How did your music career begin?
My music career began when I took part in a competition called Coca-Cola Pop Stars. The reason I took part was because I didn’t want to be home early. You see I was from a very strict family and I was indoors all the time.
What was your experience like on Coca-Cola Pop Stars?
It was an East African competition and they were looking for three winners each from Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya to create a group. I managed to make it into the group for Uganda which was amazing because there were over 3500 people just at the place I went to audition. A lot of people all over the country took part.
Coming from a strict family, how did they take the news that you had won?
Well, they didn’t accept it really. I think they only accepted it about 6 years later when my mum got to see me on stage. Another 4 years later, my dad also got to see me perform on stage. So, it only really hit them when they saw me perform and that’s when they knew that I had it in me. After that, each of them started trying to own the talent saying, “you got it from me” and things like that.
During those six years before they accepted your career, how did you feel?
I sort of felt alone but not really. I knew in the end that they would accept it and support me. I also understood that they wanted everyone to be a doctor, accountant etc. Fortunately or unfortunately, that just wasn’t me. I liked the studio and I wanted to sing. So I was sort of the rebel or black sheep of the family.
How many are you in your family?
We are seven and I am the second last child
How would you describe your music?
My music is just a Jackie cocktail. I’m not going to say that I do reggae, raga, RnB or rock and roll. I will do pretty much any kind of music besides jazz. However, if I got the chance to do jazz, I would. I generally mix up everything because I get bored of the same sound very easily. So when I get bored, I just stop listening to that and do something else. That is why I try to mix up everything.
What inspires your music?
One thing that is for sure is that I never write my music when I’m happy, happy, happy. When I’m happy I just want to celebrate that happiness. However, when I’m in a low or mellow mood, or during low times, I feel like writing. The great thing is that I can write music both for myself and for other people as well. I write a lot of music and some of the stuff I end up recording usually gets picked up by people who like it and I’m happy to give it to them. I give away a lot of content for free. People say I can make money doing it.
Which musicians inspired you when you grew up?
I listened to a lot of people growing up. From artists such as TabuLeh and the late Pepe Kalle which were influences from my father to international artists such as Mariah Carrey and Brandy. In fact, Brandy made me feel like I could try singing in the bathroom because she has this whole husky thing going on and as long as you’ve got the right control, you’re good.
Have you worked with any international artists?
I haven’t worked with any international artists yet.
Are there any specific ones that you would like to work with?
I wouldn’t want to say that I want to work with so and so because everyone has their own process that they use to get to where they want to be and I do too. I mean, I’m struggling to make my way to where I want to be so I cannot choose who I want to work with. I don’t feel like I am there yet. I’m not even a third of the way according to where I want to be. However, if anyone wanted to work with me, I’d be happy to do so, but I cannot choose.
What would you consider to be your greatest musical achievement to date?
You may find this strange but, I took a year and a half off from music to just take time for myself and to settle certain things. Somehow during that time, I still managed to remain one of the top 10 influential people in Uganda. That was an achievement for me. It was sort of weird though because I thought, do they not have news? Isn’t there anyone new?
What do you think of the music industry in Uganda?
The industry is definitely growing. As much as it growing though, there are parts that remain the same while others change so much and reach new heights.
Navio is also featuring on season 2 of Coke Studio. What do you think of him and his music?
Navio is cool. He’s like my bro. I call him watermelon and he calls me rascal. He’s a very easy person and he loves a challenge. He’s got really good music and he’s handsome as well so a lot of women love him.
What was your reaction when you were chosen to be a part of Coke Studio?
I just kept thinking “have you got the right number”? I mean, why would they call me? What have I done? When the emails kept coming though, I realized that they were actually serious. I was also really scared especially because of what I had seen before. I didn’t really know what to expect but I was open to the experience
What do you think of the show?
I think it’s great! From the music to the behind the scenes content, they’re really creating a story.
You’re working with Shaa on Coke Studio. What do you think of her?
She’s awesome. She has a lot of tricks here and there that make the music great. We are having a great time.