Emmanuel Luzinda aka Emma Jean spoke to BigEye.Ug about his ambitions as a DJ and entrepreneur. He is a DJ at Panamera bar, Casablanca (Mukono) and The Heat in Mbarara.
Who is Emma Jean?
Emma Jean real name Luzinda Emmanuel was born 23 years ago in Kampala. I attended Katikamu SDA secondary school before joining Makerere Business School for my Bachelors. Am single and currently venturing into so many businesses among which is deejaying.
What has been your experience in a profession not so many people recognise and appreciate?
Actually, we are gradually starting to pick up, so many people and institutions appreciate us. Unlike previous times when being a DJ did not pay a lot, today its a source of a quite stable income. There are schools specifically for DJ lessons; that is enough to show that we just like any other profession are being appreciated.
How did you turn your passion into a career?
I was inspired by my friends who realised that despite my passion for Deejaying, I could hit two birds with one stone and also earn from it. I did it as a passion until Panamera gave me an opportunity to sharpen my career by working with them. I later on also started working with Casablanca, Mukono and the Heat, Mbarara. Until today, I have not looked back.
How do you deal with the conflict of interest between playing songs you love and songs people love?
Yes, there is always that conflict and any DJ can admit it but there is what we call a playlist. I always have it prior to the occasion so I know what to play when and I don’t deviate ever except for birthdays where you have to play corresponding songs. It is also important to note that the playlist always has songs that people like too.
What is your favourite colour and why?
Do I have one? Okay, my favourite colour is white because it shows that am clear and makes me feel calm.
How did this Dejaaying journey begin?
It started way back in school where I used to play music at parties in school. But I realized I could take another step on our leavers’ party in form six, that is four years back, its around that time when I went professional.
What do you do outside your Dejaaying career?
I do quite a number of things among which is run my washing bays and also since am a network specialist I once in a while do related gigs.
Who do you think makes the other: Dj or artiste?
I purely think it’s mutual benefit for both parties here. They sing songs that we play and we also bring them closer to their consumers.
How do you intend to take Dejaaying in Uganda to the next level?
I own a Dejaaying group called “Galaxy DJs”. Like I said, Dejaaying is also a profession. What we do at Galaxy Dejaays is to train professional Dejaays and later release quality Djs. We cover events, club, weddings and any related causes.
Any projects we should expect this year?
I have so many projects coming up. I will release my first mix tape in February.
Any last words?
I wish to thank all the people that make things possible at Galaxy DJs, Panamera bar, Casablanca, Mukono and the Heat, Mbarara and above all BigEye.Ug for this opportunity. For hire, call 0701 060 125
“[katogoaward]”