Blu 3

The name of the Ugandan Coca Cola Popstars is Blu3. Their debut track is titled 'Frisky'. I had an opportunity to finally meet the ‘frisky’ girls at an impromptu press escapade at a nice little fancy cafe on 9th Floor, workers house. The girls were kinda exhausted cause it had been a long day of meeting press people of all sorts: Showtime magazine, New Vision etcetera.

We sat round a little coffee table and without further ado, they autographed the complimentary CD that their manager and producer Steve Jean had handed me. Meanwhile, a coupla ice-cold coca-colas were falling victim to this conversation. Bet y'all know what the first question was

"How did you get the name Blu 3?"

Jackie explained that Steve had come through with a list of names for them to choose from (being the man that he is) and they settled for Blu 3 'cuz they are Black Ladies from Uganda. I then asked them which popular girl group they compare Blu 3 to.

This one took a lot of thinking until Lillian or ‘Lee’ finally confessed that they were still new and she hadn't thought of any at that moment. They said they are simply Blu 3 and they want to come through with their own individual image after putting their diverse skills together to satisfy Uganda.

What do they think about the Ugandan music industry?

It lacks R&B and the young people are not coming out, as they should. They think the young generation is rather laid back and should be more active and energetic.

What is the title of their forthcoming album?

It is named 'Frisky' after their lead track. It is going to be diverse with a bit of Luganda and ballads as well. The songs are already written. What’s left is to lace them up.

What was it like working with Steve Jean?

They said he is a very friendly person. I actually noticed that the four of them – Blu3 and Steve Jean - get along very well.

What do they think about the Popstars from Kenya and Tanzania?

Lee explains that all the three groups were unique in their own way; the Tanzanians had their rapping Bongo flavas and the Kenyans hada Kenyan flavor of their own and that is why she believes that the ‘Malaika’ song that they all did together was super because it had all their qualities in one.

I then asked them what they felt like not having a recognizable style of Ugandan music like the Tanzanians have Bongo Flavas and Cindy clearly stated that they shall do whatever it takes to make music for every Ugandan. Maybe something unique could develop from this because they all grew up listening to different kinds of music.

A website for the group is also in the pipeline. You will be able to download music, wallpaper, read their bios and lots of other stuff. Musicuganda,com shall be the first to know when that happens.The girls were a good choice for a group ‘cause they are good friends, even though they didn’t know each other before the competition started. Another positive is the fact that Lillian originates from western Uganda, Cindy from the east and Jackie from the north. How more Ugandan can this get?

What do they all remember most vividly from the whole Popstars experience?

For Jackie, it was the home visit when Christine Mawadri went over to give her the good news. Christine grilled her for close to 45 minutes about her mistakes and she truly imagined she hadn’t made it to Blu3 so by the time she popped the good news, adrenaline levels were criminally high.

Talking about adrenaline? For Cindy, what she will never forget was when she went onto a roller coaster at Goldreef City, South Africa. She had never experienced anything like that before.

For Lillian, it was when she went onto another roller coaster called ‘The Anaconda’. She was in free-fall for close to a minute and in the process, some guy’s shoe fell off and he didn’t see it again…

Anything else you’d like to tell your fans?

Then Lillian said ‘The album shall be out in September’

Steve Jean

There was a lot of optimism and satisfaction in Steve Jean's voice when we had a phone conversation with him this afternoon; he is the manager and producer for Blu*3, Uganda's Popstar group. The 'Frisky' girls couldn't be in better hands because Steve has a lot of experience in the game and according to all that know him, he is articulate, very organized and can bring forth good concepts given the right budget.

We'll, we hadn't heard from the girls since the Miss Kyambogo show and the Street Jam and as we rightly imagined, something's cooking in the kitchen. The Popstars are in the process of lacing a remix album for their hit 'Hitaji' album. They have already acquired the vocal services of 'Dangerman' Mosh, a new Ugandan dancehall king and other artists to feature on their new tracks. The vibes they bring transcend all genres and these girls, who had to go through a lot of grilling and beat many able participants in vocal competitions to get to the top have shown signs that they can persevere in any music style. They tried their hands on Contemporary Ugandan music on tracks like 'Tomalako' featuring Ragga Dee and 'Nkulowoza' and these have already gotten a lot of airplay on radio.

