Kynma Mukwaya is a traditional artisan of theBuganda tribal culture from the province of Mpigi in Uganda. Kynma specializes in manufacturing hand-made drums representing the traditions of the Bugandan people and his drums have been used in dances and ceremonies by the Bugandan royal family and their King Mutebi. One of the Bugandan drums that Kynma makes is the Bakisamba which is the largest bass drum used in Bugandan dances and can be over 4 feet tall and 5 feet in diameter (see embedded image) and is carved from a single piece of wood, an extra-large tree trunk. Also, Kynma makes the Engalabi drum which is a tall and thin drum with a drumhead made from the skin of a monitor lizard and which is used in the dances to harmonize and accent the movement of the Bugandan dancers. Other drums that Kynma makes are the Engoma and the Nankasa drums both of which are commonly used for rhythm in Bugandan dance ceremonies. Watch this video, translated by Mathias Mulumba, to hear artisan Kynma Mukwaya explain how he makes his traditional Buganda drums. In addition to making these Bugandan drums, Kynma is also highly skilled in crafting conga drums of the West African djembe style. Kynma Mukwaya was taught to make this style of drum by an NGO worker over 15 years ago because it was believed that these drums were more marketable and would help him to grow his trade by adding new styles. Today, Kynma is widely regarded as the most talented manufacturer of the djembe style of drum in Uganda and his drums are featured in many prominent hotels and shops within the capital city of Kampala. Kynma Mukwaya is 57 years old and the proud father of 14 children and 8 grandchildren. His sole source of income to support his family is his drum-making trade. Kynma is well regarded in his local village community as a prominent business owner and skilled craftsman. Kynma owns a small shop called 'Sikyomu Drum Makers' along the road from Kampala to Masaka where he makes and sells his drums to tourists and locals who use these drums in traditional dance ceremonies. Kynma also makes other traditional musical instruments like bamboo flutes called Filimbis, the stringed bow harps called Andungus, and 'tube fiddles' called Endigidis. Kynma takes great pride in his work and displays his various certifications, awards, credentials, and pictures of public officials and Bugandan royalty with his drums thoughout his small shop. For more information about how specific drums are made or to browse a catalogue of traditional, hand-made drums and musical instruments created by Buganda artisan Kynma Mukwaya from Uganda, click on the link below. |
| ||
| Catalogue of Drums & Musical Instruments Created by Kynma Mukwaya | |
|