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Philly Bongoley Lutaaya, born on October 19, 1951, and passing away on December 15, 1989, was a significant figure in Ugandan music, particularly noted for his pivotal role in raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. He bravely shared his personal struggle with the disease, becoming one of Uganda’s first prominent figures to do so, humanizing the epidemic. During his relatively stable health period before succumbing to AIDS, Lutaaya devoted his time to composing songs reflecting his experiences, culminating in his final album, “Alone and Frightened,” featuring his acclaimed track “Alone.” He actively toured churches and schools across Uganda, spreading messages of prevention and hope.
Lutaaya gained prominence in Uganda during the 1960s and embarked on tours to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, and Japan in the 1970s. By the mid-1980s, he settled in Stockholm, Sweden, where he recorded the successful album “Born in Africa,” a cherished piece of Ugandan music history. Dr. Alban, a Nigerian-Swedish musician, lauded Lutaaya as “one of the greatest African musicians” and released his album titled “Born in Africa” in homage to Lutaaya’s influence.
Lutaaya’s Christmas Album, released in 1986, remains a beloved masterpiece, woven into Uganda’s rich Christmas traditions. Sung in the native Luganda language, the album features timeless classics like “Tumusiinze,” “Gloria,” “Merry Christmas, Oh Happy New Year,” “Azzaalidwa,” and “Zukuka,” among others.
In 2015, Lutaaya was signed to the Swedish-based record label Afripeans, underscoring his enduring musical legacy. Recognizing his immense contributions to the music industry, Philly Bongoley Lutaaya received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) in 2004.
Following his untimely demise at 38, Lutaaya’s impactful work continued through the Philly Lutaaya Initiative Association. Supported by UNICEF, this initiative conducts lectures in schools and communities throughout Uganda, where HIV-positive individuals share their stories, aiming to raise awareness and educate about the virus. Notably, October 17 is commemorated as Philly Bongoley Lutaaya Day in Uganda, honoring his remarkable contributions and legacy.
Philly Bongoley Lutaaya’s discography includes albums such as “Merry Christmas” (1987), “Alone” (1988), and “Alone II The Legacy” (1988), all remastered and re-released on December 11, 2015. Additionally, there’s a compilation album titled “Born in Africa” (1986), featuring various artists, also remastered and re-released on December 11, 2015. Furthermore, a compilation album titled “Born in Africa: The Greatest Hits of Philly Bongoley Lutaaya” (2015) showcases his enduring impact through various artists’ interpretations of his work.
Philly Bongole Lutaaya Songs
