Two E world music awards, an Rfi award, 3 movies and a tour with Jordin Sparks later, yet still so down-to-earth... How do you do it?
I guess it’s because the picture or dream of who I want to be is bigger than me, I do this for the people and those yet to come, only with my head on my shoulders can I achieve to deliver to those that need this the most, the coming generation (OK I know I sounded like a guru for a minute..hahahaha)
*When you think back to the day you realized you wanted to do music... Where did you see yourself?
I am so blessed to say that I am living the dreams that I had as a kid, only a lot better, I wanted to use my music to reach out to the world and heal it in whatever way that I can, sort of like melodic super powers. By the time I was 17 I started working with youth organizations to create awareness of HIV, I always wanted my music to be beyond just me singing but a vehicle for many others.
* We've noticed you haven't followed the traditional flashy cars, trophy girlfriend trend in the Ugandan music industry. Yet we know of your success and musical prowess. What's your take on success? And showy display of one's means?
My definition of success is simple, If you can be contented with what you have achieved and still feel like you did not lose a part of yourself, then you are successful, but most people have the riches but lost what mattered the most in their lives, I like materialistic things too, but I prefer that my music spoke for me.
* If Maurice 2001 met Maurice 2011, would he be suprised?
No, Maurice 2001 would say ‘hhmm looks like we made it’ then Maurice 2011 will say…’No, you have not seen a thing…we just getting started’ then both of them will laugh ‘BBWWAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA”
*lol...You seem firmly grounded with your dreams and ambitions. What's the secret?
Belief, will, direction & God.
* What has it been like reaching success in an industry full of chaos and managing to not be sucked into it?
Its been hell, but I saw it coming, been pissed on and judged wrongly, been stereo typed and lied to, but I managed to create my own brand, create my own market and to maintain my soul. But it’s important to hang with older and wiser people because they see through the chaos.
* We all start out with many dreams and ambitions... When you look back at your's, would you say you're THERE?
No, my dreams will just keep piling up, but the big dream…I might not be there to see it, but I will use someone else’s eyes and it will live forever!
* What would you consider your greatest achievement to date?
Being able to stand on my own as Maurice Kirya and spreading the positive light of my country around the world.
* Going off topic a little, the ladies love you. How does that make you feel?
I love the ladies, I like that they show their love to me, they inspire so many songs I have written, what can I say, I have a soft spot for them.
* Is there a time, in the early stages of your music career, when you felt like giving up? Like it wasn't going anywhere?
There are times when I was told it was simply a dream, they created illusions of the failure I would turn out to be, I was so down and discouraged, but I believed in myself , and I got back up!* In your song 'beemola', you mentioned taking the longer journey. Could you shed some light on this?
I chose the path that most people regarded tough and meaningless, and I made it work!* Any sucess tips for anyone who, like you, wants to follow an unconventional career path?
Find your uniqueness, create a market for your self, and if no one gives you the opportunity, give yourself one.
Maurice Kirya
