I allowed myself to be tortured due to ignorance per se. Not that I didn’t know what was actually happening but I guess things happened so fast that I lost track. Today, I wish I was five years younger perhaps I would have done things differently in I would possibly not have met the wrong people basically I wouldn’t have wasted my time on the wrong people but is it not what life is about? You just have to meet the wrong people for you to end up coming across the right ones, sounds weird right? I thought so too. Does loving someone for mean having to loose yourself in the process so as to keep something that perhaps was never yours even from the beginning? This was the a journey we had begun without a definite destination full of bumpy rides eventually I just had to alight. Things were getting out of hand, the pain and suffering were too much I wish somebody could understand. Giving your best without any appreciation.

The decision I made to stay for the party that night cost me a lot I wish I had left when the time was right. The party went on, glasses tossing in the air, guess cheers to the numerous couples that night, that was the beginning of a ghosted affair. I signed a certificate not for marriage or anything close to that, mine was one that kept me hooked to the ungrateful man who took me from granted. I suppose they say good things are rare to find, maybe I gave in easily, really? I sincerely can’t explain. This is the first time I recall skiving lectures due to the hangover, it was soon to be a norm when I has to visit him at the expense of my lectures. These were the days I put my academics, which my parents had invested on pitch at risk of never coming to a fruitful completion because I really needed to attend every single one of those lessons I missed. I thought I had things under control until my grades begun stating the opposite. Actually my grades were low for the first time since I joined the university. It was an awakening call but I was busy convincing myself I was just a first-year student I had enough time to get back my grades. I was lost in the moment.

Days turned to weeks, months, I guess you were maybe beginning to get tired of me or something. That’s really the only thing I can think of I couldn’t quite explain how you begun drifting away slowly man. From the love messages to the lengthy late night calls, everything came to an end just like that. Why didn’t you even consider how I’d feel after everything I had done for you. Playing your cook, cleaner, companion, to the lover who was always one call away whenever you needed her to warm your bed. See this was toxic, it was choking on my grades and you just threw all the sacrifices I made to the thrash. I meet you a student, you turned me into your personal person for selfish reasons you never loved me you only wanted to use me. You should be proud because that’s exactly what you got from me in exchange for a deceitful relationship.

The changes were so loud that even the little gifts you got me, become a thing of the past. Wait, lest I forget, do you remember the pink dress I found in your suitcase? The one I was excited to try on but you told me it was a friend’s? Did I tell you I saw ‘her’ rocking that same dress on the eve of your graduation? I was clearly stupid. How could I let myself be fooled like that? The one time I found a pair of heels my size, you were still loyal I suppose because I don’t quite understand how you gave them to me without having second thoughts. They’d have perfectly gone with the pink dress. It’s that night I realized those shoes actually meant for the dress when I saw ‘her’ with the very shoes you gifted me. All this while I had been cleaning your mess for ‘her’ to get herself a perfect man. I should have read the signs, the red flags, oops! I entirely have myself to blame, I had chosen to love him and be loyal to him. Today, I hear ladies say a man is yours only when he is with you and I’m like dang it! That’s very true because I never tolerated the thought of another woman in the picture. I thought I was good enough.

The guy would beat me when we would argue over little things in the house. He did want me to questioned about it, if you did he’d be aggressive and lament on how it was his phone and he’d call whoever he felt like. I remember one afternoon when he slapped me because I picked his call to ask the other person to hold on he was in the shower. I remember the first two words of the lady on the call ‘Babe unakuja?’ These words were enough to trigger the adrenaline levels to shoot in my body because I waited for the man to walk into the room shamelessly. I was so willing to have a conversation with him so I traded the matter cautiously. I asked him if he had plans of moving out of the house and he confessed he was but headed for town to meet his mom then be back home. I wanted to believe him but the other voice kept echoing in my head ‘babe .. ‘ this man is a cheat, he’s lying to you, ask him about her, all these spinning in my head. For peace’s sake, I’ll ask anyway.

