I’m sure many wonder, who is Lynda Ddane?
Lynda is a born-again Christian, fun-loving, unpredictable, introvert, friendly, music-loving, tattooed, jumpy, playful and comical person. I am also a TV and radio presenter, YouTuber, actress, commercial model and digital influencer. I love tea, cartoons, sleeping, dancing, experimenting, miming, driving and making noise.
Whoa! That’s quite a CV! How would you describe your 2020?
My 2020 was unexpected and jam-packed. Jesus Christ! I do not even know how it happened, but I was definitely blessed.
How did you get into media?
My journey in the media started from Urban TV doing a show called Campus 101 where I was the one going in the field. Then I was blessed to join UBC, doing Jam 101 alongside Calvin Da Entertainer, which is where I might say I got most of my media training from.
I guess afterwards I took a sabbatical of almost a year and after that, I got the job at NTV doing the evening entertainment show, The Beat, which was yet another amazing blessing.
Was media your dream, growing up?
I was a believer in fairytales; maybe I still am. Looking at my mother, I actually think all I wanted to be was a mum. I never had any realistic expectations in life, to be honest.
I thought I would marry my prince and we would live happily ever after in a magic sugar castle with our 12 children. But then I grew up and snapped out of it [Laughs out loud].
And how do you find radio?
Radio was a challenge I much sought out for. I had always wanted to not just be a face, but also a voice. Again, one of 2020’s initial blessings was my first radio gig at Radio City doing the breakfast show and then just a few weeks back, I joined KFM where I am doing the Mid-Morning show.
What do you like most about your job?
First of all, I have more than one job: The Beat and Dance Party on NTV, Dhook on KFM, Ddane’s Dynasty on YouTube and Digital Influencer on social media.
In general, what I like most about all of them would be the extra opportunities they have created for me and the fact that I have a voice that people actually listen to.
And what do you probably not like about it?
In general, it is the random judgment I get from people and the invasion of my privacy.
How is it like working from a male-dominated environment?
Working in a male-dominated industry has had me work twice as hard to be in it and survive, but it is quite fun because it makes me or us the females all the more unique.
For a show like #NTVDanceParty which runs trans night, where does a girl like you derive all that energy from?
I just thrive on the vibes. I already love music, jumping around, dancing and shouting in people’s ears; so, it is just a perfect fit.
Speaking of music, what is on your playlist right now?
I have the most random playlist. I listen to anything and everything. But I guess right now my most played songs are Godly by Omah Lay, There For You by Simi, Katerina by Bruce Melodie, Ndaje by The Ben, What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship, Woyo by Raja, Dede by Davis D, Made For You by Banky W, Running To You by Chike, Draw Me Close by Katinas, I Lift Your Name by Leanne Steencamp and of course Munda Awo by B2C. [She laughs at this, probably because she is the vixen in the video]. And so many others. I cannot list all the songs I am listening to, but those I definitely have to listen to them somehow every day.
Quite an interesting mix. Which Ugandan female celebrity inspires you?
The Ugandan female celebrities that inspire right now are Juliana Kanyomozi for her consistent growth and privacy, Anne Kansiime because she is a consistent go-getter and she makes me laugh, and Spice Diana for the evident hard work.
And fellow media personalities…?
I think I had quite many, but in Uganda, it is definitely Crystal Newman. As I grew up, I also got introduced to Deedan Muyira; I love both their energies to this day. I just think they are amazing.
You are “hot cake” right now; do you have stalkers?
Hehehe… ‘Stalkers’ is not a word I normally use, but yeah; kinda…
How do you handle them?
Handling!! I just pay them no attention.
Are you dating, though?
Ahhhhhh! Dating! [Gives it a long thought] What matters is that I am alive [Bursts into laughter.]
OK. What kind of man would you be in a relationship with?
Just a caring man that knows God, and has a great sense of humour.
Amen! Any embarrassing moments on set?
Just last week I got put on air by accident without shoes.
Some people describe your dressing style as too skimpy and revealing…
I actually do not dress skimpy; people just choose to pay attention to the movements I do. It is expected though. I do not mind it either way. I choose my comfort first; people’s words come later or never at all.
What influences your choice of dressing, though?
My choice of fashion is mostly streetwear; comfortable and slightly awkward. I love the colour black and sneakers are number one in my wardrobe.
You started out as a model; are you still pursuing that?
Modelling for me was or has been more of commercial not runway modelling, and yeah, I would definitely take on any opportunities if and when they come my way.
Quick Talk has also seen you do some comedy skits; where do you get your sense of humour from?
My sense of humour is inexplicable, to be honest. I think it is just part of my character.
How do you spend your free time?
Sleeping and posting useless memes on SnapChat, I share memes like I get paid for it. I also just be there running around with my little sister and looking for ice cream.
What would you say is the highlight of your career so far?
My highlight, OMG, I think I am spoilt for choice [Acting shy:] it has been a rollercoaster ride to be quite candid, the ups and downs co-existing, but all making it worthwhile in the end; having the bad making the good even more worth the smile. So, I guess my highlight would be the blessing of my career itself; getting my foot in the door and being welcomed. Highlight like no other. Very surreal!
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