NMV says he does not mind that his genre is unpopular. Photos | Source
Grendah Felix Havens, also known as NMV Sooda Felix, is an artiste, songwriter and instrumentalist whose niche is playing the adungu (African harp). With a few world artistes in Uganda, he dares to tread the waters.
What does NMV stand for?
NMV stands for No More Poverty. I used to hustle a lot, so the name was coined to encourage me, and it was inspired by Deuteronomy 15:6, as I learnt I was created to be a vessel for others to chase poverty.
Why the adungu?
I love the African culture and I noticed that the adungu brings out a good sound.
When did you learn to play this instrument?
About three years ago. I first played it when I was 14 years old but gave up on it because it is a rare instrument. It is difficult to make.
How much did you buy this instrument?
I bought my first adungu at Shs200,000 but unfortunately I lost it along the way. I had a performance at a cultural festival in Munyonyo and I left the instrument with a friend but he might have left as well because when he came back, he did not find it.
Did you replace it?
No. It is not an easy instrument to make and they are not sold everywhere. You need to first call someone and place an order. I am just in the process of getting another one.
Who taught you how to play the adungu?
I am self-taught learnt on YouTube because of the urge I had to learn how to play it.
I did not look up to anyone for inspiration but I used to admire artistes who played unique instruments, people such as Joel Ssebunjo.
How best can you describe your type of music?
I do world music and Afrobeat.
How do you term world music?
It is the kind of music that resonates with traditional music. It is basically a type of music where cultural instruments take centre stage in the production of the music.
There is a perception that this type of music has not been embraced in Uganda, why would you choose to focus on it?
Surprisingly, it is through music that I have been able to cater for some needy children while empowering youth under Next Generation8 Kids Africa ministry (Ngeka Uganda), a community based organisation in Jinja, where I am the founder. Here I equip children with music and art skills. Besides that, I am doing music because of passion.
How many songs do you have at the moment?
I have more than 20 songs and I have just released a nine-track album called Am Ghetto Hope that is inspired by my upbringing. Songs such as Nkikwatemu, Don’t Give Up, Jesus Love, and Insure Life among others. I also featured the Ngeka Kids Choir on some songs such as Tetulina.
When did you start singing?
In P5, miming Chameleone’s songs but I started doing music commercially in 2019 by recording and performing at some small gigs.
Where did you go to school?
I started out at St Andrews Primary School in Jinja, went to Holy Cross Lake View on a bursary then joined Jinja College for my A-Level. Because of financial constraints and music taking up most of my time, I did not join university.
What have you achieved from music so far?
I have friends in and out of the country. I have made friends in the industry, for example Chameleone, Feffe Bussi, Pr Bugembe, Joel Sebunjo, producer Rinex, among others.
How do you want to be remembered?
As one of the biggest artistes in the world. I want to leave a legacy through music. I want people to remember the impact Grendah Felix Havens left in people’s lives.