In a span of 30 seconds I made my mind up to ask, still in a mature way. Shirley called you when you were taking a shower…Even before I finished, he was already interrupting, Scrolling through his phone his eyes on me. ‘ Did you pick up my call?’ ‘What did she say?’ The tone was not so friendly and I knew I was in for it. He moved closer to me and held my arm tight , ‘I ask again did you pick my call?’ The pain was so much so I yelled at him yes and she was asking you if you were coming. He begun tightening his grip on my arm u could feel my bones suffocated he threw me on the bed I knew I had earned myself a beating if my lifetime. How did I end up with this monster of man. I lay down holding my cheek which was on fire from the slap he gave me. Did I deserve this brutality? I hate to admit it but still I faulted myself for invading his privacy. I should have stuck on my lane. I just couldn’t evaluate my worth in the relationship. I thought I was vital in his life but I realized I was insignificant. I was just there to satisfy his needs. He actually had me for a worker while he had other girls out there. I was naïve I accept, but once bitten twice shy I kind of advocated for the other bit stay loyal even when you have no reason to.

To be continued…

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The petite look and the mousy attitude told it all. What was so sad that even his look couldn’t stand? A case of lost trust perhaps, maybe something even worse I mean how else would you explain how he ended up a casanova at the tender age life had accorded him. This outrageous character blended in so well with the way he knew how to sweet talk a person I totally failed to understand what was missing in action. Then I learnt how a monster he was the day he thrashed an aperture card I had invested my time and money on for his graduation. This was someone I had been through thick and thin for in attempt to feel appreciated rather feel loved. I didn’t know I was submitting my resume for an odd job. His cook cleaner, sex toy, all for what? To end up his punching bag when he felt he’s eaten well and needed to flex his muscles a bit. You might begin to wonder why I was stuck there regardless of the situation, it was all for love, for a four-lettered word it was for love how else would I explain for people to understand? He was my first love. The next time you want to convince yourself that someone is your first love better be ready for the price it comes with. So listen to my story;

I met him a few weeks into settling down as a first year back in college. I was on my way to get supper from the dining hall when our paths crossed, he was with his crew as he liked to refer to his tribal based group of friends. Cold stare is what I served him with to go with his eyes that were trolling on my body. I found it offensive and uncomfortable, so I quickly rubbished his salutations and made my way to the counter to get my share of a rare delicacy, posho greens and beef. This act must have insulted his ego, like the way his friends roared in laughter followed by “faso anakung’aria bana” these words somehow got to me I almost gave myself a pat on the back like where did I even get the guts to do that? This was the beginning of something beautiful yet short lived there after turmoil and pain. My close friend told me she had heard of the ordeal that took place earlier on and she warned me that I needed to watch my back because I had messed with the wrong guy. Well, i had to do my homework because I’m a kind of person who hates surprises. Two days later, I had gathered information on the guy, I hate to admit it but the positive aspects of him superseded the negative energy in him. How do you explain a CR7, in Idris in Peter Okoye in Tokodi? Right unfathomable, I thought so too the combination came through easily I began to understand his charismatic nature, I suppose that is all that mattered at the time. I had done my homework but at times that’s not all you need as a candidate before sitting an exam. At this juncture I can ascertain to you that had I taken enough time to comprehend the information I had, today I wouldn’t be telling this story.

