Michael Ross Kakooza

1 on 1 with Ugandan R'n'B Artist Michael Ross - By Peter Kigonya and Julie Erusa

So while I was in Kampala in January, after meeting Julie, from musicuganda.com, for the first time at her Kamwokya office, she was quick to suggest that I should meet up with a couple of artists. She got on her cell and started making calls. Among the first to answer was Michael Ross. And so we set up an early afternoon meeting the following day at Club Venue in Garden City, Kampala.

After successfully making a debut track 'Senorita' that took him to great heights, Michael Ross Kakooza came through with another release titled 'You're the one' and had it's video shot by non other than the video-fabulous Deddac crew. We now present you the opportunity to view it, courtesy of Deddac/YesThatsUs (thanks!)

Michael Ross recently released a new track titled 'You're the one' to follow up his Senorita, and 'How do you love some body' releases. It is currently receiving massive airplay on major FM radios stations like Sanyu FM, Capital FM and others. The 'You're the one' video was premiered on WBS TV this week and has become one of the highlights of the music show. It is yet to be screened on Channel 5 EATV as well. Plans are underway to feature Michael's and other videos on our videos page and we'll let you know as soon as that happens.

Late last year, he landed a deal to promote Mango Jazz with Uganda mobile phone operator, UTL. This is a package that targets urban youths and Michael was the ideal person for the job because of his image and reputation of being an Award-winning RnB crooner. Since then, his face has graced many Mango billboards, posters, banners and newspaper ads. This has also seen him tour the entire country and has made him known nation-wide.

Previous article

You all know that it is hard to be a star these days when you are ageing! Michael Ross Kakooza was born on 14th November 1981, which means that he is only starting. His youthfulness is exuded when he does his exquisite dance strokes during performances. He has all the qualities of a star, I mean, the guy can dance as well as Usher in session and sounds like Donell Jones and Tevin Campbell put together. This is probably the tightest recipe for showbiz success that Uganda has produced so far!

Here is one of those situations where you have to give due credit.

Of course the first question I asked him was "which of the two do you prefer; dancing of singing?' I got a very unexpected answer. " Actually, when I began, I was into rapping" he said. This drew me to one thing; about seven years ago, his entertainment career could have taken any direction. If he had stayed with Hip-hop/rap music, then he would probably be part of a group like Klear Kut and if he had decided to be a professional dancer, then he would probably be part of the Exclusives or the Obsessions.

He went on to tell me that when he started out, he was part of a Hip-hop/RnB group called 'Boyz in rhythm'. He was the fifth member of the group and that's when he flexed his Hip-hop muscle. By then, he and members of the group were still in School. Their talent led them to great names like Peter Ssematimba and Steve Jean. That was way back in 1995 when Ssematimba had just set up the Dungeon Studio and produced "Prim 'n' Propa" who were Uganda's version of "Salt 'n' Peppa"

By then, Peter Ssematimba was one of the hottest producers in the land and had one of the best-equipped studios. Michael Ross Kakooza and his group liked hanging around at the studio and gained a lot of experience then. Peter Ssematimba also liked their act and the only reason why he didn't produce them then was because THEY WERE STILL TOO YOUNG! The father instinct in him told him that these great little guys needed to go to School to get a decent education. This was definitely a good decision because Michael Ross is done with his A-Levels and is going to Makerere University to study music.

Ugandans need to support Ugandan stuff better or else we are going to stay 'broke'! If you guys gave better support to local artists, then it would be worthwhile for great guys like Ross to go professional with his talent while perusing his education. Ross had to wait so long for this golden opportunity.

Michael 'Ross' Kakooza is now the new image of Ugandan entertainment because no matter what genre of music you fancy, his act will get your head bobbing. Even if you are an alien from space and have never listened to music, he will move you. He is in the league of guys like Michael Jackson, Sisqo, Genuwine and Usher Raymond (on our local level of course) I bet you if one of those American producers, say Dark Child or Timberland got to see this guy, they would sign him up (for real). I'm not crazy! We haven't had a guy like this in Uganda for a long time. If we had a national team of Singers, he would be the Goal Keeper!

Michael finally decided to specialize in singing in 2000. This was easy for him because even on shows like the Makerere Campus Hall Shows, he used to sing people's songs instead of miming them. Now that I think of it, I think I saw him present at a show once. On this particular one, he danced to Usher Raymond's 'Pop Ya Collar' and then sang another one.

He sang for Steve Jean (who he met at Dungeon) once and Steve promised him that he would hook him up with a PHAT track (which is why we are featuring him on this page now). After that, Steve went to The States for a while. Like they stay, 'patience is a virtue'. When Steve came back to town, he honored his promise. Steve then produced Michael's hit debut track, 'Senorita' at AV1 studios situated on Acacia Avenue in Kololo.

