Biography

Maddox Ssemanda Sematimba is a renowned Ugandan roots reggae musician known by his stage name Maddox Sematimba. Born in 1972 in Kampala, Uganda, he has captivated audiences in his home country with his soulful reggae ballads sung in Luganda. Currently residing in Kampala, Maddox has established himself as a prominent figure in the Ugandan music scene.

Early Life

Maddox Ssemanda Sematimba was born in 1972 in the vibrant city of Kampala. His educational journey took him to Makonzi Boarding Primary School and later to Busoga College Mwiri. Prior to pursuing a career in music, he worked as a primary school teacher. However, his passion for music eventually led him on a different path.

Musical Journey

In 1991, at the age of 21, Maddox relocated to Stockholm, Sweden. In order to support his computer studies, he performed in nightclubs, where fate intervened and introduced him to Kenneth "Mafo" Ssejjemba Magoye, a fellow musician. It was through Mafo that Maddox met Aggrey Ssembatya, the proprietor of Small Axe Productions. Inspired by this encounter, Maddox made the move to Gothenburg, where he began his musical endeavors at Small Axe Studios.

In a remarkable display of talent and creativity, Maddox took on multiple roles in the production of his albums. He wrote, composed, arranged, programmed, performed, co-mixed, and produced all the songs on his albums, with Aggrey providing engineering and co-mixing support.

Music Career

Maddox's music is deeply rooted in reggae, and he sings primarily in Luganda, a language spoken in Uganda. In the year 2000, he released his first album, "Tukolagane," which featured popular singles like "Namagembe," "Tukolagane," "Omukwano Gwafe," and "Eddembe." Six years later, in 2006, Maddox followed up with his second album, "Abato," which showcased hits such as "Nakatudde," "Leka Nkulage," "Easy," and "Wansonyi." Influenced by notable artists like Gregory Isaacs and Israel Vibration, Maddox's music carries a unique blend of traditional reggae elements with his own distinctive style.

Although reports surfaced in 2009 that Maddox had left the music business, he made a triumphant return to Uganda the following year and has since continued to captivate audiences with his live performances. Since 2014, he has been actively performing within Uganda, reestablishing his presence and connecting with his fans. Maddox is the proud father of two children.

Discography

Maddox Ssemanda Sematimba's discography includes the following albums:

1. "Tukolagane" (2001)
2. "Abato" (2006)

Maddox's albums have left an indelible mark on the Ugandan music landscape, and his soul-stirring music continues to resonate with fans both locally and internationally.