By Our Reporter
Talented rapper and producer Lagum aka Lagum Owor will be one of the performing acts at the 18th edition of the Tusker Malt Lager powered and House of Deejays organized Blankets and Wine Kampala.
The rapper who has been behind some music hits such as ‘100’ where he featured Ruyonga and Tucker HD as well as ‘Real’ which also featured Ruyonga will be looking to thrill the crowd come 20th August at the Lugogo Cricket Oval.
Lagum, whose music style is a fusion of trap and RnB, makes a blend of music called ‘Alternative Rap’. He will be sharing a stage with Nigerian sensation Seyi Shay alongside some Uganda stars such as; Joel Sebunjo, Rabadaba, T Bro, General Czar’bu and Shifah Musisi. Also performing will be Burkina Faso’s pop star Alif Naaba.
We caught up with the ‘Social Lives’ album star who hopes to be one of the best producers in Africa and asked him a few questions ahead of this week’s event.
Qn: What inspired Lagum to start rapping?
I think I was first influenced by one of my favorite rappers, Lupe fiasco. When I started listening to him I was really taken by rap and started to write my own rhymes to his songs. That was in 2009 and here we are!
Qn: What would you describe your music as?
Whenever people ask me this question, I really struggle to answer it. The best way I can put it is my musical style is a fusion of trap, RnB, and a bunch of other sounds. I’d call it Alternative rap music but I have no idea what that means right now!
Qn: What inspired your ‘Social Lives’ album?
Well Social Lives was inspired by the fact that a lot of people are fake online. Essentially the album is about being who you are and not worrying about what people think. That was the goal when I released it in 2015.
Qn: What are some of your most memorable stage performances?
My most memorable stage performances were at A Ka Dope first Friday and A Ka Dope weekend. The energy the crowd has is incredible and I’m a guy who feeds of that energy. I like to move around and get hyped but I also enjoy being able to bring an audience to a quiet, stand still moment with a song. When I can do both in one set, then that’s a great performance.
Qn: Are there any particular Ugandan artists you would wish to work with?
JC Muyonjo and Solome Basuuta are high up on that list. I’d love to do a couple songs with them. I have performed with Solome and its always such an amazing time with her, so I’m looking forward to when we sit down and make a record.
Qn: What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you while performing on stage?
I am not sure I have had too many funny moments but there was a time the crowd wanted me to perform another song after I had finished my set. I improvised with a friend who was performing and we still don’t know how we pulled it off to this day!
Qn: Are there any projects in the works that we should look out for?
Well, I currently have a project out named ‘X-tension.’ But you should expect at least one more project from me this year.
Qn: Where do you see Lagum five years from now?
I see myself as an established producer/artist world-wide. Touring Africa and making Uganda famous for the right reasons.
Qn: What advice would you give to a young upcoming artist?
I’m still upcoming myself to be honest. I haven’t reached my goals for this year yet. But I will say that if you keep working on your craft, always looking to improve, and believing that God will make a way, things will start happening for you faster than you think.
Qn: Your top five rappers of all time?
Eminem would be first on the list in my opinion. Followed by Tupac, Biggie, Kendrick Lamar, and then Lupe Fiasco. A lot of people are going to scream but that’s what I think!
Qn: This will be your second performance at Blankets and Wine Kampala. What should people expect from you?
People should expect some laid back moments as well as some energy. That’s all I will say without revealing too much.