Geoffrey Oryema facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoffrey Oryema
|
|
|---|---|
Geoffrey Oryema during a concert in Mainz, Germany, 13 March 2001
|
|
| Born |
Geoffrey Oryema
16 April 1953 Soroti, Uganda
|
| Died | 22 June 2018 (aged 65) |
| Occupation | Musician Musical career |
| Genres |
|
| Years active | 1990–2018 |
Geoffrey Oryema (born April 16, 1953 – died June 22, 2018) was a talented musician from Uganda. He became known for his unique blend of world music, Afro-pop, and rock. His songs often featured languages from his home country, like Swahili and Acholi. He also sang in English and French.
When he was 24, Geoffrey had to leave Uganda. This was because of a difficult political situation in the country. His father, who was a government minister, had died. Geoffrey was secretly taken out of the country in a car trunk. He then lived in France for many years.
Music Career
Geoffrey Oryema became famous around the world after releasing his second album, Beat the Border. He worked with many well-known musicians. These included Peter Gabriel and Brian Eno.
He toured with a music festival called WOMAD. This took him to places like Australia, the USA, Japan, Brazil, and Europe. In 1994, his band played at Woodstock 94. This concert celebrated 25 years of the famous Woodstock festival.
Peter Gabriel's record label, Real World Records, helped release Oryema's first three albums. Later, he moved to Sony International. This record label was based in France, where Geoffrey lived.
In July 2005, he performed at the LIVE 8: Africa Calling concert in Cornwall, England. He also performed with 1 Giant Leap at the Live 8 Edinburgh concert. These concerts aimed to raise awareness about poverty in Africa.
Geoffrey Oryema lived in Paris, France, until he passed away. His ashes were later returned to Anaka in Uganda.
Discography
- Exile (1990)
- Beat the Border (1993)
- Night to Night (1996)
- Spirit (2000)
- The Odysseus/Best Of (2002)
- Words (2004)
- From The Heart (2010)
