Recently one of OLE JIGGY’s songs, Jiggy Vibe, has taken Uganda’s party scene by storm, becoming more like an anthem.
Ole Jiggy, though still an upstart artiste has also released songs such as West Sider, Jiggy Vibe and his latest, Coordination. He told Quick Talk the story of his music journey and what lies ahead.
Is Ole Jiggy your real name?
Ole Jiggy is just my stage name; my real name is Ignatius Enock Okello and I am 21 years old, a Lango by tribe.
So, how did the name Ole Jiggy come about?
Ole Jiggy came way back in 2017 when I first wrote my song the Jiggy Jiggy Vibe, which I used in my election campaigns back at Seeta High School and it is based from that, that most of my friends started calling me Jiggy, which stuck with me.
Your Jiggy Vibe remix is becoming a party central for youth; did you see that coming?
I realized that the remix was going to be something big. Even during my days of high school when I first wrote it, I didn’t release it immediately even though I knew it was really a big song.
I remember, in my high school days, this song was more like a school anthem loved and sung by many. When I finally released it and it made waves on the internet most especially on TikTok, I understood that the Jiggy Vibe remix was already a big song.
What has been your biggest stage, so far?
So far my biggest stage has been at Mubs and Makerere University freshers’ ball, and at NRG radio where I performed my music to a large crowd.
What other songs have you released?
Back in the day, I used to release songs via WhatsApp when I was still in high school. I didn’t know anything about music distribution such as uploads on music platforms like Spotify.
The songs used to trend in people’s WhatsApp platforms and dance challenges on Instagram. But then I got wind of how music distribution works through use of Distrokid and I decided to upload and release three songs: Coordination, Ole Jiggy in March, Jiggy Vibe in August , then the Jiggy Vibe remix which was collaboration with artistes like Tojo, Enrico MC and Cxj Powell, and my latest song West sider, which I released in December.
What genre would you say you are really good at?
I would say I am really good at Afrobeat, dancehall and reggae dancehall.
Have you released a music album yet?
Not yet, but I am releasing a music album called Polygamous on February 14, comprising six songs with the first two being Jiggy Vibe remix and West Sider; the other four songs are soon to be released.
What musical instrument do you play?
I can’t lie; truth be told, but I really don’t know how to play a musical instrument. But all my songs, I write them myself and I work with two producers who can quickly relate with what I have written, but we end up making magic with every music piece I write and they help bring it to life.
I believe you are at university right now?
Oh yes; I am actually pursing my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Mubs.
And how do you balance school with music?
For now, education comes first, though I believe talent shouldn’t die because this is something God has given us. People are so talented out there, but a lot of people sleep on their talent and misuse it, doing drugs and alcohol, going after women, forgetting the main reason as to why they were given this talent.
So, despite having strong love for music, I attend all my lectures and always do my things at the right time. When it is time for music, I give it my best and when it is time for books, I go all in.
Share with Quick Talk the process you follow when coming up with your music?
Music is something you feel. Music is something spiritual. When I am writing my music, I have to get a connection to the music I am going to write, since it is art.
It could just be vibes, it could be a heartbreak song, though I have never been heartbroken [he laughs] or at times it can come from love. I am writing music that aims to empower and encourage the youth since all eyes are on the Gen Z.
Who inspires you to be a better artiste?
My family told me my love and inspiration for music began way back when I was in primary two, due to love for musicians like Radio and Weasel, P-Square and I was also inspired by Lucky Dube.
Sounds like your childhood was fun!
All I know is that when growing up, I was a very quiet person but stubborn at the same time. I was a person who used to love entertainment, dancing and being around people.
I remember when growing up, I used to go and play with children around the village and come back late in the evening, which in most cases brought worry to my parents despite having speech problems.
What do you do outside music and school?
I love football and I love dancing.
Given an opportunity, which top artiste would you love to do music with?
I would love to do music with Elijah Kitaka, Vinka, Joshua Baraka and Fik Fameica [says a lot about your vitality in music!]
Which schools did you go to?
For my primary school I went to Lira Central primary school, Mantal primary school and St Kizito primary school Lira. For my O-level I studied at Seeta High School from Senior One to Senior Three and for Senior Four I was at Seeta A level campus.
Then, for my A-level I went to Seroma Christian High School and I completed my A-level from Namirembe Hillside and I am currently at Makerere University Business School doing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
What has been your parents’ take on your music career?
My parents have been supportive and they have always advised me to be responsible in everything I do as a musician.
Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
A lot of musicians take the elevator, when they want to go up, but remember when you are in an elevator there is always a button that takes
you up and brings you down but since I have been following the steps of music, this has enabled me to build a bit of background about what kind of musician I can be.
But in five years, I see myself as the biggest musician because I am shooting for the skies and I see myself selling Uganda to the outside world.