Stop naming yourselves after animals, Juliana Kanyomozi tells artistes

Singer Juliana Kanyomozi has advised rising artistes against using stage names, saying it is more professional to retain one's own name. 

She observed that some artistes are named after animals, giving examples of singers Jose Chameleone, Weasel and Mad Tiger. Juliana said this does not communicate professionalism.

Juliana reasoned that names of that nature may scare away clients, leading to denial of opportunities. 

"I have never changed my name since childhood, which has made me the person that I am today. I love my name. I feel proud when someone calls me by my sweet name. Some people used to say it’s too long, which may not sound good for international business, but I stuck to it," she said during a phone interview on Saturday, June 1, 2024 on what is in the pipeline since her concert at the Kampala Serena Hotel on August 20, 2022.

The Nabikoowa hit-maker said she never changed her name, enabling her gain trust from a variety of corporate companies where she gets partnership deals, as well as being a brand ambassador.

She wondered if a big name in the music industry like Senegalese Youssou N'dour could retain his name, why should she change hers.

"There is no need to change a name. I think it's a thing of pride and to show off where you come from," Juliana, who is from Toro, said.

She expressed gratitude that she is still relevant in today's music industry "even if the competition is stiff."

"People come and go, but I am still on the music charts. Personally, I do not have the power to do it on my own, but I love what God is doing in my life," Juliana said.

The 43-year-old is quite accomplished as a musician with numerous gigs to her name.

In March 2014, she signed with international cosmetics company Oriflame to be one of their East African brand ambassadors together with Lady Jay Dee of Tanzania and Jamila Mbugua of Kenya.

She has collaborated with Nigerian entertainer Flavour.
In 2011 she was nominated in the Pan Africa Artiste or Group category at that year's Nigeria Entertainment Awards. 

Between 2009 and 2013, she was a judge at the then popular Tusker Project Fame (TPF) talent search show alongside other judges such as Ian Mbugua from Kenya and Tanzania’s Hermes Joachim in addition to Gaetano Kagwa.

Juliana said she has won many awards in her career, but recently film director Mariam Ndagire recognised her with an award.

"I felt so happy since she is the person I looked up to in my career. This made me feel so special. It made me see the importance of celebrating people while they are still alive," she said.

Juliana emphasied that she will never quit music.

"I am just slow on music because I have other stuff that I do which make me busy. People have been seeing me interviewing fellow artistes on YouTube and they thought I left music, which is not true. I love listening to people’s stories and learning from them as well. I am still playing a big role in the industry the same way as I used to do. I am in the studio where I have a lot of new projects, but they will not be released at once. I like to guide and correct artistes. The young generation needs me as I needed the elders of my generation  in music," Juliana said.