INTERVIEW: Coke Studio Has Promoted My Need to Collaborate- Navio

What was the reaction when you were selected to be a part of Coke Studio?

I was excited. It’s not every day you get to be part of an Africa wide project that brings the biggest artists together on one stage.

What do you think of the show?

I think its cutting edge. It rivals some of the big music shows you see on and off the continent. Everything from the stage to the BTM is professionally done and you have fun while doing it!

What is African fusion to you?

African fusion first and foremost is unique. Every other continent has a more unified sound, style, accepted cultural norm but Africa is so diverse. So as soon as you clash artists from different parts of the continent and their music fuses, it is something unheard of.

Which song did you fuse and why?

I wanted to make sure I did something fresh and African. I was really excited about “Nawuliranga”, but getting to do something unique for my new second song “Something About You” and have Silvastone there to hype up the band production was great.

What was your experience fusing with Waje?

Waje is focused. She knows her stuff and where she wants the sound to end up. I’m good at predicting the final sound and with my freestyle background I’m more sporadic or unpredictable in the moment. However, she wants to make sure every step is done properly. It’s great to see a professional woman with vision.

What do you think of Waje’s music?

Amazing writing and amazing voice. She’ll be around for a long time.

What have you gained from Coke Studio and how will it affect/influence your future projects?

I think it’s promoted my need to collaborate. Its good to see a huge project like this understand and expand on cross-border collaboration. It’s truly where the development of African music lies.

How do you think Africa will react to Coke Studio Season 2?

They’ll love it. It’s bigger, better and larger. It’s part 2 of their favorite show! The sequel!

How do you think Coke Studio will impact music in Africa?

It will let Africa see that we are actually one unit and that’s how we should conduct ourselves.

Given the chance, would you take part in Coke Studio again?

In a heartbeat! Definitely! It really is a family trying to put out the best product for the people. The best type of working environment. No ego, just good music captured the right way!

How did your music career begin?

I was a battle MC. So it was a lot of dark nights with my hoodie on battling for money in Uganda’s underground club scene.

How would you describe your music?

I would describe my music as versatile. I listen to everything. It just so happens that rap is what I’m best at. However, there is no beat that I cannot find a flow on. It’s a curse and a blessing. My rap fans only want me to rap but I can get on a stage in Thailand and have a 3 hour show. My music speaks to everyone.

What inspires your music?

One, I understand that it’s a gift that I cant waste. Two, I know that Uganda needs representation on the continental level. Three, every rapper is an observer. This interview alone can inspire an album if need be. You take a small concept and expand on it to paint whatever you want the art piece to look like. So we’re always inspired.

Which musicians inspired you growing up?

Everybody has Michael Jackson in their all-time greats but Naughty by Nature, Rakim, Fushnickenz, Vanilla Ice and more all influenced me.

Which artists have you worked with in the past?

R.Kelly, Keith Sweat, Kat Dahlia, Fefe Dobson, Nonini, Wizkid, Jua Kali, Ice Prince, Chameleone, Sarkodie, AY, Klear Kut, Bebe Cool and many more.

What do you consider to be your greatest musical achievement to date?

Coke Studio…Season 2!

Any weird ritual you do before a performance?

What can only be described as a ghetto prayer!

What are your plans for the future?

I want to keep pushing UGAFLOW (Ugandan Hip hop) to the next level. Open those doors for the future generation. Set up a real label in Uganda that will push and uplift East African artists.

 How do you juggle between running NavCorp Limited and your solo career?

Juggling is what we grew up with. When you can go school, play sports, be an amateur fighter and survive a civil war- juggling those two seems like a walk in the park. I enjoy what I do and it makes it a lot easier.

What is the music industry like in Uganda?

It is so developed in terms of the support and the magnitude of our artists. The weakness is that artists can support themselves with just our market so it makes artist not try to venture further.

Is this your first time in Kenya and what was your experience like?

I was born in Kenya and went to school in Molo for 11 years. I’m like Kenya’s angry step child.

What message do you have for upcoming artists in Africa?

Keep moving. Don’t be afraid to collaborate and move further than your own market. This is your industry so try something dynamic and remember, this isn’t just music…it’s the music BUSINESS.