Can you tell Quick Talk more about MC Kats?
I am Edwin Katamba, better known by my stage name MC Kats. I am 36 years old, a celebrated TV personality, events MC, TV/radio presenter, the CEO Kats Music, father and music analyst.
I was born to Pastor Juliet Lubanga and Hajji Sula Lwanga of Mawanda road, Kamwokya. I attended Namilyango primary school, Busoga College Mwiri, but then got expelled and completed O-level at Kitante Hill School and A-level at Makerere High School. From Makerere High School, I joined UMCAT School of Journalism to pursue a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication.
Impressive! Now, what do you think should be changed about our music industry?
The arts industry is way different from how it was years back during our days at DV8 [a once-popular bar for music and karaoke enthusiasts, on Wilson road].
Music has now grown and the industry has a lot of money. However, Ugandans have failed to fully support their own. Some have tried but it is still lacking. The government is also lagging behind in terms of supporting the industry.
How did you even end up in the arts, in the first place?
I grew up in a family that believed so much in God and during my early days, I would sing and perform in the church [you don’t say!] So, what I am today is a testimony that if you trust God, you can be anything you want to be.
How many children do you have, Kats? Quick Talk has heard figures thrown around…
The culture I come from… [uh-oh…here we go again!] …it’s not so common for men to reveal the number of their children. For the respect I have for that, I will just say that I am thankful to God that I have enough and they are lovely; nothing beats my love for them.
Okay… But how old is the oldest and the youngest?
The oldest has just celebrated their new age days back [hahahahaaa]. She’s beautiful just like her other sisters and brothers. There’s nothing that makes me happier than having them around me – my children are my life.
Moving on… You are taking swimming lessons as per your Instagram; why now?
[Laughs] That was part of the fun we recently had with a couple of friends on a road trip.
What is the most memorable thing you have done in your youth?
I always jumped our school fence to go to nightclubs to have fun and emcee. I don’t regret any of it. Whatever happened was meant to happen and was God’s plan. You can’t run away from what God has written to happen.
What is your superpower?
I don’t believe in superpowers; I live life the way it is.
Your IG shows that you have recently found love…
Love doesn’t ask why; it comes from the heart [hmmm, a Celine Dion lover, Quick Talk reckons].
Does that mean we should expect wedding bells soon?
I would love to walk down the aisle, but God knows when. I will keep it in prayers though.
You have been open about living with HIV…
Yes. It’s normal and I am living like any other human being.
Tell Quick Talk about your work with UNAIDS. What is that about?
I have a lot of campaigns I am embarking on. I will keep you posted when the time is right. [But as youth], it’s at that stage in life that we make a lot of mistakes. I am a living testimony to that. So, I know what every youth needs to hear.
What is the most stigmatizing thing ever said to you?
I outgrew that; I stand strong now for people out there who may feel down. For my children that I love so much; however, there’s a presenter on Spark TV called Flavia Mawagi. She went on live television and made stigmatizing comments about me. I think I will never forget that day and what she said.
Sorry about that! How do you spend your time off air?
I love my genuine friends and it’s always them when I am not on set.
Who inspires your fashion sense?
There’s a young designer called Zaga. He works with The Cloth Hub. He is responsible for my wardrobe.
What has been your be greatest achievement so far?
Life, and seeing my children grow. Many of my friends have passed on and I am still here. Isn’t that an achievement? [You bet it is!]
Has finding out about your HIV status changed your lifestyle?
I am so careful whom I date, and I am currently seeing one person. I take my tablets everyday for a healthy life. Stigma had made it hard for me to live with HIV, but I’m slowly coping.
You recently received an award from King Oyo…
…King Oyo presented the award, but it was an appreciation from Uganda Aids Commission for my efforts towards ending stigma and discrimination.
nkwanzishibbabariyo@gmail.com
