Jacinta
BREAKING OUT: For seven years, Jacinta hopped from one band to another until she found herself. She recently formed her own ‘Jacinta and the band’ which plays in different hangouts. She tells us more about her career.
Briefly describe who Jacinta is.
Jacinta is a singer, vocalist and musician. I am a down to earth person, outgoing and straight forward.
Tell us about your music journey.
Since childhood I was a singer in Nakawa Baptist Children’s choir. I also once sang in VCC Ntinda choir, then joined the music industry in late 2009 as a background vocalist together with Irene Ntale who introduced me to the artiste Tshila. While we did back up, many other artistes noticed us.
Artistes like who?
I did background vocals for Aziz Azion, Rachel Magoola, Juliana, Maurice Kirya, Lilian Mbabazi and many more. I backed these artistes as my way of making some money because I was still at university.
Tell me about your music career.
Besides backing up those artistes, I was also in several bands such as Code 9, Aroma Band, the Sundowners. Harry Lwanga acoustic nights and Janzi Band, which was the most recent before I went separate ways to pursue a solo career and to start my own band.
Was that the only reason you quit Janzi?
As I have mentioned above, despite the fact that there were a few issues in Janzi Band that made me uncomfortable, my major aim was to start my own solo career, to have my own music and my own band. I had already worked for people for seven years. I needed to go to the next level.
How far with your dreams?
I own a band called “Jacinta and friends” or sometimes “Jacinta and the band”. I am the face of it but we are yet to get a stable name.
Which other musicians are in your band?
I have Rogers Tenywa on the keys, Isaac Barasa in bass, Ronnie Mutebi and Brian Kikawa on the drums. Others are Fidel Mambo on the guitar, Michael Kitanda on the saxophone. I lead with Solomon Ssozi.
What about your original compositions?
Yes, I have original compositions. My first original composition was Osobola which I did two years ago. It is an inspirational song, which I wrote and it was produced by Quad-A. Then I have Malayika, which was written by Kenneth Mugabi and produced by Sam Bisaso at Blacksmith. I have a couple more records which will be released this year.
Which are some of your best cover songs?
I must say I am a diverse singer. People who have seen me perform know that I can sing almost anything as well as rap songs such as ‘Mad dem’ by Seville — I don’t even understand the patois but I love it. However, I mostly enjoy covering Afrigo Band because as soon as you start to play the intro, the audience is up on their feet. That is a satisfying moment for a musician when the audience is enjoying it. Even when I get booked for weddings, I am requested to sing Afrigo songs, Ugandan and African songs mostly.
Where do you perform from?
I perform regularly at a place called Torino Bar and Restaurant in Kololo next to the MTN Arena Lugogo.
Your past has involved Irene Ntale, Aziz Azion and others. Don’t you think you would be far if you decided to go solo?
Yes. Surely I would be far but I did not have opportunities to go solo. Many people came to me in the course of my career with all sorts of fake deals and promises but with different intentions. I believe everything falls in place at the right time so I’m working so hard and looking forward to my breakthrough.
Getting personal with Jacinta
BEST SHOW
The shows I have done fronting myself. I cannot forget the launch of Face TV in 2015, then recently at Akadope where I performed only my three original songs and the reception was so good.
HER MUSIC
I do Afro fusion, Soul, RnB and reggae.
WHY MUSIC?
I am so passionate about music but I never thought or saw myself go this far in music. As I mentioned to you earlier, I started doing back up while still at the university. I found myself doing something I have always loved and then earning a living out of it.
INSPIRATION
I have been inspired mostly by both international and local artistes such as Beyonce, Rihanna, Angelique Kidjoe and Chaka Chaka. Locally, it has been Juliana and Irene Namubiru.
CHALLENGES
The challenge I have faced most is very strong competition. New talent comes up every day, so there is a struggle to stand out, to be unique and to be the most desired artiste.
MARRIED?
I am single at the moment.
FAMILY
I was raised by my mother and step-father with five siblings; three sisters and two brothers. I am the first born. My mother is a Musoga and step-father is a Munyole from Butaleja.
issejjombwe@ug.nationmedia.com
