ON THE MIX: When you go to Fort Portal town and ask randomly for the best DJ, chances are out of 10 people, eight will mention DJ Hardman Mutono Mukambwe. This guy has been in the industry for quite some time and Dorcus Murungi caught up with him to share his story.
Who is Hardman?
My name is Hardman Busiinge aka Hardman Mutono Mukambwe born in Bunyangabu County in Kabarole District. I am a simple guy with great talent, I love music and presenting.
What do you do?
I am a disc spinner, a musician and an MC working at HITS FM in Fort Portal. I have a radio programme that I present from Monday to Friday in the evening. At night, I deejay at some night clubs in Fort Portal town.
When did you join the entertainment industry?
I had a passion for entertainment since childhood and I would always mimic some DJs and in 2006 I got a chance of joining the industry.
How did you start?
I started as an emcee in night clubs and at graduation parties. Later, a friend connected me to Voice of Kamwenge (V.O.K). Since I was emceeing, presenting on radio was very easy for me.
Who inspired you?
The late Allan Mugisha alias Allan “The cantankerous” was very popular then and I used to admire him so much. I really used to like the way he did his radio work and I wanted to be like him. I also used to admire Roger Mugisha on KFM.
You are one of the most popular presenters in Fort Portal, have you worked in other places?
Yes, I have worked at Voice of Kamwenge, Liberty FM in Hoima before I joined Hits FM.
You are a radio presenter, a club DJ and a musician. How do you balance all this?
In Uganda, if you need to succeed in life, then you have to multi-task. I divide my day into hours. When I wake up, I dedicate most of my time to my music, then when I’m done with that I prepare myself for my evening show.
What inspires you most?
I am inspired by young people who started slowly and have succeeded in life. So each day that I wake up, I try as much as possible to do something that will make me one of those successful people sought after by everyone.
Do you have some recorded songs?
Yes, I have eight audios and three videos and they are getting some good airplay in the western region.
Among your songs, which ones do you like most?
My song Yegwe Asinga, where I featured Victor Kamenyo is one of my best. I also like My Gal and Akaama.
What are your future plans?
I want to do more good music and have as many collabos as possible with big artistes in the music industry.
Any benefits you have gained in this industry?
I have a huge fanbase in Fort Portal and a number of friends. For me that is something great.
What has been your most challenging moment?
Hmmm. I don’t recall because I have always faced the small obstacles with determination and I always win.
What advice would you give to youths that look up to you?
They should value education because it is the key to success. Those who want to join the media business should study Journalism or Mass Communication so that you boost your presentation talent. I also advise the youth to go in for jobs that they have always admired, avoid doing jobs that you do not want because when you do not like what you are doing, the results will not be good.
I think I have a unique style and great abilities that make me one of the most admired radio