I began giving myself reason to hear out the guy whenever he approached me. This guy was crazy he went out of his way to know who my roommates were, coincidentally, one of my roommates was a third year just like him and his tribemate. Need I say, she was going to be the reason I knew the guy’s hostel after we were invited to attend the grand birthday party. That day, as naive as I was got dressed for the first time to attend a birthday party at night. I didn’t know what to expect as I was only a first year student involved in a third year’s birthday affair. I believe it was the first time I encountered guys smoking bhang the inner voice kept pushing me to vacate the room but the depth of curiosity kept me looking around hoping to get a reason to stay long enough to quench my doubts. In no time the party gets on my nerves as guys are busy romancing. That of course was not an issue just that this time my age was being violated I mean I was a minor at least I thought that being I was just 18. My thoughts quickly signaled ‘hii ni tabia mbaya’. The lectures mom and the whole extended family had given the night before I reported to school must have sank deep. One that I remember vividly was what my favorite uncle said “Now, you’re like a butterfly whose wings have been held tight and now it’s time we let go, choose how your flight will be carefully” with such heavy words, I held on to them so dearly that I didn’t want to disappoint him, at least not less than a month into school. His emotions could be told with the way he expressed interest in my well being. I owed it to him to be responsible in all my actions. The inner creepy voice once more was reckoning this time it fell into deaf ears as I had already made a decision to stay in my corner and watch everything that was happening. “Faso niaje,” I found this sort of thing annoying but it was all I had heard since I arrived. Glasses were tossed in the air as they began chanting the birthday song. The dapper birthday boy showed up his dreads nicely done and his brogue told he had taste. Oh my! Wait did I remember I had a commitment to live up to? That I had to stay focused and not get distractors like this chick magnet? Anyway, would I be the only one left out if I chose to stay in my corner? My eyes fixed on the guy, I slowly found my way to the door when I was about to reach the knob, someone tapped me on my shoulder, “ Babe unataka keunda mapema aje na hatujakata keki na wewe?” My fears dawned on me that I had already sent an apology to my uncle for what was about to happen. Lost between responding to him or turning the knob on the door. Either choice I made had repercussion so it was left for me to choose which one I’d bear. For a moment I understood that I was about to board my flight just not certain about it’s destination.

To be continued…

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Not that it was not obvious
He needed to get their love
Blossoming in the Savannah
It was time to get a partner
To share his version of my life in crime

His betrothed kept for him
He wanted Nyakio regardless of her plights
More than that of Atieno yoo
He wanted to find the river and the source
With his newly found Pearl

Being an enemy of the people in the process
He chose to prove he was a man of the people
Sticking to his mohiki
Serving her with love potion
At last love won.

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Who is Laura Tich

I am Laura Tich, a cyber security professional, passionate about community building and creating spaces for women in the technology field, especially in information security. I am also an advocate for internet freedom and I have worked with civil societies across Africa to provide knowledge and skills in digital security.

How did you get to join the cyber security industry?

I majored in Applied Computer Science in college. We mostly did coding but I wasn’t sure that was the path I wanted to take. In my 3rd year of college, I started researching more on cyber security and tried to build a foundation for myself in the field. I was lucky enough to have found mentors who guided me through the process as I was trying to gain foundational skills. Once I got the foundation, I decided that this is the career I want to pursue and started building my skills more.

What’s your experience in cyber security in Kenya

It has definitely been a journey for me. Cyber security is still a very young field in Kenya and in the continent in general. So far there are only 2 colleges in Kenya, both of which are private, offering certified courses around cyber security. This shows how inaccessible cyber security resources and training are in the region. Thankfully there are a number of communities which have been created to encourage members by sharing knowledge and skills for the betterment of the industry. We also have conferences that have been created to encourage and nurture more talent across the region.

What would you term as your notable successes?

I have been lucky to take part in a number of successful projects and events. I’ve attended the DefCon conference in Las Vegas which is the biggest cyber security event and undoubtedly one of the most coveted ones. I have also just recently been nominated as one for the top 50 women in cyber security in Africa which is a great feat. This year, my colleague and I will be the first Kenyans (and I think the first East Africans) to speak at the Black Hat USA conference which is held in Las Vegas annually but will be fully virtual this year thanks to Covid19. I have also built one of the biggest communities of women hackers in Africa.

Tell us what Shehacks_KE entails

Shehacks_KE is a community of women in cyber security in Kenya. The community brings together learners and experts from different backgrounds and counties across the country. I founded it alongside Eve Kilel in 2016 as a third year student. This was just months after I became an active member in the cyber security scene in Kenya.
The inspiration behind Shehacks was the lack of women representation in the field. We did have a number of women who were already working in cyber security but they were always sidelined from major events and conversations. We saw the need to create a platform where women would have a voice.
We have different programs meant to upskill our members and encourage knowledge sharing. The programs include; bootcamps, campus outreach, webinars and fireside hacks. We also have a bigger event which we started last year called HackFest. We plan to make HackFest an annual event.

How Covid 19 impacted Shehacks activities?

