Magoola's kind of love: Happy simple no ties
Mar 16, 2007
Musician, choreographer, actress, teacher and bookworm describe Rachael Magoola. After a successful music career with the Afrigo Band, she formed a band in the 1990s. She later dissolved it and went into full-time teaching while pursuing an international music career. <b>Elvis Basudde</b> talked to
UNLIKE other artistes, you are rarely seen with men. Are you dating anyone?
Ah! (hesitates). Yes, there is somebody. We have been dating for over three years now, but it is a long-distance relationship.
Who is that lucky man?
I am not going to tell you. But he is there. He does not stay in this country. We are not engaged.
At the moment, we are okay and I do not want to rock the boat with demands to settle down. It is not in my plan now and since he has not proposed, I guess it is not part of his plans yet.
But are you going to continue like that?
We get along fine. It is an easy and happy relationship, simple and uncomplicated. No ties. Each one does what they want to do, but we respect each other and have a good relationship.
But don’t you want to have children?
Not yet. Children are a blessing. When they happen, they happen and when they do not, they do not.
How did your relationship start?
Ah! Strange. We met at a concert in London. We were sitting at the same table having a drink, we said “hiâ€, introduced ourselves, and got talking. He was funny — I laughed at his jokes and he laughed at mine.
After the show, we had another drink and took it from there (laughs). He is cool. We get along well. He is polished, has good manners and is well-read. He is every inch a gentleman.
Had you met before? Was he an acquaintance?
No! It was the first meeting and it was love at first sight. He said he had seen my picture on one of the brochures advertising one of my shows at the same venue.
When you were still with Afrigo, did you get people approaching you for a relationship?
Yeah, many fans. But when you are performing, you are really busy. So you are not as accessible as people think.
Did you get involved with colleagues or members of the band?
No! We were like brothers to those guys. I think we were too close as friends to get involved in a relationship.
But I know that artistes develop affairs in the course of duty.
It happens a lot because you see each other every time and the sparks are there. You cannot rule that out.
When you formed your band, how did you handle members dating each other?
I did not get such incidences. I do not think it is healthy because sometimes it interferes with your work. But if it is a real thing; if people are seriously into each other, I do not know how you can stop that.
You have many songs, which one is your favourite?
Gwendayira. It is a love song. There is a lot of love in that song, but I love it more for its musical quality.
I remember Obangaina. Most of your songs are about relationships, would you describe yourself as an emotional lover?
I am a one-man kind of woman. It has to be only one and it has to apply both ways. I do not share (laughs).
Do you have advice, especially for the young girls?
I am starting to think that I know better that true love waits. And when it is right, it shows. If there is any doubt, you will get a feeling telling you that something is wrong with the relationship. Young girls should wait until the right time.
What are you doing currently?
I am teaching at Zirabamuzale Primary School in Iganga.
It is a family school.
I am also trying to market my music and doing a lot of recording.
Ah! (hesitates). Yes, there is somebody. We have been dating for over three years now, but it is a long-distance relationship.
Who is that lucky man?
I am not going to tell you. But he is there. He does not stay in this country. We are not engaged.
At the moment, we are okay and I do not want to rock the boat with demands to settle down. It is not in my plan now and since he has not proposed, I guess it is not part of his plans yet.
But are you going to continue like that?
We get along fine. It is an easy and happy relationship, simple and uncomplicated. No ties. Each one does what they want to do, but we respect each other and have a good relationship.
But don’t you want to have children?
Not yet. Children are a blessing. When they happen, they happen and when they do not, they do not.
How did your relationship start?
Ah! Strange. We met at a concert in London. We were sitting at the same table having a drink, we said “hiâ€, introduced ourselves, and got talking. He was funny — I laughed at his jokes and he laughed at mine.
After the show, we had another drink and took it from there (laughs). He is cool. We get along well. He is polished, has good manners and is well-read. He is every inch a gentleman.
Had you met before? Was he an acquaintance?
No! It was the first meeting and it was love at first sight. He said he had seen my picture on one of the brochures advertising one of my shows at the same venue.
When you were still with Afrigo, did you get people approaching you for a relationship?
Yeah, many fans. But when you are performing, you are really busy. So you are not as accessible as people think.
Did you get involved with colleagues or members of the band?
No! We were like brothers to those guys. I think we were too close as friends to get involved in a relationship.
But I know that artistes develop affairs in the course of duty.
It happens a lot because you see each other every time and the sparks are there. You cannot rule that out.
When you formed your band, how did you handle members dating each other?
I did not get such incidences. I do not think it is healthy because sometimes it interferes with your work. But if it is a real thing; if people are seriously into each other, I do not know how you can stop that.
You have many songs, which one is your favourite?
Gwendayira. It is a love song. There is a lot of love in that song, but I love it more for its musical quality.
I remember Obangaina. Most of your songs are about relationships, would you describe yourself as an emotional lover?
I am a one-man kind of woman. It has to be only one and it has to apply both ways. I do not share (laughs).
Do you have advice, especially for the young girls?
I am starting to think that I know better that true love waits. And when it is right, it shows. If there is any doubt, you will get a feeling telling you that something is wrong with the relationship. Young girls should wait until the right time.
What are you doing currently?
I am teaching at Zirabamuzale Primary School in Iganga.
It is a family school.
I am also trying to market my music and doing a lot of recording.