When Seruga proposed, she was already hot
Mar 31, 2006
BEFORE Mesach Semakula of Eagles’ Production Band came into the limelight, <b>Catherine Kusaasira</b> was the band’s leading light. She was arguably the best selling artiste in Uganda in 2003 with album sales of <i>Ekitibwa Kyo Mwami</i>, her maiden album, soaring in excess of 150,000 copies. Ho
BEFORE Mesach Semakula of Eagles’ Production Band came into the limelight, Catherine Kusaasira was the band’s leading light. She was arguably the best selling artiste in Uganda in 2003 with album sales of Ekitibwa Kyo Mwami, her maiden album, soaring in excess of 150,000 copies. However, Kusasira has hubby Fred Seruga to thank for the success. Seruga, one of the band members writes Kusaasira’s songs. Pidson Kareire talked to both of them and below are excerpts.
How did you know each other?
I got to know him when Eagles Productions Band performed at Mitala Maria Secondary School when I was in S.4. I loved singing. He later helped me to join the band and we became friends. Later, when he proposed to me, I accepted since I was already charmed by his personality.
How long did you date?
It did not take long; we only dated for eight months. It was not difficult because there was already chemistry between us.
What can easily make you angry?
If I find my husband with someone I don’t know.
Fans say you tight-mark Seruga. Is it true?
It is not true. I hate tight-marking him because if I discover something after tight-marking him, I may be devastated.
We are committed to each other, so no cause for worry.
Is Wafuka Bikadde your latest track about your husband?
No. It is about the proud and arrogant man who proposed to me before I met Seruga. This man used money to lure me but failed. He, however, decided to twist things in his favour, saying that he chucked me. Since Seruga composes my songs, when I told him about it, he wrote a song and now it is a hit.
Who do you leave at home when you two go out for concerts?
We have two house helps and my sister-in law, who remain behind keeping the home. Besides, we always perform on weekends and other special days, so we have enough time to prepare for our weekend outings.
How does Seruga react to fans who drool at you on stage?
As long as I am working, there is no problem. The music industry is very funny; sometimes you are forced to do something to please your fans. The good thing is we work together and he knows the behaviour of fans; they stop at that (drooling), no feelings!
Does he choose your stage costumes?
No, he gives me money to buy them.
Has he ever commented on what you wear?
He likes to see me in body-hugging clothes. He does not want me to wear loose clothes. When I wear oversized clothes, he says I am in maternity. So, I now know his taste as far as fashion is concerned.
What is your favourite dish?
I like pumpkins and groundnuts.
What makes you happy?
Seeing my children playing.
What do you use on your skin?
Samona and limara.
What wouldn’t you do without in your room?
A mirror.
FRED SERUGA
Before Kusaasira, did you date many girls?
I dated several girls before becoming serious. I wanted to get the best among them. But as soon as I got Kusaasira, I stopped dating other girls.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
It has never happened to me, but I chucked someone who almost committed suicide.
Have you ever been ‘detoothed’
Oh yeah! But you see the so-called detoothers take small things. Others are interested in filling up their stomachs. Most detoothers aim at drinking several bottles of beer and maybe getting airtime, nothing much. But in the end they are losers.They will never think of anything developmental.
Was it easy to win Kusaasira’s heart?
We started out as friends, developing our talents together. It was after I realised that what I wanted was actually in her, that I proposed.
People say you are possessive of your wife. Is it true?
It is not true. We are always together, maybe that is what they mean.
I can get possessive but not on stage. When she is not on stage, she is at home, she does not like parties. So why should I be suspicious of her?
What do you do to female fans who fall for you?
There is nothing I can do for them. They know I am married and if they go ahead to seduce a married man, they are not only sinning but also crazy.
Would you encourage your child to join you in music?
I cannot because successful musicians are not highly educated. Besides, there is too much struggle in the music industry which is not equivalent to the returns. I must make sure my children get to other fields.
What would make you angry to the extent of harming someone?
I do not get angry easily, but if I get someone with my wife.. I know she can also get angry if that happens with me.
