Kampala, Uganda – A Ugandan music band has made history as the first on the continent to participate in a space-based musical collaboration.
Brass for Africa, a Ugandan band known for empowering disadvantaged youth through music, has soared to new heights – quite literally – by representing the country in the unique initiative that took place on September 14.
The band joined musicians from around the world in performing as part of the Polaris Program’s “Harmony of Resilience” initiative, aimed at spreading a message of unity, hope, and resilience.
In a press statement released on their X handle on September 14, Baboon Forest Entertainment celebrated the band’s participation in the initiative, which is linked to the ongoing Polaris Dawn space mission.
Brass for Africa joined a stellar lineup of musicians from countries such as Brazil, Sweden, Haiti, Venezuela, and the United States in performing “Rey’s Theme” from Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
This performance was led by Sarah Gillis, a Polaris Dawn astronaut, and violinist, who played the solo violin part while floating in zero gravity aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Gillis’ performance was accompanied by pre-recorded videos of the orchestras from the participating countries, creating a breathtaking global ensemble of sound that reached out from space to Earth.
The highlight of the performance, recorded in orbit and transmitted via SpaceX’s Starlink satellite, was not only the technical feat of playing music in space but also the underlying message.
According to the Polaris Program, the “Harmony of Resilience” performance was designed to promote resilience through music and inspire hope, especially for children battling life-threatening diseases like cancer.
The initiative was done in partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and El Sistema USA, an organization promoting music education for positive societal change.
“This was more than just a performance – it was a symbol of the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together, even across the vastness of space,” Baboon Forest Entertainment shared on their social media. “We are proud that Brass for Africa was part of this global event, showcasing the talents and spirit of Ugandan youth on a global stage.”
Baboon Forest Entertainment
Baboon Forest Entertainment was founded by Ugandan-born Musician Ernest Nsimbi, a hip-hop artist who is credited with bringing rap and Lugaflow, a style of music to mainstream radio and other media in Uganda.
His stage name, GNL, is short for “Greatness with No Limits.” His label nurtures new talent in Kampala, Uganda. He is also an actor, filmmaker, and ambassador for Ugandan brands and social initiatives.
Brass for Africa has long been recognized for its social impact in Uganda, using music as a tool to empower and uplift disadvantaged youth, many of whom come from underprivileged backgrounds.
Through musical education and performance, the band provides young people with skills, confidence, and opportunities that go beyond the world of music. This latest participation in an international, space-based collaboration reflects the growing reach of the band’s influence.
The Polaris Dawn Mission
The Polaris Dawn mission, which launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on September 10, 2024, from Florida, USA, is part of a broader effort to conduct scientific research and advance space exploration.
The mission crew, consisting of four private astronauts, including commander Jared Isaacman, has already broken altitude records by flying higher than any crewed mission in orbit since 1966.
Throughout their mission, the crew has been conducting various scientific experiments to study how the human body is affected by space travel and testing communications using SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation.
However, the musical collaboration might have been the most emotional part of the mission. The performance, centered on the theme of resilience, was meant to bring attention to the struggles faced by children dealing with serious diseases.
By linking the Polaris Program with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the initiative not only supported research efforts but also raised awareness for children fighting life-threatening conditions.
“This performance in space was a perfect representation of the unifying power of music,” the Polaris Program stated on its website. “Inspired by the universal language of music and the relentless fight against childhood cancers and diseases, this moment was created with the hope of inspiring the next generation to look towards the stars.”
Uganda Makes History
Uganda’s participation, through Brass for Africa, highlighted the growing recognition of the country’s rich musical heritage and the role its artists play in global conversations.
As it made history on this planetary research journey, the initiative served as a reminder that even from one of Africa’s heartlands, Ugandan musicians are capable of reaching new frontiers – including outer space.
As the world reflects on this extraordinary achievement, Brass for Africa’s participation symbolizes the potential of Ugandan youth and the global recognition of their talents.
Baboon Forest Entertainment echoed this sentiment, stating that the collaboration with the Polaris Program is a powerful reminder of how far-reaching Ugandan music has become.
The “Harmony of Resilience” initiative may have been performed in space. Still, its resonance will be felt worldwide, inspiring future generations of artists and dreamers to continue reaching for the stars.
For more on this story, visit: https://www.space.com/polaris-dawn-music-video-harmony-of-reslience
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