Katovicai

Traditional African music duo Katokye

On September 6, the traditional African music duo Katokye will perform live at the bar “1983” (21 Vagonu street). The concert starts at 20:00, and tickets are available for 8 EUR via “Biļešu Serviss PLG” or for 10 EUR at the entrance. The event is part of the “1-2 Cauri!” concert series, organised by Skaņu Mežs association.

Katokye is a traditional African music duo, focused on Western Uganda throat singing.

John Katokye has spent his life immersed in the traditional songs of the Banyankore people of Western Uganda. Growing up herding cattle, he honed his craft over decades and is now recognised as one of the region’s most talented traditional singers.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA5ItjYP2PU&list=RDBA5ItjYP2PU

Specialising in ekyeshongoro (literally “song”), Katokye improvises short, poetic phrases reflecting on family, regional history, and the landscapes where iconic longhorn cattle graze. Backing singers often overlap his lines in a continuous vocal flow that can exceed 10 minutes, transforming each performance into a mesmerising, meditative experience.

With the release of Obuhangwa bwa Banyankore na Bahororo (released by Nyege Nyege Tapes on September 5, 2025), Katokye brings the hypnotic vocal traditions of Western Uganda to a global audience, delivering an album that is both culturally vital and unlike anything most listeners have encountered.

Katokye's international concert debut took place at Le Guess Who? in Utrecht on November 8, 2025.

nyegenyegetapes.bandcamp.com/album/obuhangwa-bwa-banyankore-na-bahororo

The Skaņu Mežs association is supported by the Riga City Municipality and the Latvian State Culture Capital Foundation. More info: www.skanumezs.lv