Coca-Cola’s Africa owned “Billion Reasons to Believe” campaign is back with a new twist.
This year’s campaign will not only seek to enrich the lives of youth across the continent by encouraging and daring them to go after their aspirations but also get them to share their success stories and the journey in order to inspire others.
Coca-Cola believes that it has a responsibility to empower teenagers of the continent as they are rich in beautiful dreams to be realized and numerous achievements to celebrate.
The massive optimism movement will further inspire them to believe in themselves and their full potential in order to motivate them.
We caught up with Ugandan singer, dancer and perfomer, Sheebah Karungi, who shared her reason to believe.
How did you become the Sheebah we know today?
It all began when I was 15 years old.My childhood friend introduced me to hangout joint where dancers performed regularly. This felt like a destined coincidence, because I’ve dreamt of becoming one the best dancersin Africa. My constant attendance had me joining the dance crew, which also got us collaborating with the famous obsessions group. In 2007, I joined obsessions, and later left in 2010 to pursue a solo career. That’s Sheebah in a nutshell.
Is performing the only thing you always wanted to do?
Performing is definitely my first love, but I want to do a thousand other things. Fashion comes second. I tried handling both fashion and music, but realized I had to focus on musicand then the rest will fall in place. I also want to empower women, in any other way I can – to make a difference by fighting for those who are helpless,because I know how lonely the world tends to become when you have nothing.
Tell us of the most embarrassing moment that you’d look back today and laugh about.
I had a BodaBoda accident before I joined obsessions, so I remember trying hard to hide the scar from the other girls, coz they all were extremely beautiful. One day, we were supposed to wear shorts, so I tied a small colouredcloth to cover it. While performing on-stage, it fell off, and I drowned in so much embarrassment. The next morning I booked for my very first tattoo, which is the beautiful Rose you see on my left leg.
Is there a daily routine that you can’t do without?
I can’t do without music & dancing. I also can’t do without my real friends as well as my phone,because I always want to communicate with the #Sheebaholics, my lovely fans.
How many tracks did you record before you had your breakthrough
I recorded more than 12 audios and 9 videos before getting noticed. But my break throughcame after the Ice Cream video. I remember on its premier live on TV, I left my make up artist in the waiting room. Because of that, people thought of the song as a joke! But in aweek, it became a monster hit! Everything changed since then.I got a new, experienced Manager who helped me makeeven greater leaps.
Have you faced any opposition on your path as a musician?
I have faced countless oppositions, starting with being misjudged. Most others doubted my talent, as well as showdisrespectout of misunderstandingmy vision and art. To be successful in this industry, one needs to have thick skin and block out all forms of unconstructive criticism. Only then can you move forward.
What exactly do you do when you want to wind down from all the daily ups and downs?
I have people that really understand the person that I am. They are always there no matter what! They keep me sane so I make sure I see those people more often.Dancing is part of who I am, so I would dance to escape whatever. And it works! I’m also into games. Presently, I’ve spent quite some time playing candy crush!
What would you say to boys and girls out there in pursuit of their dreams?
To those chasing dreams, it’s not as easy as it looks. You have to believe in yourself tremendously, because if you don’t, no one will. Respect everyone’s time,yours too will come. Pray, play and love what you do. Give it your all.Listen, learn and don’t let the Hype get to your head! There’s more to life than just fame! Give whenever you can and be thankful, with love.