They also feature Young Nick and MSB on 'Best Friend', which is undisputed RnB and have a reggae track called 'Don't Say. There is therefore no question that you will be entertained when they come to your town. They also take turns at taking leads on different tracks so Blu*3 show cannot be a one-girl show. This is very wise planning on Steve's part as they all bring different flavors on the tracks and the overall album.

The remix album is going to have three new tracks too and one of these shall have a video shot sooner than later. Arrangements have already been finalysed to shoot videos for 'Dont Say" and Fly Away' and according to management, these shall be just as glossy as the 'Hitaji' video that you all love to love. 'Hitaji' has been a hit with the visitors of this website who requested it close to 4,000 times last month alone! We have received lots of mail from you commending this video as a masterpice and some of you actually confessed to watching it at least once a day.

Lee, Cindy and Jackie have matured even further through the months and look more confident in pictures and video shoots. They seem to have control over the stage and one can feel an aura of life from them when they take charge of the stage. They were the ingredient that was missing from this music scene and seems they could pave way for more all-female music groups in Uganda, it now really feels like we have a music industry here. They are expected to be the attraction at the forthcoming PAM Awards this October and I wouldn't be shocked either if they walked away with more than one of those glass moldings.

Do you remember the Hitaji video we told you about? The one that most many said was the best video by Ugandans ever? The one which Fenon records had to hire four companies to shoot? YES! That video. We have an optimized version for you to download and look at so you can develop your own opinion and rate it.

Hitaji is the title track of the debut Blu*3 album and the this new video is the second for the group. The first for Frisky was was shot on location in South Africa soon after the track was recorded. Steve Jean, the group's producer and manager explained to MusicUganda that the group is scheduled to make videos for all the songs on the album and this shall happen as soon as the popstars are all fully available for shooting but in the near future.

They are likely to use the very same team to do the work because they seemed to work well together. Musta of Twisted Images, the crew that was contracted to do the camerawork explains that they had a lot of footage and there was a lot of material to select the right shots for the video from. There were more scenes that involved the Eclipse dancers who spent a lot of time with Blu*3 perfecting the dance moves for the Hitaji video.

Other companies involved in the shoot were Earl Imagez, who provided lighting, cameras and other equipment and Deddac, who are arguably Uganda's best video editors.

Blu*3's Cinderella Sanyu, Lillian Mbabazi and Jackie Chandiru. They want to be international divas in five-years' time

ALL-GIRL singing group Blu*3 began their musical career when they auditioned for the Coca-Cola Real Stars in 2003. They have since won the hearts of many Ugandans because of their good music, infectious smiles, charm and down to earth personalities. To date, the BLU*3 have risen to take all party animals by storm.

The trio has been riding at the top of the local pop charts with their new single Woah, a sensational mix of Rhythms and Blues in hiphop, already receiving tremendous airplay on all local FM radio stations.

But even while they were pruning their latest single with Buchaman, little did they know that they had already evolved into the most sought-after dance pop trio on the continent. Their 14 song album is hot, many songs written by Silver kyagulanyi.

Now, it has been confirmed that besides a string of concerts in Rwanda and Tanzania, the BLU*3 will perform at the Ghana music awards festival.

The girls are succeeding Nigeria's 2Face Idiba in the guest role at the most important event in Ghana's musical, cultural and entertainment calendar. The fete will last eight days and over 30,000 revelers are expected to attend.

From wannabes to continental party music icons, the BLU*3 have come the full circle. They have recorded a new collabo featuring Buchaman of the Lwaki temummatira? Fame, and by all constants, this is set to explode into every party animal's conscience. Their video was be shot on Kampala Road recently.

Pidson Kareire talked to them about relationships and lifestyle. Below are excerpts:

 Question: Was singing part of your childhood pastime?
Answer: I have always loved singing. I was involved in school and church choirs in my childhood. However, I realised that I could seriously sing when I was 15 years and led the choir. I gained confidence and by the time I auditioned for the Coca-Cola Real Stars in 2003, I was already an artiste.

Who inspired you to start singing?
My mom has been my biggest inspiration. She used to listen to my songs when I was growing up and told me that I was like my dad. Unfortunately, my dad died when I was two years old.

Who was your favourite artiste when you were growing up?
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston.

What good do you find in music?
The chance to tell people how I feel about something. I'm also privileged to have the chance of skipping the queue when I'm recognised at some occasions. I like it.

Do you have a committed boyfriend?
It is nothing serious. I'm too busy to handle a serious relationship now.