I believe covid19 has been a blessing in disguise. Normally, we’d hold month bootcamps but since the pandemic, we’ve been able to hold weekly ‘e-Bootcamps’ which are online training. Thanks to technology, we are able to do most of our work and activities virtually which is great for us!

Your advice to anyone interested in a career in cyber security

Don’t be afraid to venture into this new horizon. Join a community, find a mentor and keep an open mind. You can do it!

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Life can throw all challenges your way. Each hurdle coming with a new level. You can’t just help but surge forward in an attempt to tackle it. In the process you may fail so hard that you wish you never tried. However, it’s only then that you’ll conquer your fears. The blames, the mistakes, the hurtful things. It’s hard. Do you want to heal? Take that bold step of recognizing your faults and working them out.

People tend to picture their perfect selves, the truth is, none exists. We all have the dark side someone probably knows about or worse still, you could be the only one aware of it. It’s quite something to be true to oneself. I mean, do you know what this means. To be in a position where everything is okay, no secrets you fear someday they’ll be out. Nearly all times living in queer fear. You’re amongst people but deep within the feeling of someone is watching or someone knows something, can’t stop bugging you. Heal from all these. Just face your fears the way they are.
It really feels good to be free. To be able to come out of that cocoon you’ve enslaved yourself in.

Well, the truth is, you’d rather have peace of mind. This way you can be able to make things right. Say the brave words ‘ I’m sorry.’ It looks so simple. Do you know how tasking this words can be? Especially when you offend the people who are family. You see, life can put you in a position where you’re at the verge of loosing it all. Then boom, you remember there’s one more thing you can do to make things ok, to say sorry. It really doesn’t take the pain caused away but instead it brings healing.

Ever thought of why things are going well for other people and not you? Then you realize you owe so much explanation to yourself. The question being what did I do wrong? The truth is, sometimes we are caught up by our own actions. Things we did in the past haunt us now. Just like they say, old habits die hard. You realize you are not really free. You find yourself stepping on other people’s toes on your way up. At times you justify your actions because sometimes you feel you deserve more than what you’re getting. When so much negativity is building up it yields bad behavior that is just a form of projecting it. In the process, you hurt people’s feelings and somehow you believe you’re got even.

Not all hope is lost. You can’t run from your old self forever. A day will come when you’ll get tired of everything and wish you’d realize it earlier. The truth is, acceptance is the way to go. Acknowledge your mistakes and seek forgiveness. It tends to bring healing to both parties. Not until then, you will be living a life of a criminal on the ran. It’s better to face it sooner because someday the truth will be known. You don’t have to be perfect, human is to error but you can always choose to make things right.

Forget what people will say, can you handle guilt your entire life? The effect it has on you and your generation? Of course this is too much to handle. The worst part is even those not directly involved will have to suffer the consequences. Is this really fair? Paths cross again and again but forgiveness binds us. The power of forgiveness is the game changer. It can clean the slate clean. It can undo the damage you’ve done. Say, in case of a curse placed. It ought to change the turn of events. This is a virtue we should possess.

In conclusion, say sorry whenever you cause someone pain. It goes a long way to mend the broken trust. Even when you think you are the most horrible human being, say sorry. It heals a soul. It changes situations. It has a lot of impact when told to the offended. Regardless of what your situation is, it brings healing. Learn to say sorry. This goes a long way.

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Who is Rue Baby?
A young kenyan model

What does fashion mean to you?
I would say clothes is what you buy .. but fashion is what you do with it.

You were crowned the face of Nivea in 2017, how was it?
It was an amazing experience the beginning of my modeling career.

Who is inspires your fashion sense?

Rihanna

Woud you ever run for Miss Kenya,why?
Maybe yes maybe not. I have always wanted to be a beauty queen and represent my country

You are the 2nd daughter to one of Kenya’s best artist, how do you feel about it?
Just like any other normal kid. There isn’t anything much.

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Accomplished all my dreams and on the Victoria secrets runway.

What is one thing that people don’t know about you?
I believe am an open book.

Are you Celine Dion’s fan?
Yes

How do you balance modelling and studies?
I give attention to each at its own time

What advice would you give to someone who wants to venture into modelling?
You have to be ready for rejection. It is not an easy path . You have to keep on pushing until you get a yes.

