of local authors. Designers are showcasing their works on every television station. Comedy shows are becoming more and more popular. Every minute a song is being produced in the studio. Talent search programs from every angle are taking place. Awards for distinguished artistes are being organized annually. All this is evidence that something new is happening. Something that the world should get ready for!

I have this conviction that Uganda is about to prove itself a powerhouse of art and creativity. The time has come when the Pearl of Africa is no longer going to be known world over for President Idi Amin’s tyrannical rule, HIV/AIDS, corruption or the war against Joseph Kony and the LRA, but for the power of art and creativity. The industry is growing at a terrific and unstoppable speed. The literary tempo is high and I have no doubt that a revolution is taking place. I am glad to be amidst this revolution!

Message of Condolence

It's with utmost grief and shock that the Board, Management and Staff of the Uganda National Cultural Centre have learnt of the sudden death of Ms. Susan Bamutenda. The creative and performing arts fraternity will so miss her bright contribution particularly in the field of dance. Indeed, she'll be difficult to replace. Our sincerest condolences to her family, relatives and friends. We will always love and remember you, Susan. May the good and ever kind Lord rest your soul in enverlasting peace.

Butterflies of Uganda

Isn't that a beautiful title? Well, Butter Flies of Uganda is showing at the National Theatre this weekend, starting tomorrow Saturday to Sunday, 3:00 and 7:00 pm respectively. And the good news is that it's on us --which means it's absolutely free!

Because it's drawn from real life, Butterflies of Uganda is closer home that you can imagine. Beyond the powerful symbolism behind the title, the story is as sobering as this line from the script can get: "Let me tell you a story. I was conceived in rape."  That's all I can reveal now because I don't want to spoil the broth for you.

And in case you have watched Butterflies of Uganda and you are not the kind that twice watches a film, then fret not! On the same menu, we also have Waiting for my Tractor, a short film by Theatre Factory. I've not watched the film but if what is written on the jacket can be trusted, then it's one hilarious film:

"Waiting for my Tractor is all about hope and tells us that our dreams can come true if we appreciate that there are others with similar goals, identify them and work with them towards overcoming our blockades and enjoying the fruits of taking action..."  

I don't know about you but as for me, it is with unbated breath that I'm looking forward to watching these films at the National Theatre tomorrow and on Sunday, once again at 3:00 and 7:00pm 

Black Mamba at the National Theatre

As part of its educational moves, the National Theatre will this weekend (Friday February 12-14) stage a production of the late Prof. John Ruganda's famous play, Black Mamba, at 3pm. Entrance free is 3,000 shillings for students and 5,000 for the rest.

 A sobering account of the things people do in the pursuit of "prosperity and a better life," Black Mamba is on the O-Level Literature Syllabus and is arguably Uganda 's finest works of literature in the drama genre. 

 The performance of this play also carries significant symbolism for all enthusiasts of Ugandan theatre as they remember the golden era of Ugandan theatre and Prof. Ruganda for his gripping writing style and illumination of social concerns in his works such as The Burdens (1972), Black Mamba (1973), The Floods (1980), Covenant with Death (1973), Music Without Tears (1982), Echoes of Silence (1986) and Telling the Truth Laughingly (1993) not forgetting his prolific poetry. 

 Ruganda's influence was so tangible that it would not be farfetched to call him the Henrik Isben of Uganda . During a 2008 Memorial Lecture in his honour at the University of Limpopo, where he taught before his death in 2007, he was described by Prof. Taban Lo Liyong as "an international and revered playwright, poet, actor and a theatre director; his work is a stone that will live for ever."

 At a time when Ugandan theatre is limping following fierce blows of competition from the music and movie industry, the staging of Black Mamba at the National Theatre is expected to stir up creative figures not only to keep the spirit of Ruganda alive but to churn out formidable manuscripts that shun evil but advocate for values in society while providing rich stage entertainment as well.

