Band members Ouma Michael, Okia Allan, Sewagudde Richard, Bakkabulinda Samuel, Tugume Ambrose and Lukwago Jude combined their individual talents with Kinobe, playing traditional African instruments – koras, kalimbas, adungus endongos, ngonis and African drums blended with modern guitars and keyboards to bring a new and original sound to their audience. The group calls it "a new groove, for a new world.” The band draws on musical influences from around the globe, blended with their African instruments and roots to create this new world of music.

The evening performance began with Kinobe playing a native African instrument similar to a guitar, however it contained more than 20 strings. The instrument was supported in the musician’s lap, held by the index fingers and picked using both thumbs (see photos). The strange instrument produced musical notes similar to a harp. Under Kinobe’s skill, the sound radiating from the instrument seemed to have just a touch of Caribbean and South American flavor intertwined with his native African music.

The first five songs featured an array of different musical instruments combined with subdued vocals, allowing each musician to demonstrate his respective abilities. Song four featured a drum lead that seemed to grab and hold the complete attention of the audience.

There was a brief pause by the band after song five. Kinobe welcomed everyone to the evening’s performance and thanked them for coming out to support the group. Kinobe spoke about his strong passion for children and education. The performer dedicates time and effort in Uganda working to improve the self esteem and educational opportunities of the country’s young people. The band’s tour on the Outer Banks featured several performances for students in the Dare County School System.

I asked Kinobe what artists he prefered listening to when relaxing. He tried to avoid mentioning specific names of artists and replied that he enjoyed music from all around the world and considered all original music good. He mentioned Cuban, Brazilian and Caribbean music as some of his favorites. When pressed a little further, he mentioned the name of Peter Gabriel as one artist he enjoyed listening to.

Following the concert, the Yoga Center held a reception with food and drink that allowed the audience and performers to relax and get to know one another.

The concert would not have been possible without the work of the Dare County Arts Council under Executive Director Laura Martier that made it possible for Kinobe and Soul Beat Africa to perform on the Outer Banks. In addition, special thanks go to the charming Michelle Smith, owner of Outer Banks Yoga for her effort in bringing this performance to her Yoga studio in Kitty Hawk, across from the Hilton Garden Inn...

At the time of this writing, Kinobe can still be seen by Outer Banks audiences on May 1, 2009 in the courtyard, behind the Dare County Arts Center Gallery in Manteo for ”First Friday,” between 6-8pm.