Menton Summer
Ugandan dancehall and reggae musician and radio presenter (died 1997)
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Menton Summer (born Peter Nkwanga, died 1997) was a Ugandan dancehall and reggae musician and radio presenter.[1] He is considered one of the pioneers of Uganda’s urban music movement in the 1990s along side Emperor Orlandoh,[2] helping popularize Jamaican-influenced music styles in the country.[1][3][4]
Early life
Menton Summer was born Peter Nkwanga, son of Captain George Nkwanga, a military commander linked to the Federal Democratic Movement of Uganda (FEDEMU).[1] He became known for his Rastafarian-inspired appearance, including dreadlocks, which were uncommon in Uganda’s mainstream entertainment scene at the time.[1]
Music career
Summer rose to prominence in the early 1990s during a period when Uganda’s music industry was transitioning from Congolese and Kadongo Kamu dominance toward urban genres influenced by Jamaican reggae and dancehall.[1] He was part of a generation of artists including Emperor Orlandoh, Rasta Rob MC, and Ragga Dee, who helped introduce “ragga” and dancehall culture into Uganda’s urban music scene.[5]
His popular songs included:[1]
- Sirikawo Baby ft Emperor Orlandoh[6]
- Kaneemu
- Leka Tuzilye
Radio and media work
In addition to music, Menton Summer worked as a radio presenter at CBS FM,[2] where he hosted programs such as Township Tunes and Saturday Club Mix. He also appeared in entertainment productions linked to the Ebonies, a theatre performance group he was one of actors they brought on board for their variety musical show that aired episodically on television.[1]