What don’t you do without at table?
I cannot eat without juice.
What food do you love?
well-cooked posho and fresh beans.
Any advice on marriage?
My elders advised me not to fight but to discuss and communicate clearly.
What do you like about marriage?
Marriage encourages development. When I was single, I used to spend anyhow, but today, I spend responsibly; there is that respect you earn from society because people think unmarried people are immoral.
How did you know each other?
I got to know him when Eagles Productions Band performed at Mitala Maria Secondary School when I was in S.4. I loved singing. He later helped me to join the band and we became friends. Later, when he proposed to me, I accepted since I was already charmed by his personality.
How long did you date?
It did not take long; we only dated for eight months. It was not difficult because there was already chemistry between us.
What can easily make you angry?
If I find my husband with someone I don’t know.
Fans say you tight-mark Seruga. Is it true?
It is not true. I hate tight-marking him because if I discover something after tight-marking him, I may be devastated.
We are committed to each other, so no cause for worry.
Is Wafuka Bikadde your latest track about your husband?
No. It is about the proud and arrogant man who proposed to me before I met Seruga. This man used money to lure me but failed. He, however, decided to twist things in his favour, saying that he chucked me. Since Seruga composes my songs, when I told him about it, he wrote a song and now it is a hit.
Who do you leave at home when you two go out for concerts?
We have two house helps and my sister-in law, who remain behind keeping the home. Besides, we always perform on weekends and other special days, so we have enough time to prepare for our weekend outings.
How does Seruga react to fans who drool at you on stage?
As long as I am working, there is no problem. The music industry is very funny; sometimes you are forced to do something to please your fans. The good thing is we work together and he knows the behaviour of fans; they stop at that (drooling), no feelings!
Does he choose your stage costumes?
No, he gives me money to buy them.
Has he ever commented on what you wear?
He likes to see me in body-hugging clothes. He does not want me to wear loose clothes. When I wear oversized clothes, he says I am in maternity. So, I now know his taste as far as fashion is concerned.
What is your favourite dish?
I like pumpkins and groundnuts.
What makes you happy?
Seeing my children playing.
What do you use on your skin?
Samona and limara.
What wouldn’t you do without in your room?
A mirror.
FRED SERUGA
Before Kusaasira, did you date many girls?
I dated several girls before becoming serious. I wanted to get the best among them. But as soon as I got Kusaasira, I stopped dating other girls.
Have you ever had your heart broken?
It has never happened to me, but I chucked someone who almost committed suicide.
Have you ever been ‘detoothed’
Oh yeah! But you see the so-called detoothers take small things. Others are interested in filling up their stomachs. Most detoothers aim at drinking several bottles of beer and maybe getting airtime, nothing much. But in the end they are losers.They will never think of anything developmental.
Was it easy to win Kusaasira’s heart?
We started out as friends, developing our talents together. It was after I realised that what I wanted was actually in her, that I proposed.
People say you are possessive of your wife. Is it true?
It is not true. We are always together, maybe that is what they mean.
I can get possessive but not on stage. When she is not on stage, she is at home, she does not like parties. So why should I be suspicious of her?
What do you do to female fans who fall for you?
There is nothing I can do for them. They know I am married and if they go ahead to seduce a married man, they are not only sinning but also crazy.
Would you encourage your child to join you in music?
I cannot because successful musicians are not highly educated. Besides, there is too much struggle in the music industry which is not equivalent to the returns. I must make sure my children get to other fields.
What would make you angry to the extent of harming someone?
I do not get angry easily, but if I get someone with my wife.. I know she can also get angry if that happens with me.
What don’t you do without at table?
I cannot eat without juice.
What food do you love?
well-cooked posho and fresh beans.
Any advice on marriage?
My elders advised me not to fight but to discuss and communicate clearly.
What do you like about marriage?
Marriage encourages development. When I was single, I used to spend anyhow, but today, I spend responsibly; there is that respect you earn from society because people think unmarried people are immoral.