You know what they say about the best producers… they give their best stuff to other artists! Steve really knocked himself out making this track and the three remixes. The 'remix' culture hasn't yet caught up well in Uganda. Many times, producers make tracks without remixes and they thus fade out quickly. The whole project took Steve and Michael two and a half weeks to complete and when you listen to the track, you will know why.

I  wanted to know a little more about Michael and so I asked him, "Now that you are so famous, do you have plans of joining politics in future? He didn't mince his words when he said "No, Never". I guess he is going to keep doing what he does best, which we all want.

I also asked him about Uganda's music scene and he said it had improved as far as promoting local artists is concerned. He also thinks that in about five year's time, Hip-hop and RnB music will be just as popular as Kadongo Kamu in Uganda. He added, "Uganda is about good things. When you make good stuff, guys will buy it"

All y'all young Ugandan artists out there, follow Michael's advice and the light at the end of the tunnel will transform into a beam.

Wow! Michael Ross a.k.a Michael Kakooza is now back with a new hot single, ”How do u love somebody.” This song is based on personal experiences and was written and produced by Michael himself.

Of late, he has performed at various shows like the Street Jam and has featured in Soldre’s new hitting single “Burstahkali” which is hitting charts. Michael is also planning on releasing videos for these songs, so all you fans, please a watch out!

Don't touch that mouce...

1on 1 with Ugandan RnB Artist Michael Ross - By Peter Kigonya and Julie Erusa

When it comes to RnB in Uganda, very few names come to mind... and at the peak of these are names like Michael Ross. He is well known for his dancing as well as for his voice. He brings in large crowds to his performances and does not disappoint. In 2005, Hope Mukasa, the proprietor of Sabrina's Pub was quoted as saying ....

Up-close with Michael Ross

He started out dancing to Usher, Ginuwine and many more.  He later released his first hit “Senorita” after that he never looked back.  He launched an album and is planning on another launch soon (will let you know the details). He has just dropped a new single called “Yooyo”.   When Michael was asked what he has been up to and why he has been so silent, Michael says, “I am trying to figure out how to make a good come back and make the right decisions about his career. I have also been working on my new album.”

Blu 3 and Michael Ross set for US Tour

Blu 3 and Micheal Ross are set to tour US. The tour will kick off with a show on the 29th August in Boston (Venue) yet to be confirmed. They will then grace the 21st UNAA Convention which starts from the 4th September to 6th September in Chicago. For both these artists, it is their first time in the US. Blu 3 is known for songs like frisky, hitaji, Nsanyuka Nawe, Ndibeera Naawe, Burrn, Nkoye, Where you are and many more. Michael Ross is known for like Senorita, How do you love somebody?, Fire, Nkwetaaga, Nalulungi, Yooyo and many more. Both artists promise the best for their US fans. Watch out they could be in your city next.

Monday, 07th March, 2011

XXL on NTV with Bush Baby: Michael Ross and Tonix Get Recognised in West Africa and More By NTV Uganda

Bush Baby checks on a couple of local musicians and one that is home away from home in the US... and much more.
The episode begins with news that talented artist Mike-O has just become a father. Congrats Mike! I did not actually know he is a Gospel artist as Baby Bush mentions... Perhaps some of you can confirm with your comments. We then go into the news back then when Michael Ross was chosen to be a judge at the Malta Guinness Dance Competition in Ghana. Meanwhile fellow Talent 256 artist Toniks was then nominated for a Sound City Best Music Video Award. Did he win? Let us know.
We are then introduced to the talented albino artist Salif Keita. There is so much ignorance about albinos... Apart from basic discrimination, in some parts of Africa they fear for their lives, as witch doctors hunt them down for their body parts.

Vampos/Michael Ross against Aziz showdown by 1544c Ssejjombwe.(+256 782233273)

Looks like artists are starting off from where they left off last year with holding concerts on the same date.

Forget the Bebe vs Bobi Wine saga and the Goodlyf/ Grace Showdown now the latest is the battle between Vampos alongside Michael Ross against Aziz Azion.
Vampos who has never held any concert in his 10 year music career will be teaming up with Michael Ross in a duo concert dubbed “Fire concert” at Kyadondo rugby club while Aziz Azion will be holding his second concert “Oxygen” at Kat kati restaurant the same venue he launched “Wampisa” last year.