Does he get jealous about you being in the limelight and getting attention of several men?
Yes. He gets jealous that I get attention from men. However, I try not to go out very often in order to avoid arguments about men.

What do you consider your bad habits?
Biting my nails. I also scratch my face too much when I'm nervous.

What qualities do you like about yourself?
Being straightforward. When I want to say something I say it without fear or favour. I'm kind, I like the fact that I'm pretty that is why I get to many places. Finally, I thank God because I can sing.

Do you ever get crushes?
I last had a crush when I was 17 and it was on a black American preacher. I liked his eyes and the way he used his hands.

What do you do in your spare time ?
I train my voice. I dance in front of the mirror, watch movies and hang out with my friends. My favourite hang-out is the Rouge on Station Road.

Why do you like showing your navel?
That is what fans like to see. Watching other artistes show their navels on TV, I grew up thinking that showing a navel is sexy.

What do you hate about men?
Generally, men never get satisfied.

What is the worst habit that girls have?
Trading love for money. Those who do it de-value themselves.

What is your level of education?
I finished Senior Six. I intend to resume my studies next year at Makerere University. I hope to study music.

Who would be your dream date?
Somebody taller than me; above six feet and hardworking. I would also prefer somebody who doesn't regard me as a celebrity. I like people who listen and talk less because I talk a lot.

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever done for love?
I bought him a very expensive golden chain.

What type of man do you admire?
Honest people amaze me. It is a very rare quality with men and I admire honest men.

Where do you see Blu*3 in five years?
I see international divas with more albums to sell.

He has asked you out! But your mother wants to come with you. How do you go about it?
That would be drama because I have no idea how I would solve it. I think I would try to convince her to stay at home and if she insists to come with us, I would buy her a strong drink to confuse her.

 QUESTION: When did you realise you had a talent in music?
ANSWER: I realised I could actually sing when we I participated in karaoke in my Senior Five.

What kind of music did you listen to when you were growing up?
Slow music and Rock 'n' Roll.

Which pop musicians do you admire?
Mariah Carey and Brandy.

Who is your role model in the music industry?
Brandy is my role model. I always want to enumerate her, sing like her and do my voice production just like she does.

Do you have a serious and committed boyfriend?
Ha…ha…let us just say I'm happy with where I am with my life.

How does he feel about you being in the limelight and getting attention from several men?
It is all about trust. Trust is what keeps a relationship going.

How old were you when you first got a crush?
I was in Senior Five when I first got those "butterflies in my stomach."

When did you lose your virginity?
Ha…ha, really weird question. Virginity is like a fragile flower vase, when you break it, it is gone. You cannot bring its pieces back to one whole vase.

Was it accidental or you planned it?
No accident, no prior plan….. ha…ha.

How many boyfriends have you dumped so far?
One. Miserable, huh?

Does your image scare off boys?
Yes. My image scares off boys a lot. It practically amuses me sometimes what they think! They say that I have breakfast at the Sheraton, lunch at Fang Fang Restaurant and dinner at Grand Imperial Hotel! It sounds so funny!

What guides you in your love relationships?
Trust, openness and understanding.

Why do you wear Kundi-shows?
Ha…ha…I have a pierced naval and I love it. Sometimes I love to show it off.

What do you use to look good?
I undergo hot steaming and facials every week. I cleanse my face every morning, afternoon and night with Noxema Cleaning Cream. I use MAC foundations, powder and once in a while Revlon or L'Oreal lip-gloss. I hate lip-gloss or lip stick that is why I rarely use it.

Is there anything you don't like about men?
I don't like guys who grow thick beards.

How important is love in your life?
It keeps me going when I know there are people or someone who thinks about me and has me in every prayer.

How do you feel when fans make passes at you?
Sometimes it is weird. Somehow I never expect anyone to try and make passes at me because many people say I'm unapproachable and mean with my smile. It is true, I'm reserved so I think my nature pushes guys away. However, they amuse me me when they make passes at me.

What kind of men do you like?
I like honest, open, sensitive and humourous men. I love down-to-earth men. I hate proud men.

What pisses you off?
Hypocrites and those who tell lies about me.

You are a party animal, what don't you like about parties?
I don't like it when everyone gets high. Sometimes people get drank and become nuisance. However, these days I never have enough time to go for parties.

What would make you fight a man?
I cannot fight a man. It is a waste of time.

