Jimmy 3bros during one of his music video shoots. He is inspired by Sasha Vybz. PHOTO by Brian Mugyenyi
Following dream: Jimmy Ssebabuga, a.k.a Jimmy 3bros, has been a videographer for more than five years. Though most of his friends and parents rejected his idea, today he is reaping big and he has become a big name in Masaka Town writes BRIAN MUGYENYI
Tell us a bit about yourself
I was born in Bulando Village, Lwengo District and I am 29 years old. I am the proprietor of 3bros Media Company which has been dealing in shooting and editing music videos for close to five years now.
Did you have a formal education?
I went to Kyamaganda Primary School and also attended Nkoni Secondary School. It is unfortunate that my university dream never came to pass.
So what did you do after school?
When I completed Senior Six, my parents advised me to join a motor garage in Masaka Town where I worked as a mechanic. I was paid only transport yet I was hunting for capital to start a business. I quit and went to Kenya.
Who took you to Kenya?
My brother. He was a DJ at Moon Club in Kenya and he taught me how to mix music. So when I was returning, I brought CDs and software and settled in Mateete Trading Centre in Sembabule. I started befriending people with music libraries to sell them new software.
How did you end up a music videographer?
I had friends who were earning big from filming wedding parties so I decided to join the business.
Did you know how to use a camera?
A friend had taught me some basics, so after grasping some skills, I hired a camera from Sonic Electronics in Masaka Town. I later got a loan of Shs600,000 plus my Shs400,000 savings and bought my first camera.
What was your first video experience like?
The first music video I shot was called Deep In Love by Ram Girades, a singer based in Kampala. I shot that video at only Shs150,000. I was happy because everyone admired my work. Since then I have never looked back.
How long does it take to edit and shoot a music video?
It depends on where the video was shot from and also the script. Shooting can be done in one day but editing takes more than three days.
What makes a great video?
It must be filmed with a good camera, a good creative director and great actors.
Do you also direct an artiste on video shoots?
Yes, and I do that for every video I film. My brother also helps when I am busy.
How much do you charge to shoot a music video?
Only Shs400,000, but there are videos we shoot for more than Shs800,000.
Why brand your company 3bros media?
Before my father died, he, together with his two brothers had started 3 brother sound disco in Masaka Town, unfortunately, when one of them died, the business collapsed. This compelled me to replicate their idea, just to continue what they had started.
What are some of the videos you have shot so far?
Amanya ga Kabaka and Zawedde by Matthias Walukagga, Mpita by Geosteady, Ndagabutonde by the late Mark Makumbi and many others.
Which videographers inspire you in Uganda?
I appreciate the works of Bad Films and Sasha Vybz.
Besides videography, what else do you do?
I am a farmer. I grow coffee on a large scale in the village.
What inspires you when you wake up every day?
My desire to work and learn new things.
What advice do you have for someone who wants to join this industry?
The few years I have been in this business, I have been able to buy a car, plots of land and also imported fresh equipment to compete on a global market. This job needs patience.
What are your future plans?
I plan to have more businesses, dealing in electronics and also starting up an audio music studio that will compete on the international market.
