Michael Kitanda is a Ugandan jazz saxophonist. He was born in Mulago, a suburb of Kampala, into a musical family. His journey into music began after his parents decided to enroll him in Omega Primary School, which had a brass band. They had noticed his growing interest in music and wanted to nurture it. That decision proved to be a turning point in his life.

His musical talent was further nurtured during his time at St. Joseph’s Naggalama and through the mentorship of his brother, Dr. Andrew Kagumba (PhD). What started as a childhood interest quickly grew into a lifelong passion.

Michael Kitanda has been a jazz saxophonist for over a decade and is now one of the most recognized names in Uganda’s jazz scene. As the live jazz culture grew, so did his reputation. He has played with some of the country’s top bands including Baxmba Waves Band, Qwela Band, Janzi Band, and Code 9 Band, among others.

Sanyu FM’s Crystal Newman once described him as ‘the next best thing in Ugandan jazz.’ She's not the first to say this — and she definitely won't be the last.

Kitanda has also shared the stage with international jazz greats like Norman Brown, Richard Bona, and Marcus Anderson. He has also collaborated with top Ugandan artists such as Jose Chameleone, Isaiah Katumwa, Happy Kyazze (his brother), Maurice Kirya, Myko Ouma, and Levixone, among others.

Recently, he released a brand-new Christmas album titled Christmas in Kampala and is set to drop his second official album, Sax Appeal, in 2025.

CHRISTMAS IN KAMPALA – UNIQUE RENDITIONS

Christmas in Kampala is an eight-track project offering a unique jazz rendition of some of the most beloved Christmas songs. It showcases Kitanda’s saxophone style in a way that draws you in completely. It's the kind of album you want to play on low volume, with your tree lights glowing, filling the air with joy and that warm Christmas feeling.

Released in December 2024, the album features a stellar line-up of East African instrumentalists including Kenyan jazz musician and composer Christine Kamau, Happy Kyazze, Kenneth Mugabi, Bemma Emma, and the legendary Philly Bongoley Lutaaya. One standout is a reggae-inspired take on Oh Christmas Tree, which highlights Kitanda’s creativity and improvisation talent.

In 2025, Michael Kitanda has already released Say No More, the first single off the upcoming Sax Appeal album. The track blends Bongo Flava rhythms with his dominant sax melodies.

He also recently dropped Ottyo, featuring Tonya Ahenda. This track fuses South African shaker sounds and explosive log drums with Kitanda’s smooth sax solos and Tonya’s graceful vocals on the hook. It’s a stunning fusion and a real musical treat. With this kind of momentum, fans can't wait to see what the sax maestro delivers next in the second half of the year.

Now, Michael Kitanda is part of the Josplay music family, an Africa-focused music streaming platform committed to connecting African artists with audiences both at home and in the diaspora.

Come on in and have a full taste of Kitanda’s catalog, by downloading the Josplay music app using this link for iOS and link for Android.

Michael Kitanda is one of the most recognized names in Uganda’s jazz scene, and as the jazz culture grew, so did his reputation.

AML Artist Spotlight: MICHAEL KITANDA

Michael Kitanda is one of the most recognized names in Uganda’s jazz scene, and as the jazz culture grew, so did his reputation.

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