Who is Becky, for starters?
I use Chosen Becky musically, but my real name is Kukiriza Rebecca. I am a born-again Christian. My dad is a pastor, my mother is born-again as are all my siblings. I’m an artiste and most people know me from the Byabangi and Bankuza songs.
I went to Nyendo primary school and then joined St Anthony Kayunga for my secondary education, before completing S4 at St Gerald’s.
Why did you give up in S4?
My mother did not have enough money to push me further, and also, the music started in senior four. [She left Masaka with a one Mr Kyanja, who gave her her first job, packing petroleum jelly in Mpigi. She later moved to Busabala road, and started doing music.]
You must have been so young! What was your parents’ reaction?
None of them was happy with it, because we are born-again and we grew up seeing people that sing love songs as sinners singing to Satan. My mum was so hurt and bitter, but my father was not that much bothered.
You should have gone for gospel music then!
I loved gospel music but the person who brought me into this industry exposed me to secular music. But now that I am fully independent, I plan to release a gospel song very soon.
How did fame treat you at such a tender age?
I was very young and did not know what being a celebrity meant; I was ‘local’ because I was from the village. I even used to go to the shop to buy things and would hear people talking about me but they could not recognize me because they expected Chosen Becky to be a tall, older woman.
Is it hard, being a female artiste?
Being abused by the public, handling social media platforms on my own. People are too judgmental on my looks, what I wear… but I am used.
What was the most heart-breaking thing on social media?
It is, by the way, very recent. My Facebook, Instagram and other social media platforms were hacked, and the hacker demanded for money.
I didn’t know him. I came out and started announcing on TV stations what had happened, the hacker also went on TV making allegations that I was a bad person, I don’t pay people… I was so hurt because people started unfollowing me, insulting me… That guy said a lot of things and the public believed him.
How did you overcome it?
I sat down and realized it’s the world I chose and that I am a public figure. People have to talk both bad and good things about me, but those who love me will stand by me.
I just kept silent; some journalists threatened me when I refused their interviews, but I had to stay silent and wait for the truth to come out. I thank God those who were abusing me finally came back apologizing, and life moved on.
Do you remember your first time on stage?
Ehhh…people were really many and when I was announced by the MC, I could hear a lot of cheering and I think they were all expecting to see this tall, brown-skinned woman, very beautiful and perfect.
I cried. I told Victor Kamenyo that I was not going anywhere. He encouraged me and gave me his shades, telling me to pretend I was not seeing the people. I stood in one position and silence filled the place as all eyes turned to me.
Not because they were waiting for me to sing, but because I was not what they expected. So, I also stood and looked at them, but luckily my blood, Victor, was backstage assuring me. By the time I performed Bankunza, I was used.
Who writes your songs?
I have different writers. I have worked with Nince Henry, then currently John K, who wrote my new music. It is about trying all corners. That’s music.
At what age did you realise you could sing?
I was 13, in P7 during the folk songs’ competition. My elder sister Dona was very good at singing and was well- known; so, when she completed, there was no replacement and the trainer looked for me because I was Dona’s younger sister. I was taught how to sing, and by the time I left P7, I was sure I could sing.
How come we have not heard of Dona yet?
She was very interested in the music career, but everyone has their own season. I became famous before her, but she had never thought of going professional.
Now she is coming to join the industry very soon. She is not in Uganda currently; she is more into business.
How has the lockdown treated you?
It has not been easy because we don’t work, we don’t have ways to make money like back in the day. It has not been good, but I’m thankful that I’m still standing.
Any political ambitions?
No no no way! I am purely an artiste.
Your lockdown plans included a baby boy, we hear?
I planned for everything because I am now older and I understand what I must do. Many said I had rushed, but to me, it was my choice and I have successfully done it.
Has motherhood affected your music?
Not at all, because my music is really going places even in this Covid-19 era. I have a new song called Tokyuka; so, baby has been a real blessing to me.
Is the song a message for your baby-daddy?
Haa no, it is for my fans. I was just delivering their message; I’m just a voice.
