You have taken this season by storm! Who are you!?
I am Eric Opoka, a dancehall and hip hop artiste from Acholiland; Gulu, to be specific, but born and raised in Kampala.
Why Eezzy, then?
It all comes from my character, I am a very easy guy. The first ‘E’, however, stands for my name Eric and then the “ezzy” from the word ‘Easy’. I am an easy guy.
How old are you?
I am not so young; 23 years old.
Ohh! Are you done with school yet?
No, I am in second year at Kyambogo University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Fine Art and Design.
And how are you balancing books and music?
The system of balancing books and music has been part of me for a long time now. I started singing in 2012 when I was like 12, in Senior One. So, I have been doing the two and it is no longer trouble for me and I try to remain focused as much as possible in both fields.
When I am in class, I am Eric the student and when I am outside, I am Eezzy the performer. [Well, it also helped that school has been out like forever, this year!]
Do you plan to practice fine art?
Oh yes! I am an artist. I love drawing, painting, designing, graphics and since it is what I am studying, I hope to do it professionally because I cannot depend on music alone.
When did you start doing music?
Ever since I was a child, I liked everything to do with entertainment. I would sing, dance and act at school and at home, my mother would tell us to dance for her and she gives the winner Shs 100 and I always won the money. I recorded my first song in 2012, but of course it was not a big deal.
I started performing on different events from there on and one day as I was miming Gravity Omutujju’s Walumbe Zzaaya remix, people were so excited and I thought, what if this song were mine and people were shouting and praising my name, wouldn’t that be great?
I decided to take music seriously. In 2015, I decided to go back to Gulu and kickstart my career from there.
How did your parents react?
At first of course they did not like it, but I sat them down and assured them that I was going to continue with my studies as well. Fortunately, they gave me their full support. [His elder sister is part of his management team].
And how have you found the journey so far?
It has not been easy. [Considering he is Eezzy, one would think he has had an easy ride in music]. I have struggled to get here. I would perform and get chased off stage, getting airplay was a hustle, videos are expensive to make.
But I thank God everything is beginning to pay off now.
Strange for one to leave Kampala to pursue dreams in Gulu!
After realizing it was getting difficult to get recognition here, a friend based in Gulu told me there was space for fresh talent there and some of my songs were already a success in the North. So, I thought why not; let me go back to my homeland and launch myself to the rest of the world and believe me, it has worked.
So far, 70 per cent of my songs are in Acholi and 30 per cent in Luganda. Some are a mixture of both languages with a few English lines. [When Eezzy sings ‘oba mwagala zi face mask…tujjakugula face mask…mu kibaala…party party…’ one can’t tell he’s not a Muganda!]
Many artistes who are not Baganda are usually afraid of singing in their mother tongues. Most artistes want to start from the top. They are afraid that it may take them long to be recognized if they start with their mother languages. But for me, I believe that there is no better way to launch yourself than beginning with the support of your own people.
Tumbiza Sound is the talk of town!
[Excitedly] Mwana, it is such a huge blessing. Who thought a guy like me would have such a big song especially in a time like this when we are facing lots of hardships as an industry!
How did you come up with it, though?
It is funny. Actually, this song came like a dream or a flash in my mind. I woke up one day feeling sad at the continued closure of entertainment spots and thought, what if I let the government know that they can let us enjoy our party life while following their standard operating procedures?
Of course I had to pass on the message through a song. It has a message to the concerned people, but I also sang it for my fans to enjoy.
And the remix with Feffe Bussi?
Feffe Bussi told me he was chilling in studio when he listened to the song and he liked it; so, he hit me up and I joined him in studio. Since he is a very good freestyler, it was not hard for him to add some rap lyrics.
Did you think it would blow up like it has done?
Honestly, I didn’t. I thought it would be the kind of song people would enjoy for like two weeks and throw away, but surprisingly, they carried it on and on, making it bigger.
The bars you talk about in the song are still closed – well, officially, that is.
One thing everyone is telling me right now is that if bars were open, I would be making lots of money because the song is a club banger. I think I would be on high demand performing everywhere, but of course not being able to perform means less income.
So, how have you been surviving?
I have number of online concerts. I also own a boutique where I get some extra money and of course the savings I made from the shows I used to perform at before Corona happened.
Now that Tumbiza Sound is a hit, what next?
I want to ride on the success of Tumbiza Sound to release even better music, because right now I have got the ears of the people. I am in studio working tirelessly and have lots of new music coming up. I have just released a new song with Lydia Jazmine called Mega, and the video is also dropping soon.
Okay….
We found each other at one of these shows we have been doing and she liked my performance and after the show, we had a little chat and agreed to work on a song together. She listened to some of my songs and liked the one called Mega and she jumped on it.
What else do you like, besides music?
When I am not in studio, I am somewhere having a good conversation and laughing with friends or just at home watching TV and doing house chores. I also like working out. [Quick Talk is surprised by the working out, because Eezzy’s body certainly does not show it. No disrespect…]
How is Mrs Eezzy?
[Laughs heartily] I do not think there is a Mrs Eezzy yet. I am still waiting for someone sent by God, who I believe will be the right one for me. Hmmm.
Do you even pray?
Yeah, I pray. Actually a lot. I may not be going to church but I believe that you do not need to go to church to have a believer in God and I know He is everywhere.
jjingoernest1@gmail. com
