Hi Karole Kasita; is that your real name, by the way?
My real name is Kasita Carol. [Hmm. Potato, potahto.]
You are no longer a struggling musician, thanks to Yaka…
Yaka was a song I got with the help of a promoter called Otter. After I went commercial and did Gal A Bubble, which I wrote myself, he told me he knew of a writer who would write something similar and that is how I met Mudra. We did the demo with D’Mario; then I took the demo to Daddy Andre and finally did the final piece with [producer] Artin Pro. Fans received it well.
When did you start singing?
I joined a live band [S&S band] in 2015 where most people got to know me, then I went solo in 2018.
Five years! You have broken out rather easily in this competitive industry.
It has been a blessing that I can’t take for granted because this industry is really competitive. I count myself hardworking but mostly lucky. I now have seven songs. [Karole’s songs include Binyuma, Yaka, Musujja, More Time, and her 2020 release, Obuwoomi.]
So, are you dating? Who is the lucky man?
Hahahaha… I will not discuss my relationship issues here.
There are rumours the special man in your life is Daddy Andre…
Andre is a good friend of mine who has helped me in my career. When I officially left the band, I did my first track with him and he has continuously helped me.
Okay! Are you still in touch with your former bandmates at S&S?
Yes, I am still in touch with my S&S band team. In fact, we played together at Fame at my listener’s party last year in December.
Is it true that there is a rich man who injects money into your career?
Hahaha… very funny. I am just favoured and blessed. I just have a good, hardworking team and management. This music business has never been about how much you have. It’s about your relationship with people and your management. [Hmm, a financially-cushioned relationship can push things further, Quick Talk believes. Ask Davido.]
What’s your relationship with Cindy?
Cindy is an artiste I love. I can proudly say that she inspires me. She is a good friend too and has supported me all the way. And she has good vocals when it comes to live band and she taught me a lot. I look at myself in the mirror every day and know that I want to be better than the person I see in the reflection. But there are artistes I love, like Irene Ntale and Cindy.
Do you even have plans for this strange 2020?
I had big plans, but Covid-19 has taken over. I am still hopeful, though.
How then have you managed to balance your music and your private life?
It’s not easy to balance but I have been trying because at the end of the day, it is part of us and jobs matter a lot.
So, your life depends on the music and there is nothing else you do?
My life depends on my music but I will plan something else with time. I can say that my music is more popular than me for now, but I know it takes time.
Are there any music collaborations in the pipeline?
Yes, I have one coming through with Gravity and many more.
Good luck with that. So, are you okay with being classified as a dancehall/raga artiste?
Yes, it is really okay, because it’s what I have given them.
You love patra pants, cat suits and daring outfits!
My dress code is inspired by the music I do.
BACKGROUND
Karole Kasita was born on April 25, 1989. She went to Gayaza Junior School, Ndejje SS, St Joseph’s SS Naggalama and Kibibi SS, before joining Makerere University Business School for a bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship.
She writes a lot of her music, but has also had help from Ray Signature, Fyno and Geosteady, among others.
atiluknathan@gmail.com