Her unwavering fight to stardom
JULIANA Kanyomozi is the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Awards Artiste of The Year. She beat Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool and Geoffrey Lutaaya to the award last weekend, becoming the first female artiste to win the coveted prize.
JULIANA Kanyomozi is the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Awards Artiste of The Year. She beat Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool and Geoffrey Lutaaya to the award last weekend, becoming the first female artiste to win the coveted prize. Gilbert Mwijuke spoke to her:
When did you decide on singing professionally?
In 1999. I had been performing karaoke in bars since 1996, so in 1999, I had to start singing professionally if I was to achieve my dream of becoming a superstar.
What were you doing for money back then?
In 1999, I was still a student (S.5) at Namasagali College. During that time, I was juggling music and academics.
Tell us about your high school life
I was quiet and reserved.
Infact, some of my OGs say they used to fear talking to me because they thought I was tough! (Laughs.) I was also a coward. I never missed any compulsory school activities because I feared to be punished.
I was punctual, went for food on time, attended all classes and never missed prayers on Sundays.
President Yoweri Museveni offered you a scholarship a few years ago. Have you been in school, are you in school or are you planning to go to school?
At the time the President made the offer, I was busy promoting my Nabikoowa album. But I am still following up the offer. I identified an academy in Los Angels where I auditioned and was given a place. I intend to study entrepreneurship and performing arts. It is now up to the President.
You come from a noble lineage; a first cousin of the King of Toro. How do you mix royalty with music?
The two do not mix. My family and music are two different things. That is why I never talk about my family.
What is your greatest musical accomplishment?
Winning the PAM Awards Artiste of The Year.
Did you see this coming?
Yes, I expected to win, but I also knew that I was competing with tough musicians. Half of my heart was telling me that I might win, and the other half that Bobi Wine would take the award.
What do you attribute this win to?
Years of hard work, determination and good friends, including my producers, songwriters, media friends and managers. I have done it with the help of people like Steve Jean, Henry Kiwuwa, Alan Okia, Eddie Ndawula and songwriter Sylver Kyagulanyi.
Which album do you consider the most successful?
Oh my God, that is a very difficult question. All my albums have done pretty well. For instance to date, I still sing Nabikoowa and get my audience singing along. Of the two albums, Nabikoowa and Kibaluma, I cannot tell which one has been more successful.
How do you compare studio work with live performances?
Singing live is challenging. That is when you have to prove your worth and cannot change any mistakes like you would in the studio. In the studio, you do not suffer sound glitches.
But live performance is interesting because you sing to someone who is reacting to your music. In the studio, you pretend you are emotional.
One of your latest songs, Diana, was nominated in the Song of The Year category. How do you compare Diana with your erstwhile hit, Nabikoowa?
Nabikoowa was very deep in terms of the words and meaning. Diana on the other hand, did better than I anticipated. But both songs have been successful.
On the Philly Lutaaya tribute, you chose to sing Diana, a male’s song. That was bold. Why did you choose it?
That song was so artistic. Philly went from high to low just within a few lines, which was so amazing.
If you were a guy for a day, what would you do?
I would not love to be one. A woman gets favours — she is taken for dinner, protected and all that stuff men do to please women. I cannot imagine missing out on the fun.
Why haven’t most Ugandan female artistes broken out on the international music scene? Can you advise them?
They cling to a style which may not be appealing to other countries. The music industry is aggressive, so you have to do what the market demands.
They should do collaborations because these give one the opportunity to tap into another artiste’s fan base. They should also not rush their music in a bid to compete with others.
Given a chance, what would you change about yourself?
I wish people could separate Juliana the public figure from the one who has a right to privacy.
Which song has done it for you?
Diana was popular on the local market, but Usiende Mbaali (featuring Tanzania’s Bushoke) crossed boaders. In a few months’ time, Sirina Mulala could take over.
How was working with other artistes?
I liked Bobi Wine’s creativity and passion about his music. He has a rare talent and sings about things his fans want to hear. Sweet Kid is a perfectionist, while Bushoke is soft-spoken, reserved and polite.
