Charles Obina

Charles Obina maybe one of those natural Adungu (harp) players, and a powerful emerging voice of social change from Northern Uganda, an area that is still coming to terms with the devastating effects of two decades of civil war. He is celebrated for his innovative fusion of traditional instruments and modern sounds that reflect the rich cultural heritage of his homeland.

With over a decade of experience playing the Adungu—a traditional stringed instrument—Charles has transformed it from a single octave into a three-octave marvel, creating a lush, acoustic sound that beautifully complements Western musical elements.

A graduate of the Africa Institute of Music in Kampala, Charles Obina is also a guitarist, thumb pianist and a percussionist. His music resonates deeply with audiences, featuring melodies and lyrics that uplift, motivate, and inspire, drawing inspirations from legendary musicians like the late Geoffrey Oryema.

Charles's journey in music has been profoundly shaped by his early experiences as one of the children featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary "War/Dance." The film tells the poignant stories of talented children navigating the challenges of growing up in a war-torn environment, using music as a tool for healing and resilience.

He has proudly represented Uganda on various local and international scenes, Including the recent Sauti Zabusara Festival and the Swahili Encounters project in Zanzibar (2025), The Uganda Tourism Expo in Russia (2024), the Bayimba International Festival 2024, the Pearl Rhythm Festival (2024), and The Uganda High Commission independence celebration dinner in Kenya, among others.

His work has also been featured in an award winning Swedish red cross documentary film known as “Kalangala Dreams”, and The East African Magazine, The janzi Live Rooms, Among Others.