Justin B with Karungi. PHOTO BY ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
The NBS TV presenter and music manager met his fan, Rhoda Karungi, a student at YMCA.
Tell me about your family background?
I am the son of Mr and Ms Derrick and Damalie Sematimba who stay in Kyengera-Mugongo. I am the second born from a family of five, with two brothers and two sisters. Unfortunately, one passed away sometime back.
We are used to your TV name Justin B, what is your real name?
I was born Justin Basiima.
For how long have you been on TV?
This is my fifth year, having started in 2008.
I read in Sqoop that you are also into artiste management, with Renah being one of the artisets on your record label. Why her, when did you start this label and which other artistes have you signed so far?
I started my label, SwitDrim Music about three years back, but professionally, its one year now. In the first two years, I had Dove MC and Stone under a group called Lyrical Assault. When I went professional, I signed Renah Nalumansi, Beenie Gunter and Wonderman.
Why did you join NBS of all stations?
NBS TV management believed in me when all the other TV stations didn’t. I went to a number of stations before NBS TV, but I guess they didn’t think I was good enough, so NBS was my final destination.
Did you study Mass Communication for you to be on our screens or it was a matter of technical know who?
I didn’t do Mass Communication. I have had passion for showbiz right from when I was a little boy and I knew that I would do it even after school. However, I believe luck was on my side because when I went to NBS TV, I found Chris Wanobere who has been the programmes director since then. He knew my passion for showbiz while I was still at campus. I guess that’s what made it a little easy for me.
Where did you go to school?
I went to St Noah Primary School Zana, then Busoga College Mwiri, before joining Mubs for a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. Thereafter, I did a post graduate Diploma in Marketing Management at Uganda management Institute.
Who inspired you to join the television industry?
No one in particular but like I said earlier, showbiz has always been my thing. However, Chris Wanobere made me believe more in myself, more so with my very first TV show, 45 Minutes, that explored the local movie industry.
Talking of 45 Minutes, what happened to that show because I no longer see it aired on NBS and what is your new programme Star Times Bazuuka all about?
45 Minutes is off TV for now but we are cooking a better version. So, me the movie man will be back on your TV sets previewing strictly local movies as soon as the changes have been made. At the moment I do a game show called Star Times Bazuuka, which airs live on NBS TV every Sunday at 7.45pm.
What is this new show all about?
It’s a game show where I give out Star Times goodies including Decoders, phones, TVs etc.
You also had a stint as an artiste, what happened to that dream. Didn’t you believe in yourself?
I have always believed in myself and everything I do. I’m still doing music both directly and indirectly. Just watch that space.
Which presenter do you consider the best in the industry?
Without doubt, I’m the best.
There are over 50 TV presenters in Uganda, what makes you different from the rest?
I would say I’m an all-rounder. I can comfortably do any type of show, apart from a political show and I can fit in all audiences. By the way, I can also emcee.