By Ian Nkera Ford
There are many artistes who beg to deceive. They will excite you with a song or maybe two but can’t seem to shed off the upcoming artiste tag. They have music that enjoys ample airplay on radios and TV’s and their names are littered on every poster for a show but just the next day they will be referred to as “upcoming”. I know, its very unfortunate. It must be disheartening to put in so much work but be regarded as that “upcoming guy”. I bring u some artistes that have had the upcoming tag a tad too long.
Viboyo: The Swangz signee is undoubtedly number one on this list. He has a career that spans a decade. He has lent some good lyrics to some songs like Nyumbani, whistle song and done one of the biggest songs of 2013 Zina with Benon and Vampino. Despite this fair success, the “upcoming artiste” tag continues to trail him todate. He must be wondering what he can do.
Omulangira Ssuna(OS): Talk of identity crisis. This dude will be Omulangira Ssuna one day, OS the other or Os*ssuna on Idd. For the purpose of this article let’s stick to Ssuna. One of the best male voices Uganda has grown to see. He has been the guy behind some classics like Mamacita, January to December and that timeless ballad Love Yo. He has never had to worry about talent but for some reason he has failed to shed off that upcoming artiste tag. He has faded off the scene. Last time I heard he had turned to Islam. This is a guy who can’t figure himself out.
Leila Kayondo: This chic will grace all tabloids every single day but unfortunately not for singing purposes. Either she is photographed hanging with a tycoon or looking seemingly dodgy at some event. Her talent is there, having soothed us with ballads like Nyumirwanyo,Kuzina nawe and Nyumbani with Dan Flevor. She is yet to figure out if she is a musician or socialite. Otherwise she can kick that upcoming artiste tag with ease.
Sizzaman: This is a guy who gets me so infuriated. How does someone have so much talent yet does so little with it. A comical wordsmith who makes kids sing along to his nursery rhymes, the housemaid also murmurs to his gimmicks. He has dropped the sickest verses on tracks like Mr. Dj, that Magic anthem, Taxi Money before he brought national mayhem with that smash Angella. Dont get fooled. We are yet to listen to some groundbreaking material for him lately. He needs to sort himself out and that excludes populating the country with his offspring. Otherwise, this guy could hold the mantle as the best dancehall artiste our country has.
Toolman: The Boom Torture Squad executive came, threatened to conquer and went amiss. You remember that controversial song Kisumuluzo. This dude penned it but his career has been mediocre with some songs here and there. Mr Kibalama we are asking, ”For how long will you remain upcoming?” All in all, the upcoming artiste tag is a big letdown to many artistes but again it’s the same artistes who let themselves down.
Otherwise adios Big Eye family!