'The Meet' in their 4th Poetry Recital at National Theatre

The Lantern Meet of Poets will hold their 4th Poetry Recital under the theme "Footprints of Verse –an Odyssey." Come early this Saturday and grab your seat in the main auditorium of the National Theatre. At 6pm, the curtain will rise. Don't say I didn't tell you…

I don't know about you but I've not forgotten the hum and strum that coloured that evening toward the close of August 2009 when the Lantern Meet of Poets gathered in the National Theatre auditorium to give their ever increasing fans their Third Grand Recital.

It was a full house and I remember thinking that more than inspiring artistic creativity, this urban group of impassioned writers would forever be remembered for helping poetry find acceptance in Uganda.

The animated audience were fed on a glut of the impressive poems carefully selected and delivered to complement the theme of the night, A Fresh Coat of Paint. But most memorable was the homage and living tributes paid to connoisseurs gone and living -Okot p'Bitek, Henry Barlow, Dr. Susan Kiguli, Prof. David Rubadiri, Richard Ntiru and Prof. Timothy Wangusa, to mention.

Now, The Meet, as they are popularly known, will have their next recital this Saturday, February 6 at the National Theatre auditorium –and I can hardly contain myself! I mean they have seemingly done it all: poems that embody the universal human experience; tears and laughter, poverty and affluence, spirituality and degeneration, joy and hurt –think of every imaginable subject. And last time, the presentation was given a backdrop pf drum, guitar and violin music, what is it going to be this time, I wonder. What is going to be that extra zing?

Guy Mambo smiles simply and says if you liked the previous recitals this one is going to be bigger and better. And if you were in my shoes, what would you add, honestly? Well, see you this Saturday at the National Theatre, and don't worry because it's all free.

Jam Session Is Not In Jeopardy

I would like to draw your attention to the inaccuracies in the article, Jam Session in Danger Again that featured in The Observer of January 28-31, 2010. By reporting that the Jam Session is "in jeopardy," the writer, David Tumusiime, was speculating.

He didn't consult me or the director of this institution to cross-check his story for purposes of objectivity, accuracy, fairness and truth as the journalism profession demands.

The Monday night Jam Session has been a popular part of the entertainment menu since 1989, with urban people flocking to the National Theatre to enjoy a combo of live music and performances. As such, it cannot drift away just like that.

The scrupulous truth is that the Jam Session is undergoing a revolution for musical arrangements and live performances that will rhyme with the international definition of "a jam session."

Of essence is nurturing performers and helping others attain professionalism and global appeal. The regular performers and patrons were informed about this re-branding process way in advance; they endorsed the idea and are looking forward to a fresh Jam Session, new equipment, improved security, great partnerships, star performances and, most of all, an artistic soul that will serve as a role model to the entire industry here and across the border.

p.s. This response can be read in today's online edition of the The Observer as well.

Authors' Forum Comes to the National Theatre

The Authors' Forum has solidified its position as one of the most inspirational happenings on Uganda's social calendar, and become the balm that assuages the fears of many in a country where a poor reading culture and disrespect of intellectual property have long been bemoaned.

Concerned with nurturing talent and helping authors conquer writing hurdles, the Authors' Forum is a brainchild of Mr. Robert Bake, one of Uganda's Christian-inspirational authors, motivational speaker and the Managing Director of the World of Inspiration. It also links people who have new ideas with people who want to fund those ideas.

Five months since its launch in Kampala, the Authors' Forum continues to attract more formidable forces in the literary world as those who attended the November 2009 edition have testified about the electrifying presentation from Dr. Moss Mashamaite, a famed South African author and businessman. 

Now it has found a permanent home at the National Theatre which part of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC). This month’s edition, indeed, will be in the National Theatre Auditorium this Wednesday, February 3, starting 5:00p.m. Entrance fee: 15,000 shillings.

This time around, "The focus is on wealth creation," says Bake. "We're looking at how authors can raise funding through our work, and how we can use our works to influence positive values in society."

The guest of honour is Prof. Peter Kasesenene.