His 18 and Over song topped charts in the country, making him one of the promising newcomers last year. Bakri meets his number one fan Sue Naiga, a student in Kampala.
Hi Bakri? It’s good to finally meet you. What is your full name?
I’m Bakri Matovu.
What inspired you to join the music industry?
I believe too much talent and the desire to put across my feelings inspired me to become a musician. I grew up listening to a lot of music and going to many shows.
What is your relationship status?
I’m not single and I’m not available.
Please tell me about your family background?
I come from a family of 14 sisters and three brothers and I’m the second last born. I was born to Mr Suleiman Matovu, a professional tailor and Ms Linda Makulima.
Apart from music, what else do you do?
I work with my dad at Lady Shirley on Uganda House building, doing tailoring.
How many artistes have you worked with so far?
I’ve written songs for Jamie, Navio and Liane before plus other upcoming artistes. I also have an anti-corruption project with Good Lyfe.
Which schools did you go to?
The first school I attended was in Saudi Arabia before I joined Kampala Parents School, Kibuli secondary, East High and Mengo secondary then graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing at Makerere University.
Your 18 and Over song moves me a lot. What made you do that song?
I’m so much of a party person and my songs are derived from what surrounds me. So, the inspiration for 18 and Over came from a certain party I attended some time last year. The girls were bending over to the music so I decided to sing about it. That was the inspiration for my catchy chorus.
If someone wants to hang with you, which places do you go to?
I’m always at Guvnor, Venom and Casablanca.
You mentioned earlier that you have a degree in Marketing. Why then did you go for music?
I come from a family background based on talent. The love and passion of music is a supplement for my tailoring skills.
How do your parents take it, you being an artiste?
Surprisingly, they are so supportive and my dad always introduces me to his friends, which means he’s happy with what I’m doing.
Do you find it okay to be an artiste yet you come from an Islamic family?
I don’t see anything wrong with that because I sing about things that relate to people. All my songs are based on inspiration and I always keep it positive.
Who is your favourite Ugandan artiste?
Dr Jose Chameleone, Good Lyfe and internationally it’s R. Kelly.
How many songs do you have so far?
Three songs are out already and they are So Latido, 18 and Over and a free style called Va Munyumba.
What new things should we expect?
I have a new song coming out this month called Mr DJ.
A lot of comparisons have been made between you and Toniks. Do you see anything you two have in common?
It’s always a privilege to be compared to him. I grew up listening to his music so me being compared to him is like having Messi and Ronaldo on the same pitch.
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
Great stuff happening. Having a successful album launch, travelling and becoming one of the hottest artistes out of the East African region.
