Spring Gents a cappella group has had a huge fan following due to their unique take on gospel music here in Uganda.
They have a musical energy that can’t be beat. The harmonies and brilliant musical style that emerges from this group is indeed unsurpassed. Audiences from all across the country are continually awestruck by the talent they witness when they attend a church service, wedding, birthday party or co-operate function with the Spring Gents in attendance.
In order to stay relevant with younger audiences, the group has continued to cover modern day gospel music and have gone through membership changes over the years. Today, they have established a fresh “identity”.
The Spring Gents comprise of six distinguished gentlemen with refined, charming yet harmonious voices of Soprano, Alto, Bass, Tenor and beat boxing.
Members include 19 year old Twebaze Joshua, Lubega Joseph and Mbowa James who are 20, Kato James and Lugonvu Ivan, 18, and Kyagulanyi Wycliff who is 21 years old.
UG Christian News took off some time to engage the group for transparency on top of displaying their new music.
A quick background of the Spring Gents and how they started
Joshua Explains – Spring Gents are a gospel cappella music group. We started way back in high school. If I recall, that was 2009. It all started as something small, with 2 vision bearers that were Lubega Joseph and Kyagulanyi Wycliff. They picked up this vision with inspiration from another group that had come to our school; Spring Field High School in Matugga.
With well laid groundwork, a number of us came on board. Two of our members, Ssentongo Ibrahim and Katongole Frank moved on after sometime. Our newest member is Kato James who joined in 2014. He is actually a brother to one of us. Prior to this, we were following him closely, engaging him during our rehearsals but he was not yet fully decided joining us till last year. So, right now we are 6 in number and it is 7 years of the Spring Gents.
How did you come to the name ‘Spring Gents’
James – For many a cappella groups that revolve from high school, some might get their name because of the place they are or because of what they are doing. For example, someone might call you ‘Musumba’ because you preach the gospel.
Joshua – We got this name because of the place we were studying at; Spring Field High School. Later on we got to realize that our name is more than just ‘Spring Gents’. This brought more meaning to us. We prayed about the word ‘spring’ and with scriptural revelation, we got to understand that spring means water. If you have tested spring water, it does not taste like any other ordinary kind of water.
As the Spring Gents, the music that we sing is one that waters the dry hearts, souls and minds. If you are weary, stressed, our music will revitalize dreams, strength and hope.
Amen, that is powerful. Getting back to your parents, did they ok your decision to team up?
James – What every parent wants to hear is that their child is moving on in the right path. They saw us come together since our school days and were ok with the arrangement. They know that we have the talent and are using it to spread the gospel.
We have a number of a cappella groups in Uganda, how have you been able to stand out and differ from the rest?
James – We have noted groups try to copy what others are doing out of Uganda.
Haha, which ones now?
[Shies away in laughter] Let me not answer that to avoid creating controversy.
Joshua – It is a touch of uniqueness that differentiates a group. What we call product differentiation is economics. At the moment, our work comes with a blend of African beats although we are not necessarily limited to this style alone. We use different music genres which we compile and fit into the African style. Our verbal percussion is totally different from other groups. Whatever the style, we fuse it with an African feeling.
Your voice can be anything. It can be a commanding, it can be instructive. When you sing, what do you want your music to do? What kind of influence do you seek to attain in society?
Joshua – Spring gents do not sing because we know how to sing. We have a vision. We started in prayer and still do have the whole lot done in prayer. We sat and prayed about our vision asking God, “What do you want us to do?” He affirmed to us; inspire and draw people to me through a cappella music. What we do is preach the gospel touching people’s lives.
Ivan – In our tours, we seek to inspire youth. One recent visit to Seroma High School, we got to find out that one group emerged after seeing us do this. That was so motivating.
Lets Now talk about ‘Olwe’bilungi Byona’ your latest single!
Joseph – At a tender age, God has done a great deal through us ministering to people. ‘Olwe’birungi byona’ to mean, ‘for all that he has done’ is a song that we released officially on Boxing Day. It basically appreciates God for what he has done for us.
When I went to spring field high school, I had a bursary till form 6. This is God and he has done it for me. All of us have studied on bursary. We have not paid a single coin for tuition. Our headmaster used to move with us to different schools.
At our age we have rubbed shoulders with people in high places something that drew us in utter muse. The song is about thanks giving, not us alone but engaging to everyone who has the same word to deliver to God.
By the end of next year, we intend to have our first complete album with 6 trucks.
Listen to Olwebilungi Byona – Spring Gents
