Aroma Kyavaerimukama is a born again Christian and musician who does zouk, RnB, dancehall and Afrobeat. Among her songs are Butida, Wakimala, Mele yoo, Tonenya, and Akayimba. Isaac Ssejjombwe talked to her.
First thing you do in the morning?
I check my phone. For example, I go through social media for current affairs, I check my email and, see if I missed any calls. I then freshen up and prepare to leave.
What is the first thing you do when you get to work?
I pray for a fruitful day before making my day’s schedule.
Your earliest childhood memory is…?
I loathed wearing knickers up to Primary Five because I felt peaceful and never cared about others’ opinions.
First best friend?
Grace Nakiligya. We got close in Senior Two and the bond has become stronger. She is the only one I can talk to about personal issues. She is kind, caring and reliable.
When did you have your first kiss?
I had it with my then boyfriend in Senior Five.
But you were students, how did you end up doing such?
One day in second term, I was seated on a bench and he stood in front of me. He put his hand out for me to stand and he stole the kiss.
How long did your relationship last?
We did not date for long because he sat for his Uganda Advanced Certificate Education examinations shortly after.
First book you read?
Tokiiya na ntonge nto, a book to help me learn about my culture and more Luganda.
First job?
I worked as a receptionist at Dr Martin’s Chinese Herbal Clinic. This job got me to meet high profile people and I made some good money.
First salary?
I was not earning a salary but Shs3, 000, a daily wage in my Senior Four vacation.
For how long did you do that job?
About four months.
What did you use the money for?
I bought books, uniforms, other scholastic materials and shoes.
Current job?
I am an artiste.
What do you like about your job?
I am happy that it brings out the best in me and I get to entertain people. Seeing different faces every day and loving what I do gives me joy.
What don’t you like about your job?
The music industry is evil. People can attack you for no reason. This is perhaps because it is so competitive. I have had issues where some people have told me that someone paid them not to play my music.
First thing you do before you step on stage?
I say a prayer for a wonderful show. Prayer calms my nerves.
First crush…
Vil, a cute boy from our neighbourhood. He was mixed race and I wanted him to be my friend.
Most memorable experience…?
My first kiss. We kissed for long and I became nervous because it was my first kiss. The first kiss led to the second and third. He was the coolest boy at school.
Your biggest regret in life?
Giving up on being a pastor. I grew up as a Born Again, we were a prayerful family and they used to call me Little Pastor but I gave that up for secular music.
Why did you change your mind?
I am not so sure because did a gospel song for my first time in studio which my mother paid for but all of a sudden I was drawn to secular music. Maybe it is because of Sheebah and Spice Diana’s influence. I used to sneak out and go to bars in skimpy clothes. I disappointed my mother in that she still tells me I can still be a pastor and do music.
Best advice you have ever received.
My mother, friends, pastors and school friends told me to abstain, which I did.