The star maker: San Cee is a music producer, musician, farmer and businessman. He comes from a strict Islamic family and has a collabo with Desire Luzinda. He talked to Rebecca Kabuya about what it means to balance all this.
Who is San cee?
My real name is Moses Watuwa. I am a producer, songwriter, musician and film director. I am 29 years old and I was born to Issa Tingu and the late Jane Nazziwa of Mbale District.
When did you join the music industry?
I have been a musician since childhood. I was a member of the school and church choirs. In 2004, I recorded my first song, Kimibimba before joining music production. The beginning was not easy because I was in my Senior Three and my father had a wrong perception about artistes. He sent me away from home but I stuck to pursuing my dream and in 2008 we reconciled. I guess he realised that what I was doing wasn’t wrong in any way.
What is your fan base like?
My fan base is getting bigger everyday. People are getting to know me through songs that I produce for other artistes. I have also diversified the languages in which I do my music because now I sing in Luganda, English, Kiswahili and Lumasaba.
We hear that you are the ‘baddest’ producer here, how do you do it?
I take time on my work. That is why most artistes in the region are affiliated to me. I do not only produce good music but I make real artistes because I hate doing half-baked things. I am a perfectionist.
What is the name of your studio?
Jam Recordz. I started it in 2005 from my personnel savings.
How many songs do you have?
I have more than 100 songs. Some of these include Byambaso, Ninase, Omulanga (a sanitation song),Wasobele, Cellphone, Bukhwale, Mapesa, Mbolele, Tugendeyo featuring Desire Luzinda, Inzu Ya Masaba featuring all-stars and many more. I have unrecorded songs that can keep me on the chart for more than 10 years.
What would you say was your breakthrough song?
Omulanga, commonly known as the Sanitation song.
Who produces your music?
I produce my own music but sometimes I work with other producers such as Paddyman, Numbus, Nessim and Crouch.
Any unique thing we don’t know about San Cee?
I am original, I am rhythmically rich, I am professional and easy to work with.
How have you benefitted from the industry?
I have made many friends, gained popularity and respect. I have established my own recording studio [Jam Records].
Why do you think it is hard for upcountry artistes to penetrate the music industry?
They stay far away from the land of opportunity (the city).They lack good promoters and managers. Language barrier is another challenge, most upcountry artistes sing in their various local languages.
Away from music, what else do you do?
I am a farmer/businessman.
What’s your five-year plan?
I hope to find a serious manager/promoter, expand my music career, make more collabos with big artistes, expand my studio, compose songs for artistes such as Juliana, Iryn Namubiru, Bebe Cool, Chameleone, Cindy and others.
Any message to upcoming musicians?
Stay focused, never back down because there is always time for everyone to shine.
Titbits
In my free time… I enjoy staying with my family, watch movies and compose music.
Marital status… I have a wife and children.
Favourite dish… Rice and vegetables.
School… I went to St John Bosco Katende Primary School, Bungokho SS, St Maria Gorreti Katende SS and Green Hill Academy.
