Remember her? Phina Mugerwa, commonly known as Phina Masanyalaze, is the woman who once enthralled Ugandan revellers with her ability to wriggle her waist like it had no bones. She then retreated from the limelight to start a family and lead a quiet life in Makindye, near Kiruddu hospital.
At her rented house enclosed in a high wall with a well-trimmed lawn dotted with trees, several pictures hang on the living room walls; in some she is posing with prominent people including the Katikkiro of Buganda and President Yoweri Museveni.
As Quick Talk waits for Phina to join him, her well-spoken, seven-year-old son with ex-boyfriend Ken Muyisa switches on the TV, probably sensing that the guest is bored.
[When Phina finally joins Quick Talk:] Hi! Kulika omwana [congratters on the new baby]!
Mwebale kunsabira [thanks for your prayers.] Sorry for keeping you waiting; the baby was crying [Throughout out the chat, a baby is crying in the background.]
Wow, you look good for a nakawere [new mother], what’s the secret [Phina has a three-month-old baby boy, but still looks like the Phina of her ‘Masanyalaze’ days.]
I take care of myself and family, giving birth is not an excuse to look like mashed potatoes. I also do a lot of exercise.
So, music-wise what happened?
Hmmm. I have been off the scene so that people miss me; so, when I come back later this year, people will be waiting for my music.
What have you been up to since you dropped Bampasudde?
I’m taking care of my family. Music is very costly and so I had to do other things, but I’m in the process of coming back.
I have two singles – Tonoba and Science – that I’m working on and they will be ready soon [Gives Quick Talk a sample… not bad!]
These songs…
They talk about marriage and love; you will never get a 100 per cent perfect man; get 40 per cent and look for the 60 per cent yourself. [Good counsel; hope the ladies take it.]
By the way, those electrifying strokes that got you the name Masanyalaze…
Hahaha… I look after myself so I can still do the heavy dancing; I practice a lot with my dance troupe.
So, you are still a celeb.
I’m not supposed to call myself a celeb, but I’m a celeb of my own.
By the way, you look more beautiful without makeup.
[Gives Quick Talk an incredulous look, asking, “Really?”] I’m not a person of makeup; I try to be natural. I don’t like looking like plastic.
That’s good. And your dress code seems to have changed [the midriff-baring days seem to be behind Phina, yet she still looks hot in her simple attire.]
I shop from anywhere. I’m now a mother and the dress code has to change. I lead by example. Good clothes are everywhere.
So, how long have you been married?
I’m in a relationship not a marriage; at least I’m seeing and staying with someone.
Great! And how did you meet Someone?
[Laughs] Things to do with my family… I don’t like talking about them. But you can ask him. [Yiiyiii!]
Ok, what is his name?
I will not tell you; do your own research.
Okay…There is talk you are dating an MP now…big league!
[Looks surprised] I can’t comment on that. You go find out.
Is ‘Someone’ Geoffrey Dhamuzungu [Budiope East Member of Parliament]?
Okay! Okay! Yes. How we met is a long story and an adventure; just know that [excitedly goes for her iPad to show Quick Talk the Honorable’s pictures.]
When is the wedding? [In some of the photos Quick Talk sees, Dhamuzungu was visiting Phina’s Ssenga in the traditional kukyala.]
Anytime! Wedding plans are done with partners. The public can mislead you, but I will inform you when time comes. [Best of luck! Dhamuzungu is a lucky man. Phina seems very domestic, contrary to her showbiz image.]
What kind of wedding should we expect?
Really?! Eeh mama. Now I’m focused on my baby, but we will get there. [The baby is crying again and she rushes off to see what is happening. After 10 minutes the interview resumes.]
Any plans for other babies?
I want four kids; I already have two so, we are planning for two more.
When you are not singing and dancing, Phina…
I sell children’s clothes. I also have a dance troupe called Nyenya; I’m always practising with them, that’s why childbirth has not affected my dancing.
What is making you happy currently?
[But first she rushes out to check on the breakfast she is fixing. On her return:] Sorry, I don’t have a maid… Anyway, my kids and my man make me happy; they are a gift from God that I have now and they really keep me busy.
[Quick Talk notices that she is taken up by an advert on TV about bum enhancers.] What do you think of FACO?
[Smiles] I don’t believe in artificial things. I appreciate what God gave me; my bum and hips are enough for me.
You are full of surprises for me! What are you listening to currently?
Afrigo band. They are original and have been tested by time and don’t go with competition.
I agree. When did you start singing seriously?
It was in 2006. I even won the Best New Artiste at the PAM Awards [shows Quick Talk the Plaque.]
Did your parents approve?
They didn’t like it, especially my father, but my mother trusted me.
And now?
But now he is proud of me because of how the media portrays me positively.
What is the weirdest thing you have done, Phina?
[Thinks then bursts into laughter] It was during CHOGM when I did a 180 split and my shoes burst open, but I had to perform until the end. I was ashamed because I had to perform until the end in stockings. I know people could have though it was a stunt, but it was an accident.
What is the most annoying thing about journalists?
They don’t write what they ask you, they twist facts; I’m not afraid of the media but I will shun you if you write wrong things about me.
Ho! Thanks for your time!
You are welcome! [She then rushes into the kitchen and serves a grateful Quick Talk breakfast – katogo, African tea and sweet bananas. Nice touch!]
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