Exclusive interview: Desire Luzinda forever 25

Desire Luzinda has been in the news over her leaked nude photos and the release of her song, Ekitone, thereafter. In an exclusive interview, Saturday Vision’s Grace Nafuna asked her about her experience in the aftermath of the leaked photos, plus her love life

Mention Desire and many imagine nude pictures. Were you set up?

We took the pictures. But it was a year ago. Everyone in love takes pictures, but why would anyone keep them? I did not expect him to still have them.

How did the exposé hit you?

I was devastated. I did not eat for over four days.

And now, how do you feel?

I feel good. God can transform situations that are meant to be your worst into good ones. I didn't know I would recover; I was so devastated at the time that I wanted to leave the country, but through prayer, things started to change. Over time, people started to believe that I was not the one who released the pictures.

How did you recover?

First, I had to accept that it had happened. That was a very big challenge. I got support from my family, friends and management team. I am also a very strong person and that is a trait I think I got from my mother. I was calm throughout, in spite of the hurt. It took me about four days to come to terms with what had happened. If I didn't have a daughter, I would have fled the country.

How did your family react?

They are very religious, very dignified people. but they understood and still loved me the same. They also understood that it was out of revenge.

There were rumours your dad wanted to expel you from the clan.

Lies. A lot was concocted about me and my family. My dad was very supportive. Around that time, we even attended a party together and he held my hand throughout.

And your daughter?

We had to reveal it to her. I discussed it with her dad. We realised that she was bound to hear about it from someone else and it would be distorted or exaggerated. We took her to a counsellor and broke the news to her. I needed her support so badly. Her school, Namagunga Parents, took good care of her and protected her.

Didn't her dad take her away from you?

Yes, (tears up) he did. But some people talked to him and he brought her back. He didn't even want to speak to me for some time and it was understandable. But later, he became supportive.

Franklin Emuobor claims that he lent you sh160m for a show and bought you a Mercedes Benz.

He didn't give me that much money. I had sponsors for my show, like Pepsi. Would I still be in debt if he had given me sh160m? On the contrary, I borrowed money for him for one of his business projects and he failed to pay it back. By the time he left the country, we had broken up! That left me with the huge responsibility of paying off the debts. He never bought me a Benz. I have always had my own car. If he claims he did, let him bring the receipts.

According to Franklin, you have a long list of men: Sseya, Chris, Ben Misagga, Toniks, Dj Western and John Frank Seroma, a car broker, whom you were cheating on him with. Was it true?

Did I cheat on him? Did he cheat on me? People always point fingers at us the celebrities but if I cheated on him, there must have been a reason why.

But with Missaga, we even saw text messages; were you dating Franklin at the time?

I have no comment about that.

What revenge are you planning?

Like what? If I leaked his nude pictures, he would not get the amount of attention I got. Women's bodies are different; once exposed the attention they garner is twice that of the men. No, it's not worth it. There’s nothing I can do that would equal what he did to me. Besides, revenge never takes away the offence. However, I’m still waiting for justice.

Who wrote Ekitone?

Mozey Radio wrote that song; it was way before the saga. It just garnered more hype after the nudes leaked. I realised I needed something controversial for that time. So I shot the video and started promoting it. When I released the video, everyone loved it and it worked.

But didn't the video compromise your image further?

I figured that there would always be people who will judge me. I also had to look at it from the business perspective. It's not what happens to you that matters; it is how you rise. I can't please everyone.

Your nudes provoked a waterfall of nudes of other people. As a survivor, what advice do you have for other victims?

I advise the women to, first of all, seek protection. It is also important to prove your innocence. In my case, I was lucky to have the police intervene and Franklin is now being hunted for. As a celebrity, chances that you will be misjudged are high, that's perhaps the price you pay for being in the limelight.

To date there are people who still think that I leaked my own pictures for popularity and, try as I may, there is nothing I can do about them. Lastly try to live your life and pray. Nothing moves mountains like prayer. You need to pick up the pieces and face the situation.

Do You pray?

I attend fellowship every Wednesday and once in a while, I go to Bat Valley (Pastor Aloysius Bugingo's fellowship) to pray.

Do you think you will ever get married?

I do believe in marriage. You can never say never as long as you find the right person.

Has Franklin ruined your impression of men?

No. That was one person's mistake and I cannot judge all men based on him. It also doesn't in any way mean I will always land on the wrong ones.

