On Friday, 2nd Feb 2023, singer Juliana Kanyomozi showed up at KFM for the Superstar Friday interview. She was hosted by Brian Mulondo and Faiza during their D’Mighty Breakfast Show.
In there, she talked about a number of things since she started her music. Juliana also opened up about new music, pregnancy and her late son, Keron.
Table of contents
Also Read: How Juliana set up the boundless concert in 2022
How has Juliana Kanyomozi been able to stay in the music industry for over 10 years with people like Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine and Chameleon?
I guess that passion is what has driven us this far together with the artists you’ve named, cause that’s the same generation. That’s how we got this far; I think it’s just a passion so we love what we do. We didn’t think at the time if you asked me, we didn’t think we’d be this famous. Do you get me? I didn’t have this fame I possess right now. I promise you I couldn’t imagine it at that time.
How does it feel having such loyal fans and being so popular?
Sometimes it’s scary! Oh, okay. It’s really humbling. It’s really humbling, because these are things we didn’t think would happen in our lifetime. But there is no greater feeling than doing something and it’s appreciated like that. Because for me, it comes from the heart that when I sing a song, it’s coming from the heart. And when I see that kind of appreciation and love, it’s the greatest feeling in the world.
Why did Juliana join radio at the time her career was also soaring?
So let me take you back. The time I started radio, I actually hadn’t yet made the big break in the music industry. I remember I was in my S6 vacation. And I was mourning my dad who had just passed away at that time. And things were not easy at home. Okay, I need to do something. Like okay. Well, I think I can speak English well. Then I thought to myself, wait, I’ve been through high school admiring all these prestigious people on radio. I was able to meet Ronnie, Alex Ndawula and more. So I said let me just walk to Capital FM. I consoled myself. What’s the worst that could happen? If I don’t get the job, I’m going home! This was during my S6 vacation.
At what point did Juliana Kanyomozi succeed in the music industry?
So I started working. And then a few years in my career, my music career also took off. So the time I got to leave the radio, it wasn’t even because, you know, I was being fired or anything. It became difficult for me to balance the two. Because I was always traveling and shows every weekend. It was difficult to concentrate. So I had to do the right thing and choose one. I was on radio for about six years. I think Flavia Tumusiime took over from me.
Any songs you have outgrown?
Some of my songs are loved so much and yet they may be inappropriate in some situations. Someone may ask me to sing for them Nabikoowa? All I do is propose they ask for a different song.
Why did Juliana shift from English to Luganda?
And yet I never left! (She laughs) I guess as we grow, experiences change, we may discover ourselves. We try new things. And in that moment, it so happened with Bobi Wine. Yeah, so he had this song that he was doing and it happened to be in Luganda. And he wanted us to do together. So that’s how I ended up doing Luganda, to say. I didn’t have any plans to do Luganda. It was just, I think, you know, when you’re waiting and you’re waiting, you’re like, Should I do it? So I guess the confidence to actually give it a try in that moment was when we came up with Taata Wa Abaana. I remember being very, very nervous. You know, when the song came out, I was like, are they going to make fun of me? That’s because I wasn’t so sure of my proficiency in Luganda.
Why does Juliana sing Luganda instead of Rutooro?
We both know I am a Mutooro, but I grew up speaking Luganda as a little girl. And then it just worked like magic. Because after that, like I said, I never left English. But I also realized along the way, you know, as you grow, you learn. And so musically, I learned that Luganda is a beautiful musical language. It’s a beautiful language, so to say. There’s other languages that actually difficult to sing to put in music. Like if you’re talking to someone who’s musical, they will tell you that, for example, Rutooro is a beautiful language in the speaking it is very sexier. But when you’re writing, sometimes it’s difficult to place. I can’t explain it for someone because it can be tricky. But there’s certain languages like Luganda, Kinyarwanda, Swahili. certain languages are just so beautiful when you put them into music.
What happened when you chose to sing Luganda?
So yeah, so, Luganda worked! I also realized that if you look around, you’re gonna realize that Ugandans love their culture, they love their languages. And so it just happens naturally when you do a song and you want to touch Ugandans. Luganda will get there faster than in English. So it’s not that they don’t like English because they speak English. But they seem to connect more in my experience to songs that are produced in Luganda.
Who are those Ugandan artists Juliana honors throughout her entire career?
Oh my God there’s so many but I remember growing up of course Philly Lutaaya was a huge influence. If you ask me, he is one of the greatest Ugandan musicians of all time. Then there was this lady called Carol Nakimera. It’s sad that at the time of her death, people had not got tol properly understand how she does stuff. She had one of the most amazing voices. And of course Joanita Kawalya was among them. I couldn’t remember all of them right now. But there’s so many artists that have really influenced my musical journey.
Is it true that Juliana Kanyomozi is pregnant?
So, yes I shall maintain it that I am open to having another baby after Taj. For me, it’s the obsession of people that amuses me. Like the obsession of whether Juliana’s pregnant or not, had a baby or not, etcetera. But, I guess it happens to all female celebrities and public figures. But the truth is, as a woman, I’d like to have more kids, you know, if God chooses, yes, it’s something that I’m very open to. Motherhood for me is something that I love that comes naturally. It’s my number one job befor music given. So, why not?
How has motherhood been for Juliana Kanyomozi?
It’s funny, when I was growing up. I was obsessed with having girls and then I didn’t get girls. But yeah, I can’t imagine what a little me would look like and sound like!
What part of Keron (the child you lost) do you still carry?
I haven’t thought about the music side, but generally as a human being. He taught me more about kindness. He was very kind. He was very thoughtful. He always wanted everyone around him happy and he wanted to see other kids have more than they had. So that really touched me. And there’s one more thing he loved, but I still haven’t been able to get.
Does Juliana have any new music like an EP or album for 2024?
So I’m releasing singles right now and there is an EP coming. It was meant to come out last year, noworries.
Final message from Juliana Kanyomozi to her fans
I love you guys so much. I’m so thankful for you. Your love and support means the world to me. And I wouldn’t be here without you. So thank you and thank you so much.
