Elijah Kitaka
Elijah Kitaka | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Elijah Nsubuga Kitaka |
| Born | Kampala, Uganda |
| Origin | Kampala, Uganda |
| Genres | |
| Occupations |
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| Instruments | |
| Years active | 2023–present (as solo artist) |
| Labels | Swangz Avenue |
Elijah Kitaka is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, drummer, and multi-instrumentalist signed to the Swangz Avenue record label.[1] Prior to launching his career as a vocalist, Kitaka was already a professional session drummer for many of the country's top artists.[2]
His music is a blend of Afro-soul and R&B. He gained public attention with his debut singles under Swangz Avenue, including "Ndi Wuwo" and "Nothing."
Early life and career
Elijah Kitaka was raised in a family with a musical background; his father was a bass guitarist, and his mother was a singer in a church choir. He began playing drums at the age of seven at his local church.[2]
He pursued music professionally as a session drummer.[3] For over a decade, he performed and toured with a wide range of Ugandan artists, including Bebe Cool, Maurice Kirya, Lilian Mbabazi, A Pass, and his future label-mate, Azawi. His work as a drummer provided him with extensive experience in live performance and music arrangement.[2][4]
Solo career with Swangz Avenue (2023–present)
In July 2023, Swangz Avenue officially unveiled Elijah Kitaka as their new artist, marking his transition from a session musician to a lead vocalist. He was the first male artist signed to the label.[1] His signing was announced with the release of his first single under the label, "Nothing."[5]
Later in 2023, he released his debut extended play (EP) titled Bedroom Essentials. The seven-track EP included the singles "Nothing," "Ndi Wuwo" (I'm Yours), and "Contagious."[6] The song "Ndi Wuwo" gained significant airplay on Ugandan radio stations and helped to establish his presence as a solo artist.
Since his debut, Kitaka has performed on major stages in Kampala, including opening for Azawi at her 2023 concert and performing at the popular "Roast and Rhyme" festival.[2]
Artistry
Kitaka is a multi-instrumentalist, proficient with the drums, guitar, and piano, which informs his approach to songwriting and production.[4] His musical style is primarily contemporary R&B and Afro-soul. Critics and commentators have noted his smooth vocal delivery and the soulful, often romantic, nature of his lyrics.[6] His background as a live performer and drummer is often highlighted as a key aspect of his artistry, giving him a deep understanding of rhythm and musical arrangement.[2]
Discography
Extended plays (EPs)
- Bedroom Essentials (2023)
Selected singles
- "Nothing" (2023)
- "Ndi Wuwo" (2023)
- "Contagious" (2023)
- "Elevated" (2023)
See also
References
- ^ a b "Swangz Avenue finally takes on male artiste". New Vision. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b c d e "Kitaka: From playing drums to the microphone". Daily Monitor. 12 August 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "Meet Elijah Kitaka, Swangz Avenue's new signee". Sqoop. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Who is Elijah Kitaka, Swangz Avenue's New Signing?". NBS After 5. 19 July 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ "Swangz Avenue unveils multi-talented instrumentalist, Elijah Kitaka". Nile Post. 18 July 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
- ^ a b "Elijah Kitaka shows off his bedroom skills on new EP 'Bedroom Essentials'". Pulse Uganda. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 28 June 2025.
External links
- Elijah Kitaka at Swangz Avenue Website