Saturday, December 11th, 2010
1 on 1 with Maurice Kirya
Influenced by the beauty and unique spirit of his home, Uganda, Maurice Kirya’s music is an uncommon blend of soul, Afro, and R&B which he prefers to call ‘Mwooyo’ which means ‘soul.’ Introduced to music at an early age, Maurice’s mother would gather all of her children around the fire and teach them how to sing. Maurice started singing professionally at age 15, recording with popular Ugandan gospel, rap, and jazz artists Maurice has performed throughout Africa, and was the 2007 best R&B artist winner of the Pearl of African Music Awards in Uganda. He was also nominated at the Kisima Awards in Kenya and has worked with the legendary Mali musician, Moussa Diallo, Cecile Verny Quartet (Germany), Beniwe (Paris), First Love (Uganda), Pragmo (UG) and Kaz Kasozi(UG/UK).
Maurice Kirya known for hits like Beera Naabo, Bina Daamu ft AY, Lets Go, Stop, Njagala Gwe, Boda Boda and many many more believes that there is Lugaflow for the Rappers, Kidandali “Afro Beat” for Chameleone, Bebe Cool and Bobi Wine and Kadongo Kamu for Sebatta. “I actually blend thus Soul Music with a Ugandan touch” says Maurice.
About RFI
Maurice recently won the award for the Best New African Award in the just ended Radio France International Award. The RFI Awards have been there going on for the past 30 years and for the first time an English speaking country won the Award. Artists who registered included AY, Winyo from Kenya. Out of 500 he came out NO.1. He won 100,000 Euros that is to fund a tour in 40 different countries, 11,000 Euros for Artist Development and finally 1,000 Euros. Maurice continues saying… the beauty about this Award is, Its not not only Maurice who won but Uganda that won, It will go down in the history books that a Ugandan won the award in 2010.
What is he up to?
He is currently promoting his music in the country and across the world. He believes what he is doing to today is paving way for someone who will be able to do it better. Basically, it’s still work in progress.
Future Plans
Maurice will be releasing his new album and will be starting on his tour. He is also going to embark on acting in movies and he plans on doing a lot of Social Work
Maurice Kirya Experience will be coming back next year and it going to be better. It’s a soulful culture that runs purely on talent and discovery.
Maurice’s pictures were taken by Astrid Dill.
Click here to read mor about Maurice Kirya |
