For starters, could you tell Quick Talk about Pia Pounds?
My real name is Tracy Kirabo. I was born on November 8, 1996, to Joseph and Jessica Musitate. Sadly, my mum died when I was just two years old in 1998 and I was taken up by different relatives who raised me.
Growing up, life was not really easy because I think I have done every job you can think of, in order to raise my school fees and tuition. I have been a waitress, a bakery supervisor, have worked in insurance, supermarket attendant, cashier, clothes vendor, Sim card vendor, Uber driver. I have done a lot of jobs at a very young age and I am not scared to get my hands dirty.
But in summary, I am a [25-year-old] who likes music so much, and a hustler.
How did you get into music?
I started singing at the age of 15. Music has been part of my whole life but it also comes from my mum because she used to sing in the choir of Miracle Centre Cathedral. Even in school, I would get all the awards like best soloist, best dancer, and best actress; so, it pushed me to think that I have something in me that belongs to entertainment.
During my O-level, I would go to West End studios in Makindye and back up or voice different songs and the producer would pay me Shs 10,000 to Shs 20,000. One day he told me to also compose my own song which I did and to my surprise, Ragga Dee came to the studio and when he listened to it, he offered to add his vocals to it.
We did the song and even shot the video for it but I had to put the singing on hold and first concentrate on my studies because I was joining A-level. It was not until my second year at university that I felt ready to record again.
Eddy Kenzo introduced you to us; how did you meet him?
I met Eddy Kenzo through his producer Kuseim, who was already my friend. I wanted him to do some songs for me; so, he invited me to Big Talent. I was doing my first song; so, I would go to the studio often.
One day Eddy Kenzo who I even did not know that he was the owner of the studio came around and told me how he had listened and liked one of my songs and offered to improve it. Next thing I know, he offered to sign me to Big Talent in January 2018.
So, what happened? You left Big Talent.
There are reasons why I left, which had to do with my comfort. I chose my comfort, sanity and future career over anything else. There were many false rumours flying around about the two of us and I decided to just step aside. Kenzo and I had a very friendly professional relationship; so, leaving Big Talent was an amicable decision. [Kenzo and Pia Pounds were rumoured to be in a relationship with some fans even claiming she was to blame for his separation with Rema Namakula.]
How are things between the two of you now?
We are very good. He even still helps out with my music wherever he can.
Okay! So, how does it feel to finally have that big hit finally?
It feels so amazing; I even don’t know how to explain it. It feels so relaxing. [Runs fingers through her hair and lets out a deep breath.] Stress is gone, fears are gone and all those things of worrying. Just here to bless the world with more music.
How did you come up with Tupaate?
I wrote the song with my producer Kuseim and [did backup vocals] myself. The song came from just a happy vibe. We did not overthink it; we just played around with simple words. When I finished recording it, we put speakers outside the studio and played it and everyone began dancing to it straight away and singing along to the chorus. I knew I had made a good song.
It was released 10 months ago, what has taken it this long to hit?
I don’t think there is a duration in which a song should become a hit – maybe for musicians who are already big. People get to understand your music slowly and everyone who gets to know about it tells the other until finally most people get to love the song and it blows up. So, it is a longer process than for a musician who is already established.
Shouldn’t you give credit to that guy who went viral on social media jamming to it?
Of course all credit goes to him and he will forever be remembered as the guy who danced to my song and it became big. He is part of my story forever. He is called MC Africa and he is from Mbale. I got to know about his challenge in March and I posted it on my social media pages.
After like three months during the lockdown, it went viral. I went and met him, brought him to Kampala… I have been with him on TV shows. I also want him to shine. [He is shining; he has started getting advertising gigs…]
Speaking of which, you have been criticised for spending too much time posting pictures on social media instead of making music.
Shame on them, because the same social media they were saying I am spending much time on instead of giving out music is the same social media which is putting my music out there.
Imagine having a huge party song under these circumstances when bars and clubs are closed…!
[Frowns] Yeah… but then I have to be grateful for the little I have so that God blesses me more. But it is a bit of a constraint; it makes me feel bad that I cannot be on stage right now and see people singing along to my music. But I still feel so happy when I see people on social media enjoying the music. Ohh God! I can’t wait for shows to resume.
When are you and Eddy Kenzo giving us a collabo?
[Giggles] You want us to get insulted? But anyway, we still have life; so, it will happen any time. I believe so much in going with the flow; I don’t like pressuring myself.
Are you dating?
Hmmm! Am I? [Laughs] I like people to wonder whether I am or not. It makes me happy. But I think a day will come when I’ll let everyone know but for now, I want you guys to just keep guessing.
What kind of man would get your attention?
A man who loves me. I just want someone who loves me. It is the biggest need for me. I don’t want to know whether you are rich, tall, dark, handsome or ugly because at the end of the day when you don’t love me, it does not make sense. I want someone who loves me with all their soul, heart, brain and cannot understand when I am in the room and probably goes crazy when I am missing.
Good luck on that! What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy cooking, reading, swimming, travelling but my biggest enjoyment is definitely shopping. Whether window-shopping or real shopping, I just love shopping.
So, what next for you?
I have finished my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at International University of East Africa (IUEA) and I am just waiting to graduate soon. I have, however, already been offered a full scholarship by the same university for a master’s degree.
Musically, I have a lot of music in studio just waiting to be released. It can even be a full album. I am looking at a very sustainable career, topping the charts and winning big awards. Â
jjingoernest1@gmail.com
