BOY FROM MBALE: At 21 years old, Josh Ribson, real name Joshua Muwanguzi, has found himself at the frontline of a music passion that is pushing him to break barriers.
How did you end up doing music?
I have always loved music. When I was young I had to join a brass band (Mbale Schools Band) and my friends always encouraged me to sing.
What inspired you to get into music?
Growing up, I listened to a lot of music and loved trying out different genres because I believed that I could do something beautiful.
What kind of music do you do?
I am a versatile artiste. I do ragga, reggae, dancehall, zouk and afro pop.
If you had a chance to work with any artiste, who would it be?
I love many artistes; OS Suuna, Beenie Gunter, Chameleone, Juliana, Fik Famaica, Rema, Nutty Neithan and Cindy.
What have been some of your best moments in the industry?
My best moment is when I released my song Umukhana (loosely translated as girl in lumasaba) and everyone loved it. Whoever hears the song appreciates the good work.
What have been your worst moments in the industry?
I gave a DJ my music to play and he asked me the language the song was in and when I told him Lugisu, he just gave me back my flash disc, laughed and started dissing me. It was humiliating.
What inspires you?
People who appreciate and love my work, and also when I find people singing my songs, it inspires me.
What else do you do apart from music?
I am an ICT professional, most of my time is spent buried in my professional projects, other times, I go to church for fellowships or hang out with people of positive minds.
Are you in a relationship?
No. I still have a lot of unfinished issues and do not want to be distracted.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
My ambition is to create a one of a kind music label which will live for generations and I am working hard to be recognised as a big brand in Africa.
Can someone get rich from music?
Yes. You just need to handle it as any other business because it is a service to society.
What do you love about being an artiste?
I did not just join music. Music is part of my life. Passion has pushed me to be an artiste.
Who is your role model?
I have always loved Omulangila Suuna’s music and I follow his music.
Do you have stalkers? How do you deal with them?
Hahaha, I do not have those yet, but when I do I will make sure they are put in their right place, lol – I will make a case with the police.
If you had to choose something else to do, what would it be?
I do not think I can choose anything that is not related to music.
What challenges do you face in the industry?
Financial difficulties and then there are many hypocrites in this music game.
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