SONY RECORD DEAL: It is no longer news that Veronica Luggya, known to many as Vinka, is signed to Sony, a huge milestone for the Swangz Avenue artiste. Only about three years old in the industry, Vinka shares with Isaac Ssejjombwe how she felt the first time she got the news and what this means to her.
1. Congratulations on your Sony signing. In one of your interviews, you said you wanted to go global. Is this what you meant?
Yes, I meant that and more, This is just the beginning of my “global journey”. With God’s favour, I am committed to walking it as far as it can go. It is exciting… very exciting! The first time I got to know about the deal, my heart skipped a beat. I was excited, scared… I cannot explain the right feeling. I asked: ‘why me? God has chosen me! Wow…I felt a lot of things, until it sank in.
2. A lot of people say Sony stalls careers, especially when it comes to African artists. Do you feel safe with them?
I have heard stories, but I do not think we all know the actual story or contracts that were signed by those different artists. How about the majority that is successful? I have a strong team and I am optimistic about the future. The one or two artists who did not flourish should not blind you to the so many that have enjoyed massive success with Sony. And I am not talking about just the Beyoncés and Mariah Careys, I am talking about our own African stars who have enjoyed big success with Sony.
3. You have recently been releasing new music every month. Is that a good idea?
Before we told the public about the Sony deal, my team and I talked in depth about the music and we agreed that it was a good bet and it is working well. It is a very expensive move and demanding on my side and the management but we prepared for it well.
4. With this success, do you wish you had joined music earlier?
I believe everything has a right time. I believe I started singing at the right time, and that was after school. It has taken God, me and my team’s tenacity to help me grow. I trust God, I also do not listen to people telling me I cannot and when I hear them talk, I get motivated even more. And my team is deaf to public opinions, so we are all about our goals.
5. What are your expectations from this signing?
Well, I expect to take my music to the next level, represent Uganda internationally and grow as an artist. This is a huge step in my music career. I also know that the work starts now because Sony only gives you a better chance at achieving your wildest dreams but you will have to work to achieve them. There is so much I still have to learn from different artists, producers and other cultures. As a musician, you cannot stop learning, otherwise, that will be the end of you. So expect many new lessons.