You look quite young…what is the secret?
[Smiling] I do a lot of exercise, play the guitar and dance during practices. I also work with young people who keep me alert…the youngest is eight years and the oldest is 18.
Do you do any sports?
[Thinks a bit] Hmm football. By the way I was a goalkeeper during my days; that’s what we had that time. These things of table tennis, simanya woodball were not there. But I still play some football to keep me fit.
That’s good; does any of your children sing?
[He brightens up] Oh yeah! My daughter Gwendolyn Mukulu; she is a musician and also she is married to a musician [Although he does not remember the name of his son-in-law]. I also have a boy who is a choreographer … I think they are following in my footsteps.
Are they doing the kind of music you do?
No! They are doing their own type of music; you people of today have the type of music you want.
Talking of children, how many do you have?
[With confidence] I have four.
[Eeeh, only four (some musicians have so many that they don’t even know the number]
So, what kind of father are you?
[A bit aggressive] Ask my children! They are very mature. The last one graduated four years ago! But when they were young, I was there for them although I used to travel a lot.
Talk about their mother…
[Laughs] What do you want to know about her?
Her name…
She is called Mrs Mukulu [Quick Talk wants to know the Christian name] OK! She is called Christine; she is in the USA where she has lived for the last 15 years .
Eeeh, long-distance relationship…how do you manage?
[Laughs] Communication is easy compared to the time when we were your age! You people of the dot.com era should know it better.
Even today I was talking to her. [Mukulu intimates that he is on all social media platforms.]
What do you do with your free time?
[Laughs] I sleep…I sleep, sleep, sleep!
Like seriously?
Yes! But seriously, if I’m not doing rehearsals, I read and write a lot.
Talking about reading, what book are you reading currently?
I’m reading Towards A Revolutionary Theatre by an Indian called Uptal Dutt [He goes into the house and comes out with a copy which is autographed by the author]
That’s cool, now let’s talk about food; what is your favourite dish?
[Laughs heartedly] Food is something I don’t care about… in Luganda I can tell you emmere yansala up to now I have not eaten since last night! I just, eat for just but food is not my thing.
Too bad, do you cook?
[Laughs] Yes! I cook boiled eggs…I’m an expert in cooking boiled eggs [Quick Talk wonders what expertise in needed in ‘cooking’ boiled eggs]
Favourite drink?
I drink some wine…any good wine does for me.
Wow! If you were not a musician, what would you be?
I wanted to be a lawyer but my talent of music could not allow me…it overshadowed the dream since I was very busy.
What takes the largest part in your wardrobe?
[He gives that ‘for real’ look] I have a lot of casual shirts, T-shirts … I also have suits though I take time to put them on.
Where do you do your shopping from?
I don’t do any shopping; my children and wife buy clothes, shoes and deodorants for me.
Wow! Deodorants, which ones do you use, Mzee Kijana?
[Laughs] Yes! I use Polo but it depends on what they get for me.
OK! By the way, what don’t people know about you?
My sex life [laughs out loud ] They don’t know what I do in my sexual life… public know about where I stay, what car I drive; so, it’s only my sex life they don’t know.
You look tough, what would you do if you were a president for a day?
[Thinks] A day is not enough but I would change the way we vote…I would make voting be an examination. The public would write their requests for the contestants to answer questions on how they would solve the challenges and with a timeline.
Wow! What memories do you have growing up?
I remember the sight of my father in a coffin, my mum shot with a gun and crawling into the house. I remember my childhood days at Namilyango primary school, the speech days there where I actively participated.
I also remember going to Kololo Secondary School where I was the president of the drama club. That’s where I did my O-level…Later, I dropped out after S4 to join Rwenzori band.
After three years [without studying], I went to Caltec Academy where I did my A-level before joining Makerere University where I did Music, Dance and Drama (MDD).
Finally, if you were marooned on a desert island, what would you take with you?
My bible [Remembers…eh] but also my guitar because I’m always with it.
Thank you boss…
You’re welcome but why are you calling me your boss? It’s The Observer, that is your boss… anyway it was nice meeting you.
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