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Tell us about yourself.

Thank you for giving me this chance to interact with you and give me a platform to tell people more about me. Well, I’m a teacher by profession and a photographer by passion. The field of photography has been part of my life I’m also a team player since i have various colleagues who I work with. I’ve been working with different companies and my main focus is to make my clients happy by giving them quality products they will remember even in the future. Photography is about freezing the particular time that will fall in history.

When did you start photography?

 Actually I begun photography on a professional level seven years ago while I as in campus. I wanted to diversify the work flow of this industry by changing the game in a pro level.

Which photographer do you look up to?

Photography is in my blood since my father is a photographer. He has been my pillar and a mentor in this journey. Locally, I have three great photographers that I look up to and among them is Ben Kiruthi. He’s a talented photographer that capture memorable moments at a photographer’s wedding. Antony Trivet is another photographer who has inspired me in the field of creativity and detailed captures. Not forgetting Osborne Macharia for his unique and conventionalize images. Osborne the genius behind the lenses of African historical narrative fused in both cultural, fantasy and fiction.

Photography seems to have been shut by the development of phones

 strong cameras, how do you as a photographer ensure you stand out?

Technology is advancing and we discover different ventures and ideas along the way. Personally, I’ve gone ahead to upgrade my equipment and not only the gadgets but also the creativity and quality. There are some programs that can’t be operated on phone and it will require skills and knowledge to operate such programs.

How did Front Media services come about?

 Front photos and video services is the ideal mother to Front Media Services. As i said earlier, it’s a family business and since there’ll be always growth, we have the two branches which started three years ago.

What else does Front Media Services deal in?

Majorly we are a virtual production. We venture into video production for various events like weddings & engagements, family parties and even baby showers which are part of the norms in our society. Other than virtual production, we also deal in selling camera equipment and graphics design such as business cards, posters and large format designs. We also convert the old video tapes (VHS) into a digital format, i know there are many people out there wondering what to do those tapes yet they contain special memorable events of their lives. We got you!

Have you ever encountered a client that wants a nude photoshoot, how did it go?

The term “nude” is a broad term in this field. In Front Media Services we have ethics that we abide by and in a professional way we must stand by them. When it comes to modeling photography, depending on the location of the scene such as beach and swimming pool, one can be wearing a bikini which it’s appropriate in the industry. That is the limit that i could go since I’m a professional and I don’t entertain the negative side of photography such us promoting pornography and inappropriate shoots.

What is the one thing about photography that people don’t know?

Photography is an art. “We say everybody is a photographer until manual mode,” by this term, some of the people have a misconception about photography that it’s just picking up a camera and click a button. It takes a lot of practice and skills for you to get that clean and satisfactory images. I usually tell my photography students that before you click the shutter button, have the objective of what you want, then create that image in your mind so that you can get the best shot.

Where do you see photography in the next 10 years?

My long term objective is to have a photography institution. As I said earlier, I’m a teacher, and its my prayer to help most of the upcoming talents to understand photography and not only that but even other talents such as acting, movie production and even professional modeling.

If it were not for Covid-19 what could you be doing now?

This pandemic has affected each and everyone of us in one way or another disregarding the field of work. We had started a program at Konnect Youth Consortium, where we help youths on skill infusion. It was unfortunate that we had to put the program on hold due to the issues of social distance and closure of all learning institution.

Which camera model do you use?

I shoot using a digital camera and I’m a canon guy. I love canon products for their colors and their cameras have been designed to do both videos and photography. There are other models that perform great work such as Sony A7R III and other A series.

Which gadget doesn’t miss in your camera bag apart from the camera?

There are several things that a photographer has to have such as source of light i.e Flash. Since the camera that I’m using doesn’t have an in-built one, hence in my bag I ought to have a flash and extra lens which helps me to shoot on low light condition.

Your advice to anyone interested in photography?

