Alikiba: It would be pleasure to work with a Ugandan artiste

The 15th edition of Blankets and Wine will play host to one of Africa's hitting artistes, Alikiba, on Sunday at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, Kampala.

The Tanzanian star popular for songs like "Mwana" will perform alongside Ugandan artistes The Mith, Jemimah Sanyu, Giovanni Kiyingi and superstar deejay DJ Naselow.

Powered by Tusker Malt Lager and organised by House of Deejays, Sunday's show is expected to be the last for this year. And fresh from winning the MTV Europe Music Awards as Africa's Best International Act, we caught up with Alikiba.  

What inspired you to start singing?
The love I had for music. I was always attracted to music since the age of five. I started singing and dancing at the age of seven and started writing songs at the age of 14.

What style of music would you say describes Alikiba's genre?
My style of music is Afro pop.

Being a singer, song writer, dancer and actor is a major talent. Which of those do you enjoy most and why?
They all come together. They individually give me the sense of joy and purpose. One compliments the other and collectively, I am able to enjoy and love each of them equally.  

You have worked with some top African artistes, who was your favourite artist to work with and why?
All my collaborations have been special as all the artists I have worked with brought something unique and special to the project. I am thankful and blessed that I have always had a great and successful outcome with each artist I have worked with and looking forward to working with several other African artists.

One of your songs ‘Mwana' was nominated for the Tanzania People's Choice Awards 2016. What was the inspiration behind this hit single?
My surroundings. I live in a society that has witnessed youth lives being destroyed by drugs. Growing up, I saw a lot of this and I had to sing about it to have the message come across.

You will be performing in Kampala, what should Ugandans expect?
A thrilling show. It's a good time for me to be performing in Uganda. I have received so much love from this country and I hope to show them how much I appreciate them through giving them a fantastic show. So at Blankets and Wine, we shall be out to have a great time, I hope everyone comes out to have a good time with me.

What do you know about Uganda as a country and also the music scene in Uganda?
I know a lot about Uganda but what I love about Uganda is the way they embrace and celebrate their own music, just like Tanzania and that is a very beautiful thing.


If you were to do a collabo with a Ugandan artiste, who would it be and why?
There is so much talent in Uganda and I appreciate so many artists from Bebe Cool, Eddy Kenzo, Chameleone Maurice Kirya etc. It would be a pleasure to work with any of the talented artists in Uganda.