What is the craziest thing you would do to get love?
Nothing. If love is meant for you it will be yours. I just let nature take its course. I do not harass myself trying to impress men.

 Question: What kind of music did you listen to when growing up?
Answer:Whitney Houston's music. Basically, she inspired me.

What do you find good about music?
Music helps me to express my emotions and communicate with people I cannot meet. I love performing on stage. At times feel good when people recognise me and allow me to do things before others.

Do you have a serious and committed boyfriend?
No. I have many things to do and no time for serious boyfriend or man.

What do you hate about men?
Bad breath, smelly feet, gossiping and lying.

What do you consider your bad habit?
I bite my nails and I like sleeping too much.

What qualities do you like best about yourself?
I love my voice and my personality. I think am outgoing, generous and charming. I am humourous and down-to-earth.

Do you ever get crushes?
Yes, of course. I am human. I admire humourous, down-to-earth men who smell nice.

what do you do in your spare time?
I watch movies, sleep and go swimming.

Why do you (members of Blu*3) like showing your navels?
I do not wear kundi-show. I feel comfortable when I am covered up. Kundi-show is for Jackie and Cindy.

What do you say about the idea of detoothing?
It happens everywhere in the world, but I love being independent. I love getting something out of my sweat. It is not a good idea; people should be self-reliant and leave detoothing.

What is the worst habit that girls have?
Gossiping.

How often do you go to church?
Not so often. I'm too busy, but I would love to go to church more often.

Have you ever slapped a man?
No. That is not how I express my anger. I quarrel a lot, but If he does not take it, I go away.

What is your level of education?
I am a second year social sciences student at Makerere University.

What would be your dream date?
Every woman looks for a caring man who does not cheat on her and gives her attention. I like honest men and I do not like liars.

What is the most extravagant thing you have ever done for love?
I bought a very expensive perfume and a shirt. It was his birthday. That was two years ago - 2003.

What kind of man turns you on?
If he smells nice and is presentable in public.

Where do you see Blu*3 in five years' time?
We shall win more awards and go international because we have better plans. If they work out, it will be nice.

He has asked you out, but your mother wants to go with you to some party. How do you go about it?
of course my mum would be my first priority. But depending on how long she wants me to be with her. If it is a short time, I can go with her and then go out. If it is a long one, I would stay with my mum.

Blu 3 completes album

Blu 3 to drop album

Blu 3 Listening Party

Photos By Kayiwa Ahmed, Tel: +256-712-834507, Email:kayiwamed@yahoo.com

Unlike most artists in Uganda today who hold album launches and auction off their CDs or even sell off their cds, Blu 3 this time brought a new meaning to the whole thing of releasing albums.

BLU*3 Burrns Kampala

By any account, the Blu*3 live concert featuring American R&B star will go down as the biggest and funkiest concert ever seen by Ugandans. When word went out that Blu*3 will have Montell Jordan as a guest at the launch of their album Burrn, no one really believed it until the man himself stepped off a KLM flight and straight into our dusty Kampala.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Blu*3  to re-unite after years of separation by 1544c Ssejjombwe. (+256 782233273)

Soon, we are going to see the reunion of breakaway trio Jackie Chandiru, Lillian Mbabazi and Cinderella Sanyu on a big project that will also see them taking international and regional tours. Steve Jean who was the main man behind the formation of Blu 3 in 2003 during the Coca Cola pop stars talent search is also behind the reunion. Steve has neither confirmed nor denied the reunion but our source reveals that the producer is so excited about the project.

The group started disbanding in 2007 when Cindy was expelled after she refused to end her trip to Italy prematurely and has ever since then been striding as a solo artist. With singles “Ayokya yokya”, “one and only”, “total satisfaction” and “Party” among others, Cindy has established herself as one of the most sought after artists in Uganda.

Cindy was later replaced by Mya. In 2008, Blu 3 took on Maternity leave thus leading to the girls venturing into solo projects. Jackie she quickly stood out after the success of “Going on”, a collabo she did with Chameleon, “Agassi”, “overdose” and “Gold digger” to mention but a few. Jackie has been on the radar as one of the best female artists for the last two years and her “Agassi” video was voted the best video in last year’s PAM Awards. Lillian released “Vitamin” with Weasel, “Kawa”, “Kankutwale” and her recent “I’m in danger”. Lillian is mainly known for her live performances with her band sundowners. Mya has released songs like Baibe, say No and her latest “Shankolo”

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