Photography is an interesting art of work. My advice to the interested persons is that you should find your niche. Can you name a famous photographer who doesn’t have a specialty? No. Can you name a famous photographer who is very specialized? Of course! There’s a reason for that. There are a lot of photographers out there in the big, wide world, and subsequently, you aren’t competing on the quality of your photos alone, nor on your price, nor your website, but the WHOLE LOT plus your personality. You may be good, but a lot of people are good. Your personality is portrayed through your photos, and your niche is your special little area of interest.

How can one reach you if your services are required?

We are located in Kericho County at Mwalimu Building along Moi Road opposite Uhuru Gardens. You can also find us on social media; Facebook: Front Media Services, Instagram: @nganga_photography or you can send us an email to frontmedia.dnm@gmail.com tel. +254723534728/+254722800138

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Who is Lyrical Mycheal?
Lyrical Mycheal is a truth telling firebrand taking African art to the world. Also known as Africa’s Boyfriend, LM, Lyonnell, Sssente, Wuluguma. A multiple award winner most recently walking away with the MTN Uganda Hip Hop Award for Inspirational Song of the year 2019. I produce and perform music. I am an actor and fitness model. I founded Wuluguma an arts and sports foundation that exists to unlock possibilities in young people using the power of music, film and football. I also do some entrepreneurship. Invested in a fitness gym called Bych Bodys and a cloth line called wear LM! I was born Mycheal Christian Jacobs Omunyokol in Kampala Uganda.

How did the name come about?
It was in high school. I was contesting for the entertainment prefect post and it required you come up with something to entertain the students. My two competitors chose to go for the break dance. I decided to throw on a beat and walked on the open air campaign platform while dropping some serious bars with two queen dancers. When I stepped off the stage all the students were shouting Mycheal the lyricist.

Take us through your musical journey
I started music at a young age in primary school leading a folk song to entertain parents and visitors on speech day. Some how I dropped the interest with a new found love for football which by the way I’m equally good at. Lots of talent show performances in high school and random karaoke nights in nigh clubs around Kampala is how I grew the music gift. After my A level I met Christ and got saved and this affected not only how I wrote and performed my music but also how I live my life. I believe a Christian who practices medicine is not called a ‘gospel doctor’ so I don’t front the title ‘gospel artist’. I am a Christian and I am an artist. My faith and my career!

Which song among your songs gave you the hardest time to write?
I don’t really have a hard time writing my music because all my songs come from a place of ‘this is what am going through and I want to share the experience’. I write what I feel and paint the picture using words and sound. What is hard to tell is if my audience can relate to my music like how I intended it to. For example in ‘Gukubila’ and ‘Niwowe Mbona’ which are love songs that were inspired by my love life and considering most of my current following is Christian of which most Christians shy away from love music and consider it world music or secular music. There are some really hard questions I had to ask myself you know.

Who do you look up to in the industry?
I look up to Lecrae and NF in so many ways. First as Christians that redefined what most people call ‘gospel music’ and also Lecrae as an independent artist who founded a record label that gave birth to successful artists.

Music industry is becoming competitive, how do you maintain your relevance in the industry?
Well that’s true but only to someone that is looking for the next hit song or next headline in the news papers. I came to a place where I write music that comes from the heart with intentions of speaking to another heart so I don’t get rushed by who is doing what. I don’t just want to make a name for myself, I labor to make a difference and this changes how I relate with the people. I am trying to not just build a fan base I am building a family of devoted followers. From feeding kids in the slums, to awareness school tours helping young people make positive choices. From hope tours in prisons to give inmates reason to change and belief in second chances to participations in community drives like advocating for the end of gender based violence etc. I try to give my audience reason to support my brand because they know when the music stops there is so much more.

Tell us about ‘Unmask’ album
Oh..about that. The pandemic has affected everything globally we were not spared. My team is still observing the situation as well as coordinating with guest artists to have their delayed verses submitted plus the mixing and mastering. When we get ready we will let you know.

Which Kenyan artist would you wish to collaborate with?
I have shared a stage with Kris Eroh at the Pamoja Festival in Bujumbura Burundi and Phat Phest in Kampala so getting him on a project would be timely. Also I’m good friends with Eko Dydda and we share creatively online we are actually working on something. The other Kenyan Artist I admire is Nyashinski. That brother has an organized brain.

