The Cranes Band was a Ugandan “Boy Band” although it later recruited within its ranks female musicians like Luizza Bagenda and Sarah Kyoloba. The group was formed in January 1965 by Sam Kawuma, Clyde Bakaluba Mayanja, and Tony Senkebejje under the leadership of Sammy Kawuma “Drama.”
Members included Clyde Bakaluba Mayanja, Sammy Kawuma, Eddy Ganja, Paddy Nsubuga, Joy Mungaya and Tony Ssenkebejje.
Some of Uganda’s best and most seasoned musicians would later be part of this seminal group, and these included, Kiyingi Davies, Moses Matovu (who quit the group in 1975 to form the successful Afrigo Band, a musical powerhouse to this day), John Sentamu, Charles Sekyanzi, Sam Kawuma, Eddie Ganja, Jessy Kasirivu Gitta (murdered by Idi Amin’s men), Jeff Sewava (of Afrigo Waves), Saidi Kasule, Ssebulime, Bosco Bumozi among others.
Back in the day, the Cranes had a radio show called Top Ten Hits where their songs were played. It is well-known for hit songs such as Njatulira, Jay Beera Mwesigwa, Anne wange, Monica, Marcelinah, and many more.
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