MASAKA’S PRO: Although he had been forced into carpentry, Mutesa Pro knew that his calling was nowhere else but music. Today, he is one of the biggest names in Masaka.
You are a celebrated name in Masaka. How would you describe yourself?
My name is Fred Mutesa but many know me as Mutesa Pro, because I am into music production. I have heard many people say I am the number one DJ, and I thank God and my fans for that.
How did you end up in the music business?
I grew up at Katwe Gospel Church and it is there that I learnt how to play some music instruments. I loved the piano. In 2001, I started working at Radio Equator but it was Kyakuwa Mayanja ‘Fino’, the production manager at the station then, who backed me.
Take us through the years you have been dejeeying.
It is a long story, but in a nutshell, I have been in this industry for 14 years now. When I got my first job at Equator, I was able to hook gigs at Club Ambiance through my friend Jimmy Kiggundu.
What would you say is your biggest achievement from dejeeying?
So far, it is when I joined Buddu Media Group in 2012. Through the help of Hajj Umar Ssekasamba, now the Programs Manager Radio Buddu. I was recruited as a DJ and radio presenter at Best FM, once a sister radio station of Buddu.
However, in 2016, they promoted me to Radio Buddu after Best FM was closed. I host The Mix show from Monday to Friday as well as Dance Party on Saturday, 9pm until morning.
What does it take to master playing and mixing songs?
Passion, consistency and perseverance. Like the songwriter, singer or producer, the DJ must possess a musical ear.
How would you describe your style?
Dejeeying is almost the same. But what makes me grand is that I mix songs that entertain, educate and inspire my audience.
How do you motivate a shy crowd to dance, especially in the nightclub?
The audience will boo at you when you play some songs, but that is common, so I always move with the trends.
What is that night you will not forget?
Turning away from Best FM production to Buddu FM was a thriller. I was nervous, scratched my head on how I could catch up with a new environment, but I thank God I managed.
Behind every great man is a woman…
Yes. She is there but she prefers to keep our life private. I have two children but I am not married.
Which artistes do people request for right now?
Vinka, Ykee Benda, and Fik Fameika. Initially, I never took Vinka seriously but now her work is on my playlist.
You have not mentioned artistes in Masaka.
They are not consistent. Many complain that we do not play their music, but they do not work hard. They do not want to promote themselves, yet this industry moves with those willing to move.
What is your best Ugandan song ever?
Irene Namubiru’s Nkwagala Nnyo. That song drove me miles away.
Any fresh talents we can watch out for?
There is a new kid on the block; Linda Blessing. She sang Ndikubererawo, and this song will be a hit in a few months.
