During his visit to Local 47, Saava Karim was kind enough to perform his ngoma (the Swahili word for “drum”). Photo: Nate Herrera

Ugandan prince and musician activist Saava Karim Nsubuga visits the Hollywood musicians union to spread his message of peace and unity

by Linda A. Rapka

The Hollywood musicians union was paid a royal visit last month by Saava Karim Nsubuga, a prince from Uganda and professional musician who is an activist with the Uganda Musicians Union.

Wearing a handsome white and gold hand-stitched kazu, the traditional tunic worn by men in East Africa, and kufi hat and vest made of bark cloth elaborately decorated with jewels and shells, the saava (Swahili word for “prince”) met with Local 47 officers and Overture staff. In his work as membership mobilization secretary of the Uganda Musicians Union, established in 1998, Saava Karim said he is using his time in the United States to learn more about unionism and how he can help improve the quality of life for working musicians in Uganda. Continue reading →