Emilian J’s Musical Journey

By Joel Isabirye

When a new artist from Uganda goes to Kenya, the tendency is he or she does come back successful with hits and ready to be the next star. Sylvia Kyansuti, Bebe Cool and Chameleon may serve the example. Emilian J, a new artist is most likely on that route to success. He has released a single titled ‘bina baby’, which was recorded in Mombasa Kenya. ‘Bina Baby’ (not in any way reflective of Dembe FM presenter) is an energetic tune set to rock our clubs wholesomely. The twenty two year old singer started what he terms professional singing only last year and sees a long future ahead of him.

His name is a construct of his (Emmanuel) and from two special girls in his life, Lian his girlfriend and J for his sister Jackie. Relatives not in any way influenced Emilian J’s delving into the music business as he only sought to explore with what he felt was his God given talent. None of his family is or was a practising full time musician. His love for music emerged from listening to many records played on radio and going to watch live performances supported by a strong self-belief in his talent.

In spite of being a secular artist and far from born again, Emilian surprisingly revealed his love for gospel music, which he collects and listens to. He was clear that his trials and tribulations in life have made him pay close attention to gospel music as a source of inspiration. As a new artist Emilian has successfully completed this debut and waits patiently for another moment he will gather enough studio fees to do another project. He has a full album in the waiting to be produced.

Like many starters he has been faced with the scepticism of relatives and friends who despite lauding his efforts shy away from throwing their financial weight behind Emilian J. For Ugandan artists, Recording in Kenya is a gross money trip combining studio fees, accommodation, feeding and off course transportation. These realities are hard to deal with but have failed to deter Emilian who is with resolve to achieve his dreams. He paid for the studio by himself through an instalment plan.

Throughout his childhood and youthful years he had felt the urge to engage in musical activity. He idolised Steve Jean and Emperor Orlando and learnt at heart the songs that they constantly released. He also regularly attended their performances to see and learn more artistically. From abroad he looked up to Mr Nice and Nonini from Tanzania and Kenya respectively. With all these influences Emilian J has dropped his single incorporating a large portion.

The sound of ‘bina baby’ is typical Kenyan upbeat dancehall and is produced by Mombasa based producer Hassan of the famed Tabasam multi-track studio still in Mombasa, the East of Kenya. Working in Kenya and living in Uganda has shaped Emilian J’s choice of language. He sings in Luganda, Kiswahili and kinyarwanda (a language linked to his mixed parentage of Rwandan mother and Muganda father). He aspires to be broadly appealing all over East Africa, and singing is Kiswahili works for Kenya and Tanzania, luganda is well for Uganda and Kinyarwanda attracts Rwanda and Burundi. In his own words ‘Swahili is language of Africa’.

Emilian J looks perched on the music scene. He is ready to fly higher as the times go by. An artist really worth listening to or at least promoting.

Emillian J

His contacts are

Tel: 256-77903490