Describe your relationship with Seya

I like him so much. I treasure the friendship we have and if anyone is intimidated by it, there is nothing I can do about that. I don't care what anyone thinks. He stood by me when the pictures were published and moved from one media house to another to clear my name. How many people can do that for you?

And Pastor Bugembe?

Yes, he is my friend and also a really nice and friendly person. Other pastors have the notion that they cannot be seen associating with sinners, but he is different, which is amazing. He does not judge. After my nude pictures leaked, he wondered what he could do for me to make me stronger. And that is when he wrote the song Ebyama.

Who else supported you?

There were many people like Sarah Zawedde, Halima Namakula, Abdu Wasike of KFM, Radio and Weasel and, of course, my family. They called me, comforted me, were there for me.

Any lesson you drew from all this?

You can't trust a human being. Yes we need friends, but be careful who you reveal your innermost secrets to. I have always known it's not good to trust people but you don't take certain things seriously until they happen to you.

How old are you? Some say you are 29, others 30

(Laughs) I am forever 25.

Tell us about yourself?

My name is Nancy Racheal Luzinda known also as Desire because I am desirable, am I not? I took that name on in my teens and I still think it perfectly describes who I am. I am the fifth of seven children. I come from an extremely religious family with an Islamic background, but with Christian upbringing. So much that some of my sisters have never been to a nightclub or to Sixth Street. All they know is church.

This background is the reason I have stayed firm and survived in a very tempting industry. The music industry presents a lot of challenges and temptations. I was the naughty one in the family, the one who broke the rules (laughs). So being different is what has made me successful.

However, even though I have compromised on a lot of things, there are still things that I could never do courtesy of my upbringing. Like I don't drink, maybe a little champagne or wine. I also hardly go out; I am a homebody.

You got a child at 19

Yes and it was tough, really tough. It changed me a lot. I conceived in S6 and carried on with school while pregnant. I then gave birth to my daughter two weeks after my S6 exams. And my daughter is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

And university?

I went to Makerere for a bachelor's degree in development economics. I was pursuing my music career at the same time and I could not handle the two. The zeal and passion I had for music was too much and I reasoned that I could always go back to school later. I later also tried to study microfinance at a different university and failed. The course required a lot of time, yet I was often required to travel up-country.

You were once a TV presenter, why did you quit?

I was always out of town and it was difficult to juggle the two. But that TV career was obviously the start of my music career.

What inspired you to go into music?

Singing has been my passion since childhood. I sang in church and in my high school choir. I worked in television during my senior six vacation and that propelled my singing career further. My first song was called Nakoowa emikwano. It was out of experience. Everybody has a list of bad friends that always disappoint them.

Many female musicians seem to need extra means of earning money; doesn't the industry pay enough?

It's a well-paying career. If you put your all in it, you will reap the benefits. I think every industry will have people who are ambitious or immoral. The difference is that when you are in music, your life is exposed. People should stop pointing fingers.

Will you go back to school?

Yes. It has always been in my plans. It's something I really want to do, if not for my sake for my mother. She tells me she won't die happy if I do not give her a degree. The problem is that something always comes up. I am a very brilliant girl; I do not want bad grades. So when I start, I want to do it whole-heartedly.

If you not been a musician...

I would have been a lawyer. That is what my mum wanted me to be. However, I was intimidated by the five years of study (laughs). As a young girl I was very bright and argumentative.

Are you a good cook?

I am a very good cook. I started cooking at the age of 12.

Your favourite meal?

Rice and g-nuts.

Would you kneel for your man?

Only on special occasions. The era of kneeling is gone.

The craziest thing you have done for love...

Borrowing money (for Franklin). I still can't believe I borrowed it. But I love like that. I am the kind of person who tries to be there for friends regardless of the cost.

What is the most romantic thing a man has done for you?

I am easy to please. I find even the smallest things romantic. I have been blessed to have people who have showered me with love. I am blessed.

Your favourite colour?

White because it is clean and classy. And red because it's simply hot.

How do you deal with stalkers?

I am out of reach. I keep to myself most of the time. I am a stay- at-home girl, so it is difficult to reach me. The more you make yourself available, the easier it is for them to disturb you.

Where do you see yourself in five years' time?

I will be a big entrepreneur.

Any music projects you're working on?

I have plenty of songs.

A message to your fans?

I want to thank them for their overwhelming love and support.