One on One with Rachel K by Isaac Ssejjombwe.

Rachel Kiwanuuka alias Rachael K is a Ugandan artist who has the vision of turning Rock music into the most desired genre among the rest in Africa.
Born to legendary Halima Namakula of the Ekimbewo fame, Rachael who is the last born out of four children was raised in the states and came back to Uganda in 2006 to pursue her music career alongside her family.
Well I caught up with the jovial musician at her mother’s studio in Kamwokya and she was delighted to share her experience since returning from the states.

Why did you come back from the states?
I came back to my mother country to basically learn more about the country, get more acquainted with the language (Luganda) and to mainly pursue my music career in Uganda.

Were you pursuing music as a career back then in the US?
Yes I was doing music but not professionally only participating in high school choirs and then being part of the American Idol.
Before coming back to Uganda, I recorded two songs in a studio based in California.

When did you join the music industry?
Professionally, it was in 2006 on returning to Uganda and from then onwards music has been my life.
And because music is in the family genetics, it’s what I’m depending on since. 

How many songs do have on your name?
I have nine songs so far with a few collaborations like Liar alongside Young Nick, Is it me with Bobi Wine and Muyaye featuring Irene Namubiru.

What’s your music style?
I’m versatile with various styles like Jazz, Hip hop, Soul, Afro pop but I’m more acquainted with Rock and if all goes well, I’d like to make an impact on the music scene through Rock music.

Besides music, what else are you into?
Well, I’m a dancer, Teacher especially private dance lessons, was the emcee with Stand up Uganda (a comedy show on NTV) and was also a Presenter with Jam Agenda.
Besides that, I’m the speaker with my mom’s Women at Work international a foundation aimed at helping the girl child.

You participated in Akon and Keri Hilson’s Ohh Africa song. Talk about that experience?
Well it all began when Pepsi approached me among the many who had applied and it was an opportunity worth taking and the song is meant for Akon’s Konfidence Foundation that looks at saving African vulnerable children although many confuse it to be a world cup awareness song.

How far have you reached in learning Luganda?
“Katono nyo” anyway with my mother and a few friends giving me a helping hand, I guess I ain’t so bad and that is evident through my songs especially those I did in Luganda.

Any challenges you’ve so far faced in the Industry?
So far the biggest challenge I’m facing is speaking Luganda but I’ll be able to overcome it anytime soon.

All that said where is Rachael K three years ahead?
Rachael K will be international by then and projecting to be working on the biggest Television channels in Africa like Channel O or MTV.
I’ll also be the African Rock star or Rock princess.

Click here to read more about Rachel K

Isac44@gmail.com