Watmon Cultural Group - An Lakara Pee

The Watmon Cultural Group is a collective of musicians and dancers led by Amone Watmon Matthew, dedicated to preserving Ugandan cultural heritage through traditional dance. The group includes up to 50 members, with children as young as seven participating. Matthew was born on 25 November 1951 in Awedi village, located in the Kitgum District of Northern Uganda. As a child, he loved playing the Nanga (harp) while tending cattle and working on the family farm. He lived in Awedi until 1991, when he was forced to move to Kampala due to rebel fighting. In Kampala, he founded a small group performing traditional Acholi dances, which he had learned from his grandfather and by observing local performers at village events. Walking around his neighbourhood, he spread word about starting a dance group and received a positive response. Over time, more people approached him to join, and the group grew into an important institution. In the aftermath of the war against Idi Amin’s regime, many Ugandans were seeking forms of emotional and cultural escape. The Watmon Cultural Group provided a much-needed outlet through music and dance. The group has achieved notable recognition, performing for President George Bush during a state visit to Uganda and being recorded for the BBC’s World Routes album in 2012, presented by ethnomusicologist Lucy Duran. Recorded on the 6th December 2012 as part of the Singing Wells project. Recorded: 6th December 2012 Country: Uganda Location: Naguru, Kampala