Entertainment News 20 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Dr. Ezra Suruma Embraces Africa Institute of Music Role with Song and Joy
Africa Institute of Music celebrated the installation of Dr. Ezra Suruma as its new chancellor with music, laughter, and a surprise performance by the new leader himself. Dr. Suruma expressed his delight by breaking into a joyful song, much to the audience's appreciation. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/lifestyle/entertainment/when-music-laughter-and-leadership-met-5466600
The Africa Institute of Music (AIM) recently marked a significant occasion with the formal installation of Dr. Ezra Suruma as its new chancellor. The ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, was infused with a vibrant atmosphere, beginning with uplifting harmonies from the student choir.
The presence of Dr. Suruma, alongside the institution’s founders Professor Maria Park Kim and Professor Sunghwan Kim, clearly elated students, faculty, and guests. The performances set a celebratory tone that continued throughout the event.
Upon his formal installation, Dr. Suruma addressed the attendees, expressing the joy he felt. In an unexpected and heartwarming moment, he confessed his singing abilities were modest but then offered a spontaneous rendition of “I have joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, overflow in my life…”, eliciting laughter and warm applause.
Professor Maria Park Kim, the institute’s principal, highlighted music’s vocational nature and thanked Dr. Suruma for accepting the chancellor position. Chief guest Professor Sarah Ssali, impressed by her first visit to AIM, urged the institution to professionalize African musical traditions with the same rigor applied to Western classical music, emphasizing quality over mere quantity.
Symbolizing growth and continuity, students presented Dr. Suruma with a tree, representing legacy and fruitfulness, which he subsequently planted. Dr. Suruma shared that he viewed the appointment as “a divine appointment.”
By the ceremony’s conclusion, the formal inauguration had evolved into a warm gathering where music, laughter, and inspired leadership merged, welcoming Dr. Suruma into his new role. The event was documented by Edgar R. Batte for the Daily Monitor.