Van Data says he wishes to do a collabo with Cindy. Photo by Isaac Ssejjombwe
Good times: His song Sili Muyaye was a hit and made Van Data one of the artistes to watch and it won him some fans like Daphine Olga Namukuuza, a volunteer at Reproductive Health Uganda. The two met and from the look of things, they had a good time.
Nice to meet you Van. What is your real name?
Nice to meet you too Olga. My real name is Isaiah Aine.
What does Van Data mean?
Well, the name Data was given to me by a friend. I used to have ideas about everything; sports, health and politics, among other things, so jokingly, they would say this guy has a lot of ‘Data’ and for everything they wanted to know, they would come to me. That is how Data came about. Then the name ‘Van’ came about when we were discussing about Holland and a topic came about concerning the word ‘Van’ which means ‘of’ in Dutch. They joined both words to come up with the name, which I embraced till now.
How old are you?
I am 28 years old.
Are you married?
(Laughs..) No I’m not married but I’m seeing someone.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes I do. Before I started singing, I used to play a keyboard, a guitar and drums. The only band instrument I haven’t tried out is the saxophone.
What is your genre of music called and why did you decide to sing in that style?
I do Afro-dancehall and if you realise, African culture is all about the heavy beats so I just decided to blend the two. My belief is that music is not supposed to be complicated for the audience, that is why I have catchy phrases in my lyrics to enable everyone sing.
Which studios do you mostly use?
I work with D-King, Swangz and Mirage Concepts.
If you are to choose someone in Uganda to do a collabo with, who would it be?
I have to admit that we have talent down here that you cannot point out anyone. Cindy is good and so is Sheebah, Irene Ntale, Fille, and Juliana. Basically, I would be okay working with anyone.
What about the male artistes?
I have songs with almost everyone I wanted to work with. I have a song with Toniks and Ray Signature, but I think if I wanted a super dancehall collabo, that would be Nutty Neithan, and we have something coming out.
And outside Uganda?
That would be Shaggy. He is my favourite artiste ever.
What else do you do besides music?
I am into NGO stuff. I have done things in reproductive health, I have done work with Reach A Hand Uganda, I’m an ambassador for fighting teenage pregnancies, among other things. I’m also part of a project that will be starting a few months from now called ‘The Dream Beat’ which will be working in refugee resettlement, searching for talent in visual arts.
What can’t you miss doing on a daily basis?
I do not miss watching news, especially NTV’s Akawungeezi.
When it comes to women, what do you prefer? The front or back side?
Being an African man, I would go with the back side.
What is your view about girls who don’t put on underwear?
I believe people have the freedom to do what they feel like. At the end of the day, it is that person responsible for their actions.
What is your idea of a good night out?
My ideal night out is after hanging out with people I feel comfortable with.
Do you see yourself getting married someday?
Yes.
When will that be?
In about three to four years from now.
What drives you?
Things around me motivate me. If you listen to my songs keenly, you will notice that they are about usual things.
Tell me some of the other songs you have?
I have China, Sometimes, Zukuuka, Hold On featuring Keko, Toniks and OS, Magical with Ray Signature, Ndiwuwo with Dan Flavor and my latest is called Kagwilawo among others.
Are you under any record label?
I am currently working with Blaze Events company.
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