This Masaka star has spent seven years in the business but he is based in Tanzania. Photo by Shamim J. Nakawooya
Can’t stop: He says his music has not been popular due to hypocrisy by some music promoters. He says some of them will turn an artiste down as upcoming, take the little money they offer and end up disappointing the artiste. He spoke to Shamim J Nakawooya
Who is MC Michael?
My real name is Michael Lwechungura. I am 27 years old and I grew up in Masaka. My mother is a Ugandan and my father is Tanzanian. I am an artiste and song writer based in Tanzania.
Tell us about your education background.
I did not go far with school, but I attended Bugombe Primary School in Tanzania and stopped in S.2 at Kanyego Secondary School.
How and when did you become a musician?
I remember composing songs when I was just 12 years old but I started serious music in 2009. Music is like a ghost, once someone starts it, you can never stop them.
What do you think has made your music unpopular?
Sincerely, music is very costly; it requires a lot of funds, the audience can never recognise you as a good musician unless you inject a lot of cash in it. Promoting music is the biggest challenge for upcoming musicians. We have songs with messages but the audience tends to mistake our songs to belong to other big artistes.
How many songs do you have?
More than 30 recorded songs with two videos.
What was your breakthrough song?
Otilibiiza Kaki was my break through song, although I started with Message.
Who produces your music?
I use different producers such as J.O.B Records, Pvibe, Scopion records, Derrick pro, among others.
Tell us about the My Love video premier?
On April24, I premiered my video, My Love. I thank all my fans out there who turned up in big numbers at Club Ambiance Masaka. I do not know what to say but it was massive, promising and fantastic. The video was shot by Bob Rose Free State.
How different are you from the rest of the musicians?
I think I have three things; being versatile with sound pitches, I can sing any music style, I compose and write my songs.
What are you working on?
Nkwagaliza Byonjagaliza.
What is your marital status?
I am married to Harriet Nkonge and we have three children.
Away from music, what else do you do?
I am a businessman. I run my businesses in Mwanza-Tanzania and Masaka.
What are some of your future plans?
I still need to push my music. I want to be among the best vocalists in the country with an aim of grooming my seven- year-old daughter, called Beyoncé, to keep my music legacy since she is passionate about what I do.
Any message to upcoming musicians?
Anyone who would wish to enter the music industry should lay a strong foundation because music is not a by the way, you have to dedicate yourself. Also put love and passion, you never know, when the right time comes, you can be someone in music.
What are some of the things you enjoy doing?
Watching movies, listening to music and going to the beach.
What is your best dish?
Spaghetti and rice.