The Club Music Video awards gala held recently at Kampala Serena hotel left many guests wondering, “Who is Abaasa?” Abaasa’s video produced by Nicholas Tate for his Voice Inside collaboration with rapper Patrobas, took home six out of seven nominations including the much-sought- after video of the year.
ABAASA RWEMEREZA is a Ugandan drummer, singer, producer and pianist. He has his own style/theme of music composition he calls Liquid Afro. He already has an eight-track mixtape – Rukungiri – plus an album on the way. Samson Baranga caught up with him on the sidelines of the awards.
How do you feel?
I feel very inspired. I feel like the platforms are a lot freer now. It is a relief because a lot of light is being shone on very ‘weird’ music, because I don’t make biduula; but to find that other people appreciate and acknowledge that it exists, opens doors for anything else.
What has been your turning point?
When I started producing music. That’s when I started to see what other artistes were making and what other global cultures were making. It’s a lot easier for me to merge what I hear with what we are doing here in Uganda. In the past, there have been so many genres that are just twisted around but it’s the same
thing; but now, we have more diversity from slow to up tempo music. The industry has grown and I feel proud to be part of it.
What does this win say about our music industry?
It means there are no rules right now. In the past there were the top three that always won or you were sure were going to win, but now there is a lot more happening.
The Internet platforms such as YouTube and SoundCloud, among others, have opened more avenues. There is no need to pay radio or TV stations to promote [your] music. Online is the future. Musicians need to embrace it.
Tell us about the song, Voice Inside.
I spoke to Patrobas about how I felt the music industry was. How everyone tries to box you in and make you sing a certain genre. The song was about following your heart, understanding who you are as an individual and bringing it out. He came to my 5 by 6 room in London and recorded the song. We sang from the heart.
What next?
I have been working on an album called 1947, that’s set for release soon. Already a single, Wantengula, is out.
barangasam@gmail.com