Away from music, your certificates were recently verified from University of Queensland, Australia and that’s a big success, congrats. How did you use to balance academics and music?
Thank you very much. You know they say you stop growing when you stop learning. I take learning seriously and I prioritize it. What you prioritize you create time for. That’s how I juggle it. I’m actually doing another online course in Film Directing with the university of Alberta.

How has the pandemic affected your music?
The big set back has been it halted the steady production of the Unmask Album. It’s really painful you know when you make plans and get excited about your pregnancy then suddenly there is a miscarriage. Also all my bookings were cancelled. I was going to perform at the Vine Awards In Kampala and also join the East Africa Records tour in Europe for performances in France, Sweden and Northern Ireland. You don’t heal that easy from.

If you could change something about the music industry, what would it be?
Honestly, it would be how the people access music around here. Music is a ready to consume product that has production costs. Same way some one knows to use internet you must buy data, to have sugar you must pay for it at the shop, they must know to access music you must pay for it and help support the artist. If 100 people with my song each paid 1 dollar for it that’s 100 dollars for me and it would help produce another song for them. In Uganda mostly people are so lazy they don’t even want to contribute to your YouTube views or online streaming figures they will ask you to share the song on WhatsApp!

Parting shot.
Just want to appreciate you for shining a light on me. Also big love to my well wishers for supporting the dream. May everything you do prosper and may you receive the same amount of love that you show me. You deserve it. The future belongs to only those who believe in the beauty of their dreams, keep carrying your promise, keep dreaming! Lion Love!
Link to my song
http://Youtube.com/lyricalmycheal
Social media handles
@lyricalmycheal FB IG Twitter

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What does Music mean to you?
Music means a lot to me. I find relief in music, I find hope in it, it’s my stress killer, it’s my source of energy and vibe. I love and adore music, I dream music I breathe music. So it’s part of me. Even when I try to run away from it, it still finds me. So music is my everything.

How would you describe the genre of music that you do?
At the moment, I am versatile. I’ve written a couple of reggae songs, that’s Call me, Eno Love, Nesunze but I’ve also written dance hall songs, afrobeat, afro pop and soul music . Very soon you shall get to listen to the ones I’ve not yet released. So call me the ‘Versatile’

Tell us about byoyagala, what is the inspiration behind it?
Byoyagala is a dance hall song. And this is one song i wrote from studio. The inspiration behind it is quite interesting. I had a man who wanted me so bad as his babe, I loved him but I couldn’t say it so it so happened that he came with me to studio that night, and when the producer played me the beat, the first word that sentence that came to mind was ‘Saba Byona Byoyagala Nkuwe’ meaning I was answering him and ready for anything that would happen. So I wrote my lyrics while looking at him

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
There’s always development and growth in music. The way I started is not the way i am now, at the moment I’m getting exposure to different platforms, audiences, and new trends. So I believe in 5 years to come I will be far better than what I’m today. I’m expecting better, meaningful, inspirational music and better videos, huge audience in and outside Uganda, because I’m growing stronger each day.

Apart from music what else do you do?
I work for an Online Company, but I also have my personal business running that helps me generate more income to support my music. I do poultry farming as well.

Which international artist do you admire? Why?

She is called Etana a reggae Artist , she inspires me a lot because apart from her strong and healthy vocals, she’s got meaningful lyrics, they are real, and she’s always descent.

What should your fans expect from you this year?
I have new projects I’ve worked on, and very soon I’m releasing my new song “Kamele” I’ve taken time to work on these projects and I believe the delivery is good, the videos will be better. So they should really expect the best from me despite the pandemic. I will do my best

If you could change something about your past, what would it be?
Time! Trying to put other people and pleasing them before me.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
You only live once, do what you have to do when you still have a chance.

Parting shot
I would love to thank everyone who believes in me because I am a totally shy person but I am becoming what I am because of the endless messages that I receive from my fans who keep encouraging me and sending me messages that I could make it and my friends too. I know one day I’ll make everyone who believes in me proud

Social Media Handles
Instagram: lil_kay_256
Facebook: @LilKay256
Twitter: @LilKay256

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