TAKING A BREAK: Since the loss of her only son Keron Raphael Kabugo in July, Juliana Kanyomozi has been off the scene for some time. Emmy Omongin finds out where she is and what she is up to.
Your fans are asking for more from you, when are you recording more music?
First of all, I would like thank my fans and the media for being so supportive through my most trying time when I lost my son Keron. I was extremely touched and I will never forget that. But I also need my fans, friends and supporters to understand the depth of what I am going through. Burying a child is the most painful thing a mother can ever go through. It’s not something that just happens and you just get up and keep going. It’s not like that. But by the grace of God, great friends and family, I am strong and will be back anytime soon.
We heard you went on holiday. Where exactly are you and what is it like there? The weather, food, people?
I’m in the US. I’m resting well. The weather is great and the food is amazing as always.
What are the unique experiences you have had that you want to share with Ugandans?
If you mean in my travels, well I have met lots of friends and seen a lot of beautiful places.
What are you currently up to? Are you on a general break or are you doing something specific?
I’m on a break.
When do you expect to release the music? What is it about and what should we expect?
I will release new material when I finish my break.
Rumour has it that you are planning on working on a collabo with Bebe Cool, can you confirm this?
Bebe Cool is one of the artistes I admire musically. I’m looking forward to working with him.
Again, there are rumours of you and Keron’s father Amon Lukwago getting back together. How true is this?
As a woman and mother, it’s not easy to get over my kind of loss. The last thing on my mind right now is jumping into a relationship. That’s not what I’m thinking about. I need time alone before I can even consider anyone.
What music are you currently listening to, or what do you do in your spare time?
I listen to lots of music. I also read lots of books. Right now I’m listening to Lenny Kravitz, Tank, Kendrick Lamar, T.I, Radio and Weasel, Davido and Emeli Sande.
When do you hope to come back to Uganda?
I’ll come soon. And this rumour that’s been going around that I have quit music is just ridiculous. It is not true. I just thought I would clarify on that for my fans.
Any lessons, things you have learnt about yourself or have picked up during the last trying months?
I didn’t know my strength. I have been through a lot in my life, losing my son being the most recent. But here I am, still standing. I also got to know who my real friends are. It’s at your lowest moments that you really know who is for you and who isn’t. I was also reminded of just how much people out there care about me. Even people who don’t know me personally. That love is what has kept me going. I also learnt just how insensitive some people can be. People who chose the lowest time of my life to kick me, including certain people in the media. But God has kept me strong.
What special plans do you have for the future beyond your music career?
There are a couple of other things that I’m passionate about apart from music. Other shades of me people may not know. I plan to explore some of them. But for now I’m concentrating on me and giving myself the time that I need.
