Menton Summer (born Peter Nkwanga, died 1997) was a Ugandandancehall and reggae musician and radio presenter. He is considered one of the pioneers of Uganda’s urban music movement in the 1990s along side Emperor Orlandoh, helping popularize Jamaican-influenced music styles in the country.
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). He became known for his Rastafarian-inspired appearance, including dreadlocks, which were uncommon in Uganda’s mainstream entertainment scene at the time.
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. 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.
In addition to music, Menton Summer worked as a radio presenter at CBS FM, 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.
Death
Menton Summer died in 1997 in a road traffic accident at Nakalama along the Tirinyi Road while returning from a performance in Mbale as he was rushing to perform at Ekitoobero another event that was organized by CBS Radio.
