Ingrid with Hannz in his studio. PHOTO BY ISAAC SSEJJOMBWE
Hannz Tactiq is one of the most sought after music producers in the country. He met his fan Ingrid Ndera, a student of Hilton High School at his studios in Kabalagala.
Hi Hannz. It’s nice to finally meet you. I thought I would see you last term when you emerged the winner at the annual Hilton High School awards as best producer, but you didn’t show up. How is life?
Life is okay and I’m so privileged to know I was the winner. So who received my award and when should I pick it?
You should come and pick it up next term. It’s with our entertainment prefect. So what is new form Hannz?
A lot is coming up but we just released Navio and Young Mulo’s track titled Omukwomu. It’s a nice song and will surely become a hit.
Do you love what you are doing?
Yes of course. If I didn’t, I would have changed professions a long time ago. It has come from being a hobby, to a profession.
Who is your role model?
I have two. Ryan Resley and Swizz Beatz. They are hard working and have helped many artistes. Ryan is the guy behind artistes like Casey, Fabulous, and Usher among others while Swizz Beatz has worked with Eve, Jay Z and other artistes.
For how long have you been a producer?
I have been a music producer since 2009, making this year my fourth but I have been active in music since I was 11 years old. By then, I used to do scripts for TV and radio adverts and I also played the piano and guitar.
Did your parents accept your decision to join production?
Yes they did, especially my mother because she’s also a producer in the movie industry. She supports me and used to invite me to see her works although at some point she thought I wouldn’t gain so much from the music industry.
How have you been recognised so far?
I have awards including a Buzz Teeniez Award, a Hipipo Music Award and a number of nominations in Pam Awards. Plus the award you’ve just told me I won at Hilton High School.
Back to studio, how much do you charge for an artiste to record a song?
The price is negotiable but it depends on the magnitude of work. We charge basing on the studio time, beat programming, mixing and mastering.The minimum price is Shs500,000.
Do you also re-do songs done by other producers?
Yes. Provided we receive consent from the original producer and the artiste comes with data of the song.
What do you have to say about the piracy in Ugandan entertainment industry?
It’s becoming common and it’s disappointing because we lack originality. Artistes use the same beats, melody and concept. But on the other hand, it helps in promoting the industry because of sharing ideas.
Who is your best artiste among those you’ve worked with?
Every artiste is special in their own way but Mun G is fun to work with. When he is in studio, it’s all about laughter and jokes and before you realise it, the song is done. It’s effortless when working with him.
What are some of the challenges you get being a producer?
Dealing with artistes is not easy because some expect you to figure out what they want, which is irritating.
Please tell me about your family background?
My name is Hannington Muhumuza, the third born in a family of five and born to Mr John Turwomwe (R.I.P) and Ms Linda Reel. I went to Kitante Primary, Makerere College, Namasagali, Taibah College and completed my education at Nkumba University graduating with an IT degree.
What else are you doing besides music production?
My studio is also into making radio and TV jingles. We’ve done jingles for Airtel, Mirinda, Mountain Dew, Uganda Telecom, UBA, Centenary Bank, Finca and Orange among others. We are also planning on opening up a video studio soon.
