Gilbert Arinaitwe is a double faced man. He is an accountant with Stanbic Bank and a dancehall artist with stage name “Gilly King”. He is a shining for y’all thinking of dropping out of school for music. Moses Abeka had a chat with him.
Does your boss know that you are a dancehall artiste? How will they react when they see this? I fear for you!
Hahaha. Well, my bosses are aware and seem to have no problem for as long as my performance at work is not affected. Working for a multi-national bank that embraces diversity lets me worry less. In fact during our team building events and end of year parties we have entertainment sessions where staff loosen up and showcase their hidden talents. I have participated in composing songs for promotional campaigns at the bank and this was appreciated with good reward.
I guess accounting has had a profound influence on your lyrics and you basically sing about money!
To some extent there is an impact it has on my lyrics but singing about money? No. I have only one about money. Most of them are about a love, gospel, other social aspects of life, partying, dancing and one about Terrorism in memory of the Ugandans that lost lives in the 2010 bombings at Kyadondo. I recorded the Terrorism song with Ssava Karim and various artists.
Having experienced the celebrity world and the corporate world, which of the two do you prefer?
This makes me feel abnormal, I like both worlds because I dream of working with the World Bank some day or being the Governor Bank of Uganda and at the same time music is my passion. In my free time, I subconsciously find myself creating music which is not something I can sit on, just like my parents say; it’s a gift from God.
How do you balance the two worlds without hurting either?
Now that’s the million dollar question. It is a big strain physically and mentally to me, because bank work is very demanding working late Monday to Saturday then I read ACCA text books on my own without classes because of the distance and keep up with music schedules as well.
It always seems like the hours in a day are not enough, but by GOD’s grace I have still pulled through so far. I usually get a few gigs on some weekends, mostly weddings and private parties where I perform customized songs for the couples in a one weeks’ time notice. While am at work my promoters help me with the ground work.
How do you describe your style of music and what makes it different from others?
My style of music is blended dancehall, Afro beat and at times RnB.
What are some of the key highlights of your music career so far ?
So far my music has enabled me meet different high profile dignitaries at private parties, I also had a chance to physically meet R. Kelly when he was in Uganda.
Having my music aired on some of the top stations.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
GOD willing, I see myself with some music awards in my living room and for the employment aspect being in middle management position.
What do you think is the biggest misconception about musicians?
Most Ugandans have a perception that musicians are crooks and irresponsible fellows, which is not the case for all.
People also think musicians are rich. Well, some are but most of them live beyond their means drowning in debt to maintain standards to keep up with the public expectations yet it’s just hot air.
What is your message to the youths reading this?
Even if you have multiple dreams don’t shut them down if you have the ability to chase them all. This will require you to make some sacrifices in your life like working extra hours on your other projects as opposed to having fun with your friends.