Western star: Ray G earned himself fame in 2013 when he recorded his first hit ‘Amarari’. Today, he has a collabo with Spice Diana titled Omusheshe and it is hitting the airwaves. Felix Ainebyoona caught up with the artiste.
When did you start doing music?
I started singing while still at Ishaka Adventist Secondary School. In 2009, my friend, Rocky Ainemukama took me to studio to record my first song. I was just in S.3.
Tell us about your music journey?
My breakthrough was in 2013 when I did Amarari with my boy Rodgers Nyangi.
What kind of music do you do?
I sing all genres but mostly Afro-pop. Some of the songs I have done include ‘Eshuro Yarukundo’, ‘Anshanzi’, ‘Yamba’, ‘Ziina’, ‘Tibyempaka’, ‘Nyamurungi’, ‘Ebindikwenda’, ‘Rukundo Nenyiga’, ‘Nyonyozi’, Orahi, ‘Yebare, ‘Mbahi’, ‘Wekeendi’, ‘Murebe’, ‘Ninkwesiga’, ‘Barakye’, ‘Nibyebyo’, ‘Nunu’, ‘Ninkukunda’, ‘Tayari’, ‘Nkaronda’, ‘Weshe’, ‘Kul kul’ and ‘Yele yele’.
What inspires your music?
The society we live in and the passion to sing. Most of my songs are what I see happen in the community and when I see the love my fans show me, I get the urge to give them more.
How do you feel about your music?
I feel like people love the message and pick words they are not familiar with. I feel blessed that people give me a chance to tell them about their culture and language.
Which musicians have you worked with?
I have worked with many musicians and most of them are western-based while others are in Kampala, for example Geosteady, Spice Diana, Voltage Music and many more.
Do you have any music training?
I used to train while in school and I still rehearse with my home band, Quest Band.
What do you think of music in western Uganda?
It is growing fast because of our aggressive fanbase who keep requesting for more music and that motivates artistes to do better.
Which musicians in Uganda do you look up to?
I used to look up to Mozwey Radio. I liked his music growing up and the way he used to sing. He sounded different all the time.
What makes you different from other western Uganda musicians?The confidence and love for my culture. People thought one cannot sing in Runyankore and make it. I do not know where this came from but I have come this far.
Is the music picking up?
It is really picking up and I will soon join the mainstream music industry because of our language and the beats.
Do you have any achievements from music?
I am earning a living from my music, supporting my family and I have even set up other projects besides my music.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I see myself singing with artistes all over the world and making my music go international.
Have you held a concert yet?
I had a big concert on September 14 titled Ray G Live in Concert. My fans came in big numbers, which inspired me to keep my head high.
