Jenkins Mukasa(In Picture below) is a veteran Ugandan musician who has been on the Ugandan music scene for over 15 years and still going. He recently released his latest self titled album ‘JENKINS MUKASA’, Ugamuziki gets one to one with him in this interview. Read about one of the boys then with ‘Da Hommies’ who redefined Ugandan music to what it is today.  

Ugamuziki: In a few words describe your self.
Jenkins: I am a friendly, energetic confident person who loves adventure travel and I really approach life and things in a realistic manner.

Ugamuziki: How and when did you start your music career?

Jenkins: I started my music career way back in the mid 90s in Kampala with the Ugandan hit rap group “Da Hommies”. We broke to fame by fusing local rap with western Caribbean sounds of the time. In the year 1999, I decided to go solo and recorded by first solo album title Mapenzi. It was a six-track album.

Ugamuziki: What did you buy after your first pay check?

Jenkins: I sold the distribution rights to a local music distributor by the time called NIK Studios. I sold it for 600,000/-. That was lots of money then. I used the money to buy my self a hi-tech music system, paid the loan I had taken to do the recording and gave the rest to my Mum in way to show her that music was resourceful too. She was very happy.
Ugamuziki: Describe your feeling after you heard your first song play on radio
Jenkins: RS Elvis is the first guy that played my solo track on Sanyu Fm. Of course my other collabos (read-collaborations) with my former group had been aired but I was always kept I the shadow. This is what I regard as the debut airing. I felt great and proud. It inspired me a lot.

Ugamuziki: What is the one thing you really need back stage before a performance
Jenkins: Much as I exhibit lots of energy and confidence I am somewhat shy and I need some kick start to go on start and pull it off in high gear. I need two bottles of medium strong lager.

Ugamuziki: Do you have a stage name? If not why don’t you have one?

Jenkins: My name is Jenkins Mukasa and it also doubles as my stage name. I like it coz it’s me, its real and all season.  Have no reason to re-invent myself.

Ugamuziki: Have you had any challenges in your music career?
In particular when was your most annoying moment and what happened?

Jenkins: The music career like any other career is full of challenge. I for have had quite many of them. But one of the most annoying moments is when young upcoming artists try to discredit veteran musicians claiming to have started the industry. And the media also choose to back them up for some unknown selfish reasons. This display of naivety pisses me off.

Ugamuziki: What success have you acquired from your music career?
Jenkins: Though the sky is the limit I am proud of to be one of the most respected musicians in Uganda today. I have three albums to my credit and I am one of the founder members of the Roots Rokaz Reggae band, East Africa’s energetic reggae band today. I have also inspired a number of young urban musicians.

Ugamuziki: What do you sing about and who composes/writes your songs?
Jenkins:  I compose almost all my songs based on real life situations; love, hate, betrayal and hypocrisy. My music tells a real life story, no fiction.

Ugamuziki: Which studio do you produce your music from and who is your producer(s)?
Jenkins:  Am not tied down to any particular studio. I always come to studio with a framework of what I want. I can therefore work with almost any producer. On my newest project, I have worked with every top producer in Uganda including; Tshaka Mayanja, Eydee, Legend P, Benon, Kiwuwa, Allan and more. In the past I have worked with Charlie King, Steve Jean, Joe Tabula, Andrew Kiwanuka, first love…the list is endless.
Ugamuziki: What would you change about your past life before your music career or present life if you have the chance to?
Jenkins:  If I could turn back the years; I would have started off doing reggae music. Not that I regret my R &B projects but I find reggae deeper and real.

Ugamuziki: Who is your favourite artist (male and female) in Uganda and International?
Jenkins: Uganda Male: It’s a hard one but I am torn between Maddox Semanda and Charlie King. Jose Chameleon is good too. But if it’s overall Philly Lutaaya killed it. He is a legend.

Jenkins: Uganda Female: Still tight but my choice lies between Juliana and Iryn. Sometimes I wish they stayed as a group.

Jenkins: International Male: Damn! If not Stevie Winder then Jamaican reggae star Turbulence. But overall, it’s Michael Jackson.

Jenkins: International Female: Whitney Houston.

Ugamuziki: Are you married or do you have a boyfriend/Girlfriend or partner? Who is He or her? Any children? (Names)
Jenkins: I am not married and I have no kids. But I am not searching either but am trying to understand some one. Watch this space.

Ugamuziki: Tell us about your family life (siblings, influential family members in your music career how they have supported or discouraged you.
Jenkins:Am the first born of seven. I have 2 brothers and 4 sisters. My Grand mother and my mum have been the most instrumental people in my life. They have always given me the support to follow my dreams.  

Ugamuziki: Favourite film(s), music or TV program(s)
Jenkins: Movie: Italian Job and The God Father movies.
Music Programmes: Reggae Count down shows.

Ugamuziki: How many songs/ albums do you so far have? Do you have any upcoming?-(name them and the years of their production)
Jenkins: I have up to fifty recorded songs with 3 albums out. The first one ‘Mapenzi’ was released in 1999, the second one called ‘Suubi’ was released in 2004 and the latest self titled album having been released a month ago 2009. It’s a 12-track lover’s rock album.

You can join Jenkins Mukasa's fan group on facebook or know more about jenkins' music from httt://www.myspace.com/jenkinsmukasa