1 on 1 with Dr Tee by Julie Erusa

Travis Kazibwe describes himself as a no nonsense man who loves sharing ideas with people. He appreciates what God has done for him. Without him he would not be where he is right now.

He started doing music at a professional level way back and he remembers shaking hands with many visiting presidents between 1988 and 1993. Dr. Tee started with traditional music. In his Ordinary Level he changed from traditional music and took up lessons in guitar and piano. In 1997, he left for Sweden to study studio engineering, since he had knowledge about instruments already this was a walk over for him. He was taught by Toshtum and with his extensive knowledge in studio engineering they did an album “Ssoka Omunonye” with Diplock Segawa in the 90’s. It had popular songs like “Ssoka Omunonye. He became a producer and joined forces with Timothy Kizito in Boston to change the sound in Uganda. They decided it was time for us to join the technology world; they wanted to transform the industry.  At that time the Ugandan music scene was swamped with Congolese (Lingala) and western music. They decided to combine the beats of the Lingala and western music, add the local language to it form their own style of music. And with their understanding in percussions they changed both Kadongo Kamu and Band music.

Dr. Tee’s music journey took a period of 5 years. In 1999, he was working as a music director at the VCL studios under the ebonies. He has produced for several artists like Eagles’ Production, Chance Nalubega, Silver Kyagulanyi, Betty Mpologoma, Da Twins, Bobi Wine, Juliana Kanyomozi, Chameleone, Mesach Semakula, Willy Mukabya, The Later Paul Kafeero (R.I.P), Basudde (R.I.P) and many more. By 2004, Ugandan artists were able to hold shows without having any international artists. He also writes songs for artists or helps artists who have already written their songs. He also used to provide back-up for artists he had written for songs.

In November, 2004 he started singing, he released his 1st song; “Children of Africa” to address the problems facing the country – street children. His main aim was to call out to the people to help the children because children are the next generation. He believes it was a very powerful song. “It was bigger than me” he says.  He later did a full album titled “Kabogere” and it had tracks like “Oli mulungi, Pole Pole, Nakupenda” and many more. It was released in late 2006. In 2007 he released a Gospel album titled “Gwe Anyamba” and before that he did a joint Christmas album with Mesach Semakula called “Tuyimbe ne ssanyu”. 

At the moment he is working on a 2nd secular called “Abalyamere” to be released on 3rd Decemeber. It is going to be launched on 18th January, 2008 in Uganda and 13th January, 2008 in London. It will have songs like”City Kupangilila, War Zone ft Lady Mariam, Sikulabawo” and many more. This is going to be his first concert, thus his first launch. He has been doing for other people launching and now strongly believes it is his time.It is going to be sponsored by MTN and Nile Breweries and not to forget Kann Records. The album is going to be released under Dick Productions. He is also planning an African tour to fundraise money for the kids on the streets.

Advice to Upcoming artists

Dr. Tee says that we still have so many things that are not tackled. We should do research before singing. He is also ready to help any one who wants to start singing. His job is to try and change the world