Popular gospel singer Sam Lucas Lubyogo, 25, commonly known as Levixone agrees to meet Quick Talk despite their scheduled interview falling on Eid day.
He agrees to meet Quick Talk in Kosovo, Lusaze.
Wow, I expected you to look different… you don’t look like a gospel artiste [Levixone has dreadlocks]
I gave myself to Christ and God is interested in the heart not my physical body…
These dreadlocks were done by my brother who died, so I keep them in order to remember him; he used to be my friend. Also, the people I represent, the youth, for the last four years, they respect me a lot; they think I can be their voice…
They listen to you. Hope not the Bobi Wine way – musician turned politician.
[Excitedly:] Yes! You are behind news. I want to be a Member of Parliament for Lubaga North. I have started kakuyege and I’m helping get the youth off the streets, educate and feed them.
[Hmmm; area MP Moses Kasibante do you copy?]
Levixone is a tongue-twister; where did it come from?
I started with Leviticus but changed to Levixone because there were many upcoming artists using the same name. I decided to call myself Levixone in 2012. Levi for Leviticus and Xone ‘one time’.
So, when did you start singing?
Long story, brother. I was inspired by Christopher Fabulous and Mark Elvis (RIP). In order to understand this I have to give you my background. I hope you have the time.
I have all the time you need.
Good, I’m a Christian artiste who loves people and singing for God; I see it as a way of serving God. I was born in 1992, in Nakasongola district but raised in Kosovo, Kampala. I grew up with my mum and a step dad, we are a family of 10 and I’m the first-born.
What kind of child were you?
[Looking serious] Not good. I did not have a chance to go to school. I was on the Kosovo streets at the age of nine.
What! Those are some memories…
Yeah! I used to sell mchomo (roasted meat). I tried boxing… I got my first official job as a pool table attendant at the age of 10; I did the job for long, although I was later fired for negligence.
What happened?
I did not have where to sleep and so I used to sleep in the hall. I would use the cover of the pool table as my bed sheet, so one day it rains and the pool table becomes wet. The owner came and found me asleep, covering myself with the pool table cover. I was fired immediately. Boy! So, I found myself again on the streets…
When was your turning point?
One day a friend was lynched by a mob for alleged theft. They were also baying for my blood since I was seen as an accomplice, but I survived. I had to change.
I heard that in Mengo at a place called Ku Nfudu, a church had organized a concert where anyone who could sing was to be given some money. I rushed there. The MC did not believe I could sing from my looks, but he accepted to give me a chance, he was impressed.
I sang to the audience, I got a lot of money, my pockets were full!
That’s when I met Christopher Fabulous; they took me to their studio after helping them load timber onto a truck at church. They asked about where I stayed and I lied [about my address] yet I did not have a home. What I wanted from them was money.
After pressing me for answers, I told them I did not have where to stay. They took me in and that’s how I started singing. I came back to Word of Life Church in Kosovo because they were giving out porridge as a puller; they also had and still have Treasured Kids School.
You joined school without school fees?
[Brightens up:] I used to play football for the school as a mercenary; I was promised that each goal I scored I would be given money, so I had to work hard.
It was then that Neil Fox, a charity member of an Irish team realized I only appeared during the football season. He asked what it took to put me in school; he paid some money and I was enrolled at Treasured Kids School.
When do you become born again?
When I joined Word of Life Church, my life changed; people where giving me clothes and food. I left home because I felt I was not loved.
You were right; it is a long story! When did you stop with the education?
I continued up to Senior Four.
Ok…
I will continue, God-willing [yes, Quick Talk has his fingers crossed for you, Levixone].
So, when was your musical breakthrough?
My breakthrough song was Nonya Omu. It attracted Christian and secular audiences.
And now here you are, award-winning Levixone!
Yes, I have many awards in the eight years I have been doing gospel music. [Some of Levixone’s more popular songs include Ani, Essaala and Turn The Replay.]
When you are not singing…
…Oh! I’m also a Sunday school teacher at Word of Life church.
Really? Those are some lucky kids! Away from church, do you have another job?
I’m focusing on charity work and my record label, Levixone Music. Currently, I have seven artistes I’m managing.
So, who is the lucky lady in your life?
I don’t have a girlfriend and I’m not married. [Quick Talk just heard Pandora’s box pop open. Ho!]
Really!
These things of girlfriends are complicated, you can have one today and tomorrow they go. I think it’s not yet time! [But] my eyes are open; I am a big boy now.
Do you have stalkers?
Yeah! Oh boy! They send SMS, on Facebook, but the response starts with you. I don’t take advantage of these girls
Do you go to clubs?
To club, no! To perform, yes; I perform at secular shows. I don’t have a problem with clubbers.
Do you cook, Levixone?
Yeah! I cook for myself. I cook rice, beef and chapatti. I used to find it a challenge to cook spaghetti but I later learnt, but I find a challenge cooking Matooke.
What would you change if you could go back I time?
Nothing; everything is God’s plan. I can tell you, sejusa (I have no regrets).
You left home so young!
Yes, I felt unloved, but now we have made peace with my mother. She is now everything to me. We reconciled.
Do you listen to anything else that is not gospel music?
I like reggae; musicians like Jah Cure, Anthony B, Christopher Martin inspire me a lot.
And which secular artiste do you like?
I have many friends there, but I like Fille, among others.
What should we expect this year?
I have a concert coming up soon; you will be the first to know.
About Levixone
- He was voted male artiste of 2016 and 2017 by Uganda Entertainment Awards.
- He was VIGA Awards’ Best Male Artist, a three-time winner for Buzz Teen Gospel Awards, and was voted Best East African Gospel Artiste among more accolades.
- He has been a nominee for AGMWA Awards-UK and Sauti Awards in USA.
- Levixone plays football, swims and boxes and has a football team.
justuslyatuu08@gmail.com
