It is just Juliana

Aug 19, 2005

A lot of people only see Juliana Kanyomoozi on stage, and they think that she must be some sort of remote being, unapproachable and more than just human. Her celestial soprano drives the point further. But during a recent interview, she revealed that she too can climb trees, fall for handsome guys a

By Titus Serunjogi

A lot of people only see Juliana Kanyomoozi on stage, and they think that she must be some sort of remote being, unapproachable and more than just human. Her celestial soprano drives the point further. But during a recent interview, she revealed that she too can climb trees, fall for handsome guys and save up for lip-gloss, just like the rest of us.

QUESTION: Bobi wine once called you his songbird. Have you spent some time up in the trees with your twittering sisters?
I used to climb trees as a little girl. I should have asked those sweet tiny birds to lend me their voices! But I used to sing a lot at school and in church. I also took voice lessons from the late Carol Nakimera. And during karaoke at Sabrina's pub, I wanted to hit the same high notes as Mariah (Carey).

Njagala ondage omukwano is without doubt the most stimulating song on your new album. Who would you be humming it to when there's nobody else nearby?
I'd rather sing Njagala ondage omukwano at a house party or a concert. The song is for two lovers who are both happy. And this chic can tell her man: "Come on show me some love!" I have so many friends who're happily in love, so I sung Njagala ondage omukwano to inspire them.

We've heard you complaining in Taata w'abaana yaani? Now in Nabikoowa, you're fed up of him. Are you trying to tell us something about your life with Amon?
No, not really. Silver Kyagulanyi penned down this song without the slightest idea of what was going on between Amon and me. But of course we had our quarrels and fights. And at the end of it all, we sat down and agreed that we couldn't go on living together.
I was moving out but was like: 'Ooh is this right?' I was thinking about how my three-year-old son could cope without his father. For some people, it is not the best bet; they end up going back. But I had made up my mind.

So, must your next suitor have his own cash or can he just sponge off you?
You don't need lots of money to impress Juliana. Any down-to-earth and romantic dude can sponge off me. But he's got to remain natural-not to try and buy his way into my life with lots of roses and chocolate. I can remember being blown away by a guy's looks very many times. But most of them are too scared to come up and chat with me. It's nice to have a lot of choice but that makes it even harder to hook up with Mr. Right. Besides, I'm not craving for a man just now.

Right now, everyone wants to have a piece of you (thank God you've not been ripped to pieces!) What's the best tabloid rumour you've heard about yourself?
Best… (chuckles). I think tabloids are just nice little fiction storybooks. I woke up one morning to the blaring headlines that I'd been seen entering a hotel room with Mr. X. I just couldn't help laughing, because on that very night I was screaming before crowds in Gulu! I hear lots of other rumours about me, but I just laugh them away. After all, life is a comedy.

And being a gossip phenomenon, you evidently have to look your best at all times. Isn't that overwhelming?
Only a bit. Sometimes I get this feeling: 'You either look good or you're dead!' So I have just paid sh90,000 just to have my nails polished. (Displays her fingernails, which are varnished in white crystal, worked into elaborate art). I often buy L'Oreal lip-gloss for sh70,000. And my favourite face powder costs sh120,000. I love to wear watches that match my top and often move with a gold chain on my ankles. I always buy the hottest pants and tops from Sylvie's Boutique. And whenever I take a walk uptown, I end up in a clothes shopping spree.

Do people recognise you and bug you for autographs?
Definitely yeah! I feel flattered when hundreds of my fans crowd about me for autographs. Once, I was walking along Wilson road when this cute little girl came screaming my name and she threw her hands about me, blubbering all the way that she couldn't believe her eyes. She begged me to write my name on her top. It feels so sweet to know that even the child loves you.

So what's the most frustrating thing about being famous?
When you suddenly begin to realise that your life no longer belongs to you! You get all the glitz and the fun and the smiles. Everyone wants to do you a favour and life can be really exciting. But go out to have lunch with an old school friend and the next day, you're making headlines: 'Juliana hooks KCC player'. At first I used to tremble at all this, but now I take it all with a light heart.

With all the success you've enjoyed, you must be able to treat yourself to pretty things that take your fancy. What's the latest big thing you've splashed on?
I'm not such a big spender. I bought this cute Honda for just 18 million and I just love her! I want to make her even more beautiful with sports rims, exotic headlights and booming speakers.

Anything you've always wanted to do but have never had the chance?
As a child, I always dreamt about making a lot of money and splashing it on my dad. But sadly, he passed away without ever revelling in my fortune. He'd taught me and to love and to live. I really miss him. Fortunately I have my mother around me and I spoil her with every thing.
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