Fate, time and talent have driven me - Jamie Culture

Jamie Kasujja, also known as Jamie Culture, is the man who put pen to paper Irene Namatovu’s song Okuzaala Kujagaana. He is also the songwriter behind Kayembe by Eddy Yaawe and Sumbusa by Eddie Kenzo. Glorias Musiime had a chat with the songwriter.


Who is Jamie Culture?

I was born 32 years ago in Masaka district. My father is veteran Ugandan singer Ssembogga Kabuye who is famous for hit songs like Onyambanga, Sheila, Kangume, Twebelera Eno, (Ebisanyi) Bimbunyebunye.



Is it your dad who inspired you to join the music Industry?

Yes. I used to love his vocals. Actually all my parents used to sing. They still sing at times. I wanted to keep up their music memories as well.



Did you start with Okujagana song or you have other songs?

I had written songs before but they were not credited. I wrote Chocolate Girl for Azizi Azion, Empeta Irene Namatovu, Kayembe Eddy Yawe, Sumbusa Eddy Kenzo and Barbi Jay, Kisumuluzo by Grace Semwogerere, Oli Kilabo by Winnie Nwagi.



What’s your experience after hitting all these lyrics?

I have a lot of work. Many artistes want my work because they have found out that my music is on the right track. One low point from my experience is that some singers I have worked with do not want to credit us song writers. At times they pretend they write for themselves – which is wrong.



What are your conditions for song crediting?

I set terms and conditions and put a price on the work accordingly.  We first agree on crediting. If one doesn’t want to credit me as a writer, the song is priced highly.



Do you only write cultural/traditional songs?

Not really, I love my culture so much. I know much about it and that is why I am trying so hard to keep my traditional values awake since some people have abandoned them.



Can you tell if you have written a good or a hit song?

The two differ. I can know I have written a hit song, even when it is still in studio. As a writer, I can know because of the message, the beat and the flow.



Did you know Okuzaala Kujagaana was going to hit?

Of course! I listen to it over and over again. Later I released it to the owner/buyer.



Where do you write your songs from?

I am always at Producer Crouch Studio in Lungujja. I also help people finish up their songs while in studio.



What makes you tick?

I have been driven by fate, time and talent.