Music critics on why old holiday songs beat new ones

It is common for holidays to be filled with classic songs by legendary artistes, some of whom departed from the world decades ago, yet their music continues to dominate the airwaves.

Timeless tracks like Merry Christmas, Yesu Annindiridde, Tumusinze, Zukuka, Sekukkulu and Tujaguze by the late Philly Bongole Lutaaya have become synonymous with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Beyond Ugandan borders, the repertoire of songs from the music band Boney M, including Mary's Boy Child, Rivers of Babylon, Feliz Navida, and Jingle Bells, also finds its way into households worldwide during the holiday season.

Despite the influx of new songs from artistes of this generation like Sekukulu Yo Mwaka by Jose Chameleone, Merry Christmas by Angella Kalule, and Christmas Yo Mwaka Guno by Bobi Wine and Paddyman, the unending popularity of Philly Lutaaya's classics remains unparalleled.

In discussions about this phenomenon, well-known music analyst Edward Sendikandiwa asserts that the old songs excel in production, composition, writing, lyrics, and vocal performance.

He contends that the musicians in this generation require collaborative efforts from diverse creative talents to produce a song that can truly compete with the classics.

Sendikandiwa highlights the challenge faced by solo artists like Daddy Andre, emphasising the need for a well-organised team, which Philly Bongole Lutaaya had at his disposal.

"How do you expect Daddy Andre to write the song, sing it, back it, and produce it, to compete with Philly Bongole Lutaaya who had a very organised team?" he asked.

Another music analyst, Lukimatic Israel, aligns with Sendikandiwa on the production aspect, noting that Philly Bongole had the privilege of crafting his music in top-notch recording studios globally, a luxury that many present-day artists cannot afford.

Israel further suggests that the enduring appeal of these songs lies in their ability to evoke emotions, particularly for those who associate them with family gatherings and cherished memories during the holiday seasons.

"These songs are remembered by so many people. Sing they were played at the time when families came together during holiday seasons, when people were meeting their ulovrdones, they carry so much on their mind and can not let go of them," Lukimatic says.

Globally, Boney M's songs continue to rack up significant sales during festive periods, solidifying their status as some of the most played and beloved tunes around the world beating those produced nowadays.