Aziz Azion has been riding high on tracks like “Oxygen and Baliwa” while Vampino has topped charts with songs like “Kwekunyakunya rmx, Luv to dance, Onzita and Ndongo”.
Come the 24th of June, the battle lines will be drawn to find out who will be able to pull it off.

isac44@gmail.com

Monday, May 23rd, 2011

Aziz steps aside for Vampos and Michael Ross by 1544c Ssejjombwe. (+256 782233273).

Should we say brotherhood has finally come back to the entertainment industry? For the info we received a couple of days back trully showed us that the music industry is growing to the right direction. Barelly three weeks back, we came across info that Vampino together with Michael Ross were slated to hold a joint concert on the same day Aziz will be launching his “nkimanyi Okimanyi” album. But just last week, we learnt that Aziz had decided to push his concert to a later date which he’ll be communicating. Aziz confirmed this info during the Radio and Weasel concert at Africana last Friday saying “ I have decided to push my album launch from the 24th of next month to a date I’ll be communicating soon.” Now that the mystification is over, Vampino promises all his fans the best come the 24th of June at lugogo show grounds. “We are in the final Preparations of the concert so come and witness the craziest show ever by two Ugandan artists on the same stage.” Vampino said about his upcoming “On fire” concert with Michael Ross.

isac44@gmail.com

1 on 1with Michael Ross & Vamposs

Real Names: Kirya Elvis & Michael Ross Kakooza
Vamposs is born in a musical family; Saba Saba and Maurice Kirya.
Michael Ross and Vamposs have always been musical since 2000. This friendship has let to the production of  hits like “One Fire” and their latest “Push Push’

About Vampino

About Benon & Vamposs
Vampino began singing professionally in 2000. In 2001 formed the music group commonly known as Benon and Vamposs which went commercial in 2004 with their first hit “Nsazewo” which put them on the map. Benon and Vamposs is still a duet doing both Dancehall and R’n”B.

Click here to read more about Benon & Vamposs, Vampino & Michael Ross

Goodlyf shurn Vampino - Michael Ross“On Fire concert” by 1544c Ssejjombwe. (+256 782233273).

As Vampino and Michael Ross were launching their “On Fire” concert last Friday the 24th of June at Lugogo UMA grounds, several artists like the Goodlyf, Keko, Rabadaba didn’t come to support them. Keko said she couldn’t go for the concert because she has a contract with Coca cola under her new management Baboon Forest yet the show was sponsored by Mountain Dew. Rabadaba on the other hand says he had three shows that evening and Juliana was not in the country when the concert was held. This leaves us with Goodlyf camp. They had returned from Tanzania, had no shows and were seen at their household in Makindye chilling.  We can excuse the other artists but the Goodlyf artists have made it a habit of not attending other artist’s album launches without any clear reasons. They missed Rabadaba’s “Musanvu Kitundu” concert even after having a massive hit in “Ability. They also didn’t attend Navio’s “Nawulilanga” concert at the beginning of this year and now Vampino and Michael Ross’s “On fire concert”.
With their “Tell it” track alongside Vampino and the relationship Goodlyf has with Swangz Avenue, many were left disappointed by the Goodlyf failure to turn up for the concert yet they claim to be some of the pioneer  members of Locomotive. (Local artistes with a motive). Nonetheless, the concert was a success going by the awesome performances by some of the country’s leading artistes.  With Soul beat Africa backing Michael Ross and Blood brothers playing for Vampino, several other artists like the Baboon Forest, Klear Kut, Kkado Pham, Ragga Dee, Aziz Azion, Peter Miles and Menshan, Grey Naava, Benon, T-Assets and the rest of the Locomotives entertained the crowd that evening.
Performing in sessions, the duo took the audience through their entire musical journey for close to four hours. Swangz Avenue, Talent Africa, Mountain Dew, Blitz Magazine, Record Tv, Hot 100 and Swagg are some of the companies that sponsored the concert.

Click here to read more about Benon & Vamposs, Vampino & Michael Ross

isac44@gmail.com

Saturday, October 01st, 2011

Vampino, Michael Ross take on Europe by 1544c Ssejjombwe. (+256 782233273).

Dancehall sensation Vampino together with RnB ace Michael Ross are scheduled to hold mega shows across Europe. The artists flew out of the country last Wednesday evening and will first perform in Sweden this Saturday before flying out to Norway. The two will then be heading to Denmark and Polland the other week before coming back to Uganda. Besides the performances, this will also be their vacation trip after successfully launching their duo “On fire” concerts at Lugogo, Jinja and satelight beach respectively and then holding a holiday makers bash at Ssese beach sometime back. Vampino is a nominee in this year’s PAM Awards after getting a nod in the best Ragga category with Sizzaman, Coco Finger and Peter Miles while Michael Ross on the otherhand is considered one of the best RnB artists out of Uganda.

Isac44@gmail.com