Uganda Music: Singers participate in a capella competition

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In Uganda, the a capella musical art form is slowly growing in popularity especially among young people. To take advantage of this, a competition in the capital Kampala has brought groups of young singers together to show off their skills. Leon Ssenyange reports.

Not a usual place to do rehearsals.

They are up against ten other groups in the national a capella competition.

OLIVIA KIRABO SINGER, MELODIES OF CHRIST "The special thing that we have is beatboxing, it's not common in girls, in our group we have her, so it is very special and we hope to win."

A capella is about the voices and the beats.

With every group determined to showcase what their hard work has brought and hoping to catch the judges' attention.

PAUL MUHINDO JUDGE "Here they are singing without instruments, it is basically vocal music."

The repertoire of songs included local hits and even some classics.

LEON SSENYANGE KAMPALA, UGANDA "The competition is aimed at not only promoting contemporary a cappella music but also ignite the passion for music among younger people."

Fortunate Ibanda sings bass in the Real group.

He wants to pursue a career in music.

FORTUNATE IBANDA SINGER, REAL GROUP "I love music so I think I will take it longer, I will fight to take it on regardless of the surroundings."

Already, a capella singing is drawing in more music lovers.

Several groups are springing up offering unique sounds.

JOSEPH SEGAWA MUSIC EVOLUTION "When you first meet these guys, you think they are young, but with time they go on improving and when you give them chance on the stage, they shock you, so I believe they can go places.

The groups are hoping that winning in the competition could translate to wider success and perhaps even a career in music.

But this will take a lot of hard work and vocal dedication.

LS, CGTN, Kampala Uganda.