Many people interviewed about who their best musician in Uganda is have mentioned Juliana Kanyomozi. But what really endears Juliana to many people? Ultimate Media writes that apart from her obvious music talents, Juliana’s daily life challenges as a woman have endeared her to more and more people.
Juliana Kanyomozi first hit the music scene as a member of the now defunct girl band I-Jays with fellow crooner, Iryn Namubiru in the late 1990s. The songbird has since 1998 given us music to soothe our sorrows, raise our spirits, express our love, ignite our thinking in many ways than one can imagine.
Since she went solo, and evolved from Karaoke singer, Juliana has risen to become one of the biggest divas in Uganda and East Africa at large. She has won several Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM). In 2004, she won Best R n B Artiste, in 2005, Most Inspiring Song, Best R n B single, Best R n B artiste, Best Female artiste and Song of the Year for her song Mama Mbire.
Juliana is the voice behind popular tracks like Say Yes, Nabikoowa (I got fed up) and Nkulinze (I am waiting for you), Taata Wa Banna Yanni (Who is the father of the kids)- a collaboration with Bobi Wine, Kibaluma (It hurts them), Kanyimbe (let me sing), Usiende –a collaboration with Tanzanian Busho, and her latest Kantambule Naawe off her latest album. have ensured she keeps her place as a darling of music lovers in Uganda.
Juliana’s accession in the music and showbiz industry has been as phenomenal as can ever be said. Blessed with a gold mine of a sweet voice; and of course the looks anyone celebrity would dream of, her rise in the music and entertainment industry is seen by some as a smooth ride. But is it?
While it is understandable that many people love Juliana for her beauty and vocal ability, many more people love her for her great talent, drive, sense of maturity, tasteful sense of fashion, and resilience in the face of hardship and challenges, -yes challenges.
Juliana has had her own share of turbulences. From the never-ending media’s affinity for her so-called beef with Iryn Namubiru, to the break up of her marriage, to being linked romantically to other artistes like Bobi Wine, allegations that she posted herself on internet asking for a lover (she says someone she doesn’t know picked her photos and did it) and all the speculation over her relationship with Ugandan boxer Kassim “The Dream” Ouma, Juliana has been ‘sweet meat’ for the tabloids and rumour mongers. But she has weathered all these storms which would have incapacitated any ordinary person.
“There was a time in my career when I was going through some mighty trials and I had to pick myself up and be strong. As a result I sang the song Kanyimbe. I call it inspirational because it’s the kind of song that would lift up anybody when they are going through a difficult time, regardless of their religion,” she says.
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She is not afraid to make strong decisions either. Despite having a well paying job as a presenter on Capital FM, Juliana left radio in 2006 to because she needed to concentrate on her music and her son.
“I always miss the opportunity to tuck my son into bed myself. However I am glad he understands the nature of my job, which makes me feel less guilty. But at the end of the day like any other mother I do feel bad about having to go away for days, weeks, and months and leaving him behind. Sometimes I miss him so much that I cry,”Juliana says.
While wining awards was good, the increasing popularity came with many challenges, especially the need to always prove to her fans that she has a favourite song every now and then, and was the darling they always expect her to be.
It is no secret that while female musicians are doing well in Uganda, as epitomised by Juliana, female artists are still second best when it comes to officials music recognition.
The annual pearl of Africa Music Awards have be mentioned as a case in point. “Why is it that ever since these awards started, it is only males who are nominated for the Artist of the year? Males have dominated it. You remember last year Juliana Kanyomozi did well with her singles but she was not nominated for the Artist of the year. So I want that thing to be changed,” says Lillian Mbabazi a member of the Blu3 music group.
Juliana was born 29years to Prince Gerald Manyindo (RIP) and Mrs Catherine Manyindo. It might come as a surprise, but yes, Juliana is a princess of Tooro kingdom. Her father Manyindo and Kaboyo (King Oyo’s father) are biological brothers.
“I sing about sensitive topics but most of all I sing about issues that touch our lives deeply. I sing songs that inspire others. I especially sing encouraging my ladies to have the confidence to say and do what’s right for them and not feel oppressed in a relationship,” Juliana says in a recent interview.
She gives the example of her song ‘Nabikoowa‘. “Some people thought it was a harsh song but I don’t believe that. I believe that each one of us has a right to get up and make a move towards our own happiness especially when they feel they are not being given back the love and fairness that they deserve. I hope that defines me as a woman and a singer,” Juliana says.
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