Lydia Jazmine. Photo by Michael Kakumirizi
Arguably one of Uganda’s best female artistes, Lydia Jazmine will be sharing a stage with a man who has seen it it all in the industry- Paul OKoye alias RudeBoy of the defunct Nigerian singing duo, Psquare.
The two, along side a star-studded group of artistes, will be gracing the summer’s ultimate weekend also dubbed Uganda Festival at Gaylord National Resort Hotel in Washington DC. The event has been organized by Ugandans in the diaspora under their umbrella body UNAA Causes.
We caught up with the ‘You and Me’ singer to pick her mind on her current breakthrough in Uganda’s music industry, her opportunity to performing in United States for the very first time and future.
Tell us about Lydia Jasmine, and her music journey?
Lydia Jasmine is a Uganda female artiste, so far four years down the road. I have always been a singer ever since kindergarten, I have always been in school choir, you would find me wherever there is a music.
Right from Victoria Nile Primary School, Jinja in 2004, to St Mary’s Namaliga and then Margret SS Kikaya where our school choir was actually winning medals in our singing competitions.
When I came to Multitech Business School, I joined band called Gatinum which was in Ntinda. It is now defunct since the owner went to Dubai in search for greener pastures. We used to play at gigs, that is how I paid my tuition, an apartment, looked after my family and other things.
I was also in another band called Blue Moon entertainment with Harry Lwanga, who would play guitar and would get one person to sing. We used to perform at places where mostly whites hang out because it is them that would really appreciate that kind of music.
Band music helped me so much in vocals, mentored me so much into singing and It was fun, that is why I love live music.
So, one time we were in Kololo, I met Emma Dragu who introduced me to Radio and Weasel and I became an official back up artiste with him and another girl called Marion.
I worked with Radio and Weasel during which time, I met so many people in the music industry, that is where I met my current manager, Bushington (Bush). After he and Jeff Kiwa separated with Radio and Weasel, Bush started managing me and Kiwa took on Sheebah.
You have been on fire this year, how do you rate your self personally and what is the secret behind you so many hits this year?
This year has been fire indeed, but the only thing I can say is that it is God’s timing. You can never know how God plans His things. You will always shine at the time you should, this is my time and I believe it is just the beginning.
It is all about hard work, giving my best, quality over quantity, patience, persistence, and humility. I also have faith and believe in myself, I go out there and do what I am supposed to, I give 100%.
You have been invited to perform exclusively at the Uganda Festival in DC, what is your comment about this? How do you feel about it?
It is going to be my first time to perform in USA, UNAA Causes is something I have always wanted to be part of and I am excited. There will be so many artistes besides me and I surely can’t wait.
People who will be in Washington DC will hear every song from me, no one should miss this for anything in this world, everyone better be there because I am ready for them. They will have the best Lydia Jazmine experience ever.
I will also be performing in London at the Uganda Festival on 26th this month, I will be there alongside King Saha and it is exciting I am now going places.
You know I used to admire London as a child, and now I can go, do my business and come back. I now go to London to do what I love not to hassle; this is very amazing.
How would you rate yourself currently in the music industry (females) and why?
My fans can rate me; I can’t rate myself because they now know who I am. All I know is I need to do music and let music speak for itself, where I fall may not matter. I want to simply give my best.
All I know is that I am a very good artiste and I am destined for greatness, I know where I am and where I am going and I am not complaining from where I am, not at all.
Any other point you would love to make out of the box?
I would like to appreciate everyone that has been there for me, whoever loves my music, whoever supports me in any kind of way in Uganda and outside Uganda.
I am not about to stop; it is just the beginning. God bless you all