Omega Bugemba Okello’s CD “Kiwomera Emmemme” means in Luganda language “it is sweet to the soul”. The CD is definitely making its rounds within the world music listening community. This CD is a compilation of African and Western sounds, and you can definitely hear strings of pop, soul, R&B, jazz, gospel and traditional sounds through out. With a background in Health Advocacy at Yale University, Ms. Okello’s multi-dimensionality becomes more visible as you listen to her CD and hear her concerns about the environment, health and other issues.

I got a chance to speak to Omega who has no problem stepping into an area of music that is mostly male dominated, i.e, owning her record label. We got a chance to talk about her hopes, dreams and inspiration. Enjoy the interview!

At what point did you know that you wanted to be a musician?

I have actually been singing all my life. I started singing at four (4) years old and then I got really serious about it 2 years ago. Before then I was singing only when it was convenient at weddings, birthdays, government functions. About two years ago, I had been talking to my friends about under utilizing their potential and realized that I was doing the same as well. So I decided to start my own record label to express what was inside of me with the rest of the world.

You mentioned that you started singing at 4 years old – what kind of songs were you singing at that age?

I was singing mostly church songs. I toured with the African children choir all over the U.S, Canada, Europe. As I grew up, I started singing more traditional music, folk music and classical music and then I trained in that [classical music].

When you told your family that you were going to bump your work at Yale to the side and follow music – how did they take this change?

(laughs) At first, they weren’t so sure, though they valued the gift, they had paid all this money for private school. They were concerned about my decision when I told them what I really wanted to do. It is a huge shift to move from health advocacy to music.

Does your health advocacy background ever merge with your music?

Yes, very much so. I really do not have to give up one for the other. For example, I will be performing at a benefit concert in Kampala, Uganda on maternal health issues. I have noticed that people respond so much better when you are performing on important issues than just giving a talk on changes that needs to take place.

Why did you decide to set up a recording label?

I wanted to have more control over my product, image and where I sing and do not sing. You know when you choose to work for a major record label – they invest in you and they pay for everything which is wonderful but basically you are tied to them and obligated to bring the numbers up but when you are working for yourself, you have complete control and can’t be pushed around by any person. For me, that control is very important.

What are the challenges that you have faced starting a record label?

First, it is a very male dominated industry and often, it is difficult to get people to take you seriously. Getting in and getting your music played on world music radio station is often very difficult since your label isn’t really that known. There is also the financial burden as well, it takes a lot of money to get things done. You also need the ability to multi task and put in the hours. It is a lot of long hours. Most importantly, you also need to know when to stop.

Was there a particular reason that you chose to use your native tongue?

I use my music to showcase the positives of Africa. I am very proud of my heritage and it helps me set myself apart from others. I love expressing myself in my native tongue. So far, people love it. I hope to sing in other other people’s language because you are meeting them in their language.

How do you juggle your personal life and this career?

We [my husband and I] are both deliberate about monitoring time spent together. We schedule date night. We regularly take the temperature of the relationship and ensure that we keep our relationship sizzling. We came into the marriage committed to making it work. Our relationship comes first before our career.

What words of advice will you give to someone who wants to follow your footstep?

You have to be really committed and ensure that you work has great quality.

At what point should a person give up?

You should never give up. If I gave up, I won’t have my CD out, neither will I have my record label. I remember when I started I was told by people that no one will buy my CD because it was in a different language but so far those people have been proven wrong.

Extra:

Ms. Omega Bugembe Okello is definitely setting the pace within Ugandan music with her brand of music that merges Africa and the rest of the world in a harmonious mix. This CD is definitely a must listen for any one who loves world music. Her CD is a compilation of 10 songs, 8 of which she wrote and it features collaborations with artists from Kenya, Madagascar, South Africa and USA. You can get her CD from itunes, amazon, borders,and Barnes and Nobles. You can learn more about this artist by going to her site.

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