Okeng Born Town, real name Alex Obwor
STRAIGHT OUTTA GULU: Okeng Born Town, real name Alex Obwor is a household name in northern Uganda because of his music and comedy.
Julius Ocungi
When did you start singing?
I started commercial singing in 2014; I used to act in short movies and also worked as a radio presenter at QFM in Lira District. My first song was Weka Yoo popularly known as Odugu Mac by my fans.
Did your fans appreciate the song?
Ohh… the song was a big hit and it sold me so fast. I did not have to promote it much.
Why did you choose Okeng Born Town as your stage name?
The name originates from a short movie I acted titled Okeng Boy in Town, so when I joined music, I thought it wise to carry the name but modernised it a bit.
What happened after your first song?
I recorded Ejang, Landlord, Muziki Time, Leb Luo, Make Me Dance, and Party Time, among other songs.
What inspired you to begin singing?
I have always been a fan of Nigerian comedian Klint da Drunk. I got the idea of blending comedy with music from him.
What type of music do you do?
I do zouk, reggae, raggae and dancehall. I blend all this with comedy.
Why did you choose to blend the two?
Music alone cannot entertain fans; a bit of comedy keeps people more entertained. I am able to perform in any place because people like comedy.
What do you mostly sing about?
I call myself an ‘edutainer’ because my music has messages for all age groups; young, old, female and male. My songs emphasise on promotion of girlchild education, land rights and rights of human beings, as well as love songs.
Did your parents support your music path?
I come from a musical background; my father is a musician and movie writer. He actually wrote the famous movie Wek Abonyo Kwani, a movie that promotes awareness on girlchild education, so he has always supported me with ideas.
What is it like being an upcountry artiste?
There is a lot of jealousy. There are artistes who do not wish to see their colleagues progress and will do anything to drag you down.
Are you signed to any music label?
Yes, I am signed to Swagger Team Entertainment Uganda.
What are some of your outstanding moments in the industry?
The time my first song scooped Song of the Year and also Best Artiste in the 2014 Northern Uganda Music Awards. Today, I have 15 accolades to my name.
And the worst moments?
Sometime last year when people opposed to my success opened a Facebook account in my name and likened me to an illuminati artiste. They used the same account to con money from unsuspecting show organisers. It tarnished my name.
You have been doing music for a while, any achievements?
It is countless; my popularity has seen me rub shoulders with ‘big’ people. I have also made quite a number of friends. Music has also helped me purchase land in Otuke District, where I have built a house.
What should people expect from you in the future?
I have broken barriers and crossed to central region, so I believe I will be among the top 10 best in the country. My style of music is marketable and it competes favourably anywhere.
Who are some of the top Ugandan artistes you have worked with?
I have done a collabo with Chameleone called God is Good and I have a new song with Daxx Kartel.
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