Juliana speaks out by Isaac Ssejjombwe.

With over 15 awards on her name, Juliana is perhaps the most successful female artist in the region.
Juliana has achieved what no other has in the music industry and she attributes this to hard work and dedication.
  
Having two hits topping charts off her latest album, Juliana on return from her musical break has some astonishing collaborations on this album as we are yet to find out in the detailed interview.
After a few phone calls, I caught up with Juliana to discuss what’s transpiring in her life and below is our dialogue.

Your breakthrough back then was through karaoke. What’s your take on those who laugh at Karaoke?
I just laugh back at them because it was through karaoke that I realized my talent and capability in music.
Even first world countries like the US and the UK promote talent through Karaoke  and they do this through Talent search programmes like the American Idol, America’s got talent and so on.

You are arguably the most successful female artist in East Africa. How did it all begin?
Well it all started way back as a 16 year old Girl singing Karaoke but as time went on, I realized that I had the talent to take on music as my career and since then, I haven’t looked back.
 
We saw and heard little of Juliana last year, what was she up to?
Come on I wasn’t that lost last year! Just had a small break concentrating on recording and preparing for my 2010 album which has most songs done.

We are in the early months of 2010, what should your fans expect from you this year?
A lot and I am so excited to be back. My fans should expect great stuff from me especially with my third album coming out three months from now, having great hits and great videos.

Apparently, your latest single Kantabule Nawe is enjoying ample air play in the region. What is it all about?
Ahh It’s a unique love song filled with promises. Different from other tracks, I basically wanted to be warm and to create an atmosphere for all the lovers in the region.
This song can as well be used at introductions and weddings.

How many albums do have besides this one?
Besides Kanyimbe and Nabikoowa, this is going to be my third album.

How many songs are on this specific album?
Let that be a surprise to my fans but all I have to say is that most songs are done.

And how many collaborations?
Well I decided to make unexpected collaborations with artists like Afrigo’s Moses Matovu, Rabadaba and Isaiah Katumwa.
I grew up listening to Moses Matovu and it was a privilege and Honor working with him. Isaiah Katumwa is a person I admire because of the way he plays with his instruments.
Haaa when it comes to Rabadaba, he’s so talented and gosh I just love his style.

What genre is your music?
I can do anything provided it has an African touch in it but the styles I’ve done so far include R&B, Zouk and Reggea.

What studios have you used for the production of this album?
I use Steve’s Fenon, Sylva Kyagulanyi’s Sikia studios, Grayce Records and Swangz Avenue.

Besides music, what else are you engaged in?
Well, been doing some bit of acting in a movie called Kiwaani and Bullion.
I’ve also been uplifting women especially in Bududa after the just concluded mudslides that claimed many in Eastern Uganda. Developing young talent is another of my projects after forming a foundation in Fort portal that trains young girls in schools.

We understand you were one of the judges at the just concluded Tusker Project fame in Nairobi Kenya. Talk about that experience?
Being different at what I’ve been doing, Tusker project fame was quite an experience for me because it gave me a huge platform as an artist because I was able to earn the trust of many people by uplifting talent which was awesome.

Do you think the strategy of taking musical breaks works for you especially in this competitive industry?
For me it works because I’m not in this industry for competition. I just sing to entertain my fans. Musical breaks give me ample time to prepare and perfect what I deliver to music lovers.

You’ve won a lot of respect and admiration in this industry. How do you deal with the amount of attention you are getting in the region?
Sometimes it’s scary because of the tension and people’s expectation but it’s a blessing from God and I really do appreciate the media especially Music Uganda for a job well done to promote us musicians.

There is a lot of raising talent in the region, so what strategy do you have to keep yourself as one of the most fancied artists?
Well I’ll just continue to be me because there is only one Juliana in this world but I believe every artist is different and personally I’m one artist who wants to see others prosper which leads to the growth of the industry.

Does Juliana write her songs?
I believe there is a lot of writing talent in the country and in Silver Kyagulanyi, Peter and Grace Morgan, the music industry should be grateful for the contribution they’ve done for the industry.
But going back to your question I co-write but my songs are based on true stories like Kanyimbe is all about my life.

By the way how far is your international stardom?
It’s still growing each day and I’m striving at stretching it even more internationally coz I ain’t doing badly in Africa especially in West Africa.
All that said, I’m also working on projects with international artists. 

How successful are you in the music industry?
Besides the international exposure, I have over 15 accolades in different awards like:
Best R&B artist 2004, 05, Best female artist 05, song of the year 05 all in PAM Awards, Most inspiring song 05 in MASI awards, best gospel artist and best female artist in Buzz, Best gospel artist VIGA awards, R&B artist, female and Artist of the year 2008 still in PAM among others.

Wow you are so successful in this game, where is Juliana three years from now?
Apart from having a much bigger fan base worldwide, I’m hoping to have achieved the goals I haven’t yet achieved. I’m also looking at developing young talent.

Isac44@gmail.com

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