Samia’s finest: His name may raise a bit of eyebrow but this is where Simple Suspect draws inspiration for his craft. Inspired by Jose Chameleone’s music, he has taken over Samia and Luhya airwaves as Olivier Mukaaya writes.
Tell us about yourself?
I am Simple Suspect Omwibanda but my real name is Oscar Bwire.
Why the name Suspect Omwibanda?
I was nicknamed by a deputy headteacher at one of the schools I attended because I was always caught in trouble, so when I started the music, I took it up.
Who inspired you to sing?
Jose Chameleone’s music and style; the message in his music inspired me.
Do you write your songs?
Yes. So far I have 16 songs and three albums. Some of my songs are Ademba, Miserable, Simja Hwepaha, Michedinye Abandu, Balira and many more.
Which type of music do you sing?
I do both zouk and afrobeat.
Who produces your music?
Mozzy Cloud of Cloud Records in Nsambya.
What is your take on the music industry in Uganda?
The industry is developing each day and it is informative. Also, the rhymes and beats of different songs promote culture.
What challenges have you faced in the industry since you started singing?
It is hard to get a promoter because few people understand the Samia language and yet that is the language I am good at. So you find that you will sing and at the same time have to promote your own music.
Any achievements?
I get to meet different people and I have learnt a lot from them, which has helped me improve musically. I have also managed to tour different parts of Uganda and Kenya.
I also won the Samia and Luhya Best Music Award in Kisumu, Kenya 2017/2018.
What do you do apart from music?
I am a car mechanic and I also have a company dealing in fumigation services, landscaping, iron sheets cleaning as well as compound designing and maintaining.
How are you able to balance music and all these other jobs?
I set time for work and music. When it is time for work, I do not do music.
What are your future plans?
I want to set up my own studio and a music group under my management. Hopefully, I will call it Miserable Family Entertainment.
What advice do you give to fellow upcoming artistes?
I advise them to remain hopeful and continue with the journey until they succeed, but also they should respect the music industry and those they found in the business because these are the people that can help them grow.
Which schools did you go to?
I went to Nagera Primary School, Dede SS in Namayingo and Kisubi Brothers University in Entebbe.
Are you in a relationship?
Yes, but not married. I, however, plan to make things official this year.
Who is your favourite Ugandan artiste?
Jose Chameleone and Cindy. I really love and enjoy their style of music.