Rachel K

Well, our crew landed on this lady, we were all amazed by her voice and her outstanding sense of style. (The endless head clothes). It led to many wondering what she always hides insides.  Anyway we had a one on one with her and this is what she had to say about herself.

Rachel Kiwanuka describes herself as a laid back, spontaneous and outgoing, loves meeting new friends, down to earth and there is no single person that she doesn’t connect with.  (Let’s hope so).

When it comes to her education; she had her education in the USA. 9th and 10th grade at Cleveland High School in California.  11th grade at Hemet High School and she later moved to Washington, she did her 12th grade at Meadow dale High School.  (She basically studied allover USA).  After this she started her 1st year at College and later went back to California at the Pierce College to focus mainly on Performing Arts in Music Dance and Drama which is equivalent to MDD at Makerere University after which she came back home to focus on her music.  At the moment she is having private classes in American Maths and Science.

Her Music  

She was discovered by her mum Halima Namakula.  She began singing at the age of 8.  Like every other musician known she began by participating in talent shows and competitions and performing for family members.  This helped her get used to performing in front of audiences.  She mimed songs of famous artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Vanessa Williams, Brandy and Celine Dion.

In High school she joined The Women Advanced Choir.  Here her music abilities became stronger and she also learnt to control her voice.  In middle school, she was about 15 years she started writing her own music while doing drama dance.  She also took part in many musical plays.  Last year she auditioned for American Pop Idols, she did not go through but she says that it was a good experience and it kept her going.

Halima Namakula gave her the best advice that the best way to break through was to come back home.  She never looked back she just packed her bags and came back home.  Her Mom alongside Hemdee, her brother own No End Studios which gave her opportunity to record.  She also helped her to write her first single “Every time” produced by Dino and Henry Kiwuwa.  At the moment she is compiling her album and wants it to be an international album as in 12-track album like any other artist. (Those guys do 16 tracks)

Back home 

For her things were not hard, everything came easy with the studio and the influence though it was new, having to break through, doing a legends song (especially if you hardly know the language) and trying to target  the local crowd.  But she is still struggling to define herself.

Dress Code 

Many cannot keep asking, why the head gear – well she likes to be different.  She loves scarfs and she never walks out without one.  She always wears braids. But she promises to change her dress code soon (The question is – how does she look without it. Lets wait for this change).

Besides singing, Rachel is also a busy girl, she presents Jam Agenda, teaches dance at the newly opened Serena Hotel, she's also a presenter at Hot 100.  She also helps her mom out with her NGO called Women at Work International which is based at No End Studios.

About Every time

She wrote the song with the help of her mom.  It was recorded at No End studios It is basically about a typical girl liking some guy and wants the guy to make the first move.

Review

Written by Halima Namakula & Rachel Kiwanuka

Produced by Deno and Henry Kiwuuwa

Mother and Daughter team up to write a beautiful song.  Done totally in English, this song is a perfect ‘jump off’ single, for a fresh artist.

Vocally; Rachel has the potential of becoming one of Uganda’s best artists.

Lyrically; Her and her mother wrote a simple song, with a catchy hook that will be appreciated by everyone who listens to the music.

Producer; Deno and Henry manage to produce a track that doesn’t overshadow Rachel's vocal ability, which makes it easy to listen to.

Verdict; If Rachel stays on this track with her album, next year should see her winning more fans and maybe some awards.

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.

Friday, November 25th, 2011

Rachael Kay going for further studies by Felix Eupal

When she returned from the United States, she promised us to change our music scene, arguing that she will blend our music with real western hip hop but that didn't come to pass. Now Rachael Kay has decided to return to the United States next month."I am not going to be singing but, rather, to pursue a master's degree in broadcasting." Good idea. Rachael told Star Trail she has organized a free good bye party for her fans at Boda Boda Lounge tomorrow where she will perform all her songs. Safe journey Rachael; we will surely miss your accent.