#MCM: I am not in the Illuminati- Multi-talented musician cum music producer Ulopa

 I wonder why people have a tendency of associating successful people with the cult- Ulopa Photo: Courtesy

SDE: You changed your name from Ulopa to Bwana Ngoma, reason?

This was to establish my presence felt in the music industry as not only a music producer but as well as a talented rapper.

SDE: You are one of the few artists who has managed to establish your own studio,Ulopa Ngoma Records, what inspired you?

Mainly for business purposes besides helping in nurturing upcoming local talent. Unlike in the past where there were limited production houses with numerous artists hence the saying every producer for himself and God for us all - I felt the urge to bridge the gap owing to the fact that I had what it takes to produce music.

This aside I am able to record my music the way I desire given the fact that I have the right equipment and sufficient time besides saving monies which I used to record music in other studios. 

SDE: Prior to this you worked at your aunt’s studio Samawati before proceeding to Sub Sahara. Why did you quit the latter – is it true that you were kicked out as a result of bad blood between you and the owner of  Sub Saharan Records?

 I have never been kicked out by anybody. Let’s just say that it was my own decision to quit in order to establish my own studio. There comes a time in life when one has to prove that he can do better on his own rather than being working for people all the time. I am glad that so far everything has worked in my favour- and like I keep saying my duty is to ensure that 254 takes over the local  music industry

SDE: How do you manage combining the art of being a musician and music production?

I manage the two by respecting each profession independently owing to the fact that it pays to do both as long as one has discipline and has a great passion for music.

SDE: What are you working on at the moment?

I am busy doing a number of huge projects which I strongly believe will take over the local music industry and beyond. This aside I am also producing a number of artists who are set to make a difference in the local entertainment Industry.

SDE: What makes you stand out?

My personal touch which I give to my music including my musical family  background. Am not comparing myself with others, but unlike others every simple detail in my production has been thought of. I take it upon myself to listen to a track over and over, taking a note of every detail before embarking on production using unique musical equipment and thinking outside the box.

As an all rounded producer all the artistes I have produced bring out something different and unique from the rest owing to the fact that unlike most producers who create beats from computer software I use live production.

SDE: So does music pay?

Both business have enabled ME generate good monies which I have used in investing in a number of quality equipment and properties.

SDE: What are your charges?

Let’s just say that it depends with the nature of work to be done hence it varies with the artist requirements.

SDE: Other than singing, rapping and producing music what else do you do?

I play bass guitar, drums, piano and percussion.

SDE: What is the secret to your success?

My hard work and determination has enabled me produce unique fresh sounds and captivating productions that have continuously spawned a new era in hit making besides topping the charts.

 SDE: Who are some of the artists you have worked with?

Nigeria’s P Square, Wyre, Nameless, Kaz, Prezzo, Shavie and Slice, Tatuu, Wakimbizi, Nessa, Kleptomaniax, Nyashinski, Collo, Kristoff, Rabbit, Khaligraph Jones Kidum and Gogosimo bands and Camp Mulla ( I mentored the latter) Just to name a few.

SDE: Have you always been interested in music?

Music has been a great part of me ever since I was 14. Despite hailing from a musical family where my grandfather among others were musicians – I always felt the urge of venturing into music. I am glad that my musical journey has been a walk in the park.

SDE: What are some of the challenges you are facing?

My main challenge is with the mainstream media whom I feel have a tendency of allocating immense airplay to foreign music at the expense of our local counterparts.

It is sad to see that only a clique of local musicians are being accorded airplay at the expense of their counterparts who have airplay materials for reasons best known to the radio stations. I feel it is high time local artists unite in a common cause by giving back to the society if they hope to succeed.

SDE: You have been linked to Illuminati

What is illuminati? The fact that someone is working hard and enjoying the fruits of his hard earned labor – doesn’t mean that he is an illuminati? I wonder why people have a tendency of associating successful people with the cult

SDE: Your advice to Kenyans?

Let us not be quick in categorizing since I strongly believe that as entertainers we can do anything. It is important for Kenyans to understand that we (musicians) are business people out to earn a living out of our hard work.