Influenced by the beauty and unique spirit of his home, Uganda, Maurice Kirya’s music is an uncommon blend of soul, Afro, and R&B which he prefers to call ‘Mwooyo’ which means ‘soul.’At an early age, Maurice’s mother would gather all of her children around the fire and teach them how to sing. Maurice started singing professionally at age 15, recording with popular Ugandan gospel, rap, and jazz artists. Maurice has performed throughout Africa, and was the 2007 best R&B artist winner of the Pearl of African Music Awards in Uganda. He was also nominated at the Kisima Awards in Kenya and has worked with the legendary Mali musician, Moussa Diallo, Cecile Verny Quartet (Germany), Beniwe (Paris), First Love (Uganda), Pragmo (UG) and Kaz Kasozi(UG/UK).
Kirya has written songs for jazz musician Brenda Nanyonjo, provided background vocals for singer and producer Steve Jean, and recorded the East African anthem with Susanna Owiyo from Kenya and Pauline Zongo from Tanzania. In 2008 Maurice joined hands with long-time friend and musician Kawesa to stage a concert, dubbed “Music with Heart”, that raised funds for children needing open heart surgery at the children’s charity ward in the International Hospital Kampala.”He has opened for jazz artist “Jonathan Butler”, and was chosen one of the ten best live performers in Africa by “Sauti za Busara Music Festival”.
Kirya also runs a monthly show titled ‘’The Maurice Kirya Experience’’ which showcases live acts from East Africa and numerous other parts of the world. The show has been credited for boosting the live music scene in Uganda, since it exposes established and non established live musicians and poets on a professional stage. The show has also been graced by the famous Cecile Verny Quartet.
“I want my music to move hearts, encourage hearts, strengthen hearts and heal them.” — Maurice Kirya