Singer Grace Nakimera meets her fan Paul Gift, a businessman around town.
Hi Grace. I understand you have a salon. How is business going?
Unfortunately, I closed the salon to pave way for other business ventures. I am more into real estate and I am so excited about it. My first site is in Namugongo and others are located in Najjera, Kulambilo and Mukono.
Besides the real estate business, how is your music career?
It’s very fine. We are into several projects and this Friday I am performing alongside Congolese star Koffi Olomide at the Lugogo Cricket Oval. MTN has also partnered with me on my latest video Shalala, whereby anyone who sends a clip showing that they are able to dance better than me will win something from them. The details are on social media.
For how long have you been in the music industry?
I have been active for 10 years now.
And how has the journey been for you?
To be honest, I can’t complain. It has been good all along because the Almighty and my fans that have stayed by my side to this day.
What challenges have you faced?
I don’t have many, apart from people not having faith in us. Your song becomes relevant after it has become a hit and because the industry is dominated by males, promoters and sponsors always expect “something” from us – I guess you know what I’m saying.
What good things have you got so far?
I have attained respect and I have been able to invest my proceeds wisely.
Are you married?
Yes, to Mr Andre Ringen and we are blessed with a seven-year-old daughter, Macha Ringen Kalema.
For how long have you been married?
10 years now.
Wow that’s a long time. What is your favourite food?
I love matooke, rice and peas, but only if I have prepared the meal myself.
How many songs do you have?
Many, quite many and to name some, Kawonawo, Anfukula, Ani akumanyi, Osobola, Mpola Mpola, and Sexy, among others.
What makes you happy?
My daughter and I play this game called Hearts, we search for our hearts by the sound they make and it always makes me happy when she’s listening to mine.
What are the three things you can’t live without?
My daughter, my mother and my lipstick and lip gloss.
When are you planning to retire from music?
With my kind of music, it keeps growing. Inspirational music never grows old and has no time limit so that is not an option for me. I will keep going and delivering.
You are one of those artistes who do expensive videos. Who finances them?
I do, because I am a business lady as well.
What future plans do you have for us your fans?
I am planning a charity concert in August, music tours all over the world to places like Johannesburg, London, school and club tours, lots of new music and investments as well.
Which artiste do you want to work with?
I am doing something with big artistes in Rwanda and Nairobi but I won’t spoil the surprise. Not yet.
Tell me about your family and education background?
I am the last born of five children. I have two brothers, one of whom passed on and two sisters. I was raised by a single mother Miss Rose Nabulya and went to Bat Valley Primary school and Old Kampala Secondary School before moving on to the Revlon Beauty School in Nairobi to do a course as a beautician.
What do you expect five years from now?
God willing, I would have made a lot of money and will be Africa’s best artiste.