What are your plans?
I am here to stay. I am recording my new album which I hope to release next year, and I am planning to go into acting. I also want to promote young talent.
When did you decide on singing professionally?
In 1999. I had been performing karaoke in bars since 1996, so in 1999, I had to start singing professionally if I was to achieve my dream of becoming a superstar.
What were you doing for money back then?
In 1999, I was still a student (S.5) at Namasagali College. During that time, I was juggling music and academics.
Tell us about your high school life
I was quiet and reserved.
Infact, some of my OGs say they used to fear talking to me because they thought I was tough! (Laughs.) I was also a coward. I never missed any compulsory school activities because I feared to be punished.
I was punctual, went for food on time, attended all classes and never missed prayers on Sundays.
President Yoweri Museveni offered you a scholarship a few years ago. Have you been in school, are you in school or are you planning to go to school?
At the time the President made the offer, I was busy promoting my Nabikoowa album. But I am still following up the offer. I identified an academy in Los Angels where I auditioned and was given a place. I intend to study entrepreneurship and performing arts. It is now up to the President.
You come from a noble lineage; a first cousin of the King of Toro. How do you mix royalty with music?
The two do not mix. My family and music are two different things. That is why I never talk about my family.
What is your greatest musical accomplishment?
Winning the PAM Awards Artiste of The Year.
Did you see this coming?
Yes, I expected to win, but I also knew that I was competing with tough musicians. Half of my heart was telling me that I might win, and the other half that Bobi Wine would take the award.
What do you attribute this win to?
Years of hard work, determination and good friends, including my producers, songwriters, media friends and managers. I have done it with the help of people like Steve Jean, Henry Kiwuwa, Alan Okia, Eddie Ndawula and songwriter Sylver Kyagulanyi.
Which album do you consider the most successful?
Oh my God, that is a very difficult question. All my albums have done pretty well. For instance to date, I still sing Nabikoowa and get my audience singing along. Of the two albums, Nabikoowa and Kibaluma, I cannot tell which one has been more successful.
How do you compare studio work with live performances?
Singing live is challenging. That is when you have to prove your worth and cannot change any mistakes like you would in the studio. In the studio, you do not suffer sound glitches.
But live performance is interesting because you sing to someone who is reacting to your music. In the studio, you pretend you are emotional.
One of your latest songs, Diana, was nominated in the Song of The Year category. How do you compare Diana with your erstwhile hit, Nabikoowa?
Nabikoowa was very deep in terms of the words and meaning. Diana on the other hand, did better than I anticipated. But both songs have been successful.
On the Philly Lutaaya tribute, you chose to sing Diana, a male’s song. That was bold. Why did you choose it?
That song was so artistic. Philly went from high to low just within a few lines, which was so amazing.
If you were a guy for a day, what would you do?
I would not love to be one. A woman gets favours — she is taken for dinner, protected and all that stuff men do to please women. I cannot imagine missing out on the fun.
Why haven’t most Ugandan female artistes broken out on the international music scene? Can you advise them?
They cling to a style which may not be appealing to other countries. The music industry is aggressive, so you have to do what the market demands.
They should do collaborations because these give one the opportunity to tap into another artiste’s fan base. They should also not rush their music in a bid to compete with others.
Given a chance, what would you change about yourself?
I wish people could separate Juliana the public figure from the one who has a right to privacy.
Which song has done it for you?
Diana was popular on the local market, but Usiende Mbaali (featuring Tanzania’s Bushoke) crossed boaders. In a few months’ time, Sirina Mulala could take over.
How was working with other artistes?
I liked Bobi Wine’s creativity and passion about his music. He has a rare talent and sings about things his fans want to hear. Sweet Kid is a perfectionist, while Bushoke is soft-spoken, reserved and polite.
What are your plans?
I am here to stay. I am recording my new album which I hope to release next year, and I am planning to go into acting. I also want to promote young talent.