My music is inspired by my relationship
Maro
What you need to know:
THE KNIGHT. Ronald Magada is better known as Maro, abbreviation of his birth name. He has been doing music for six years as a Rhythm and Blues artiste. His father was not receptive to the idea of his son doing music when he asked for a dead year at University. Today, he is a graduate and earns some good money from music, writes Edgar R. Batte
What was the first job you ever did?
I was a cinema usher and cleaner at Cineplex Garden City branch in 2006 during my Senior Six vacation and during my first year at university.
How did you get that job?
A friend to my father got me the job after seeing the way I presented myself as regards customer care.
What was it like ushering cinemagoers?
It was the place that woke up my passion for movies. The People were classy. I learnt to cope with all classes of people and improved my spoken English, plus I met all the famous people who mentored me to become who I am today. These include Maurice Kirya and Navio. Those two talked to me and answered every question I had in line with my dream career by then.
Which music were you listening to at the time?
I was listening to Kirya’s music, Titan Takuba, Aziz Azion, Radio and Weasel and Iryn Namubiru.
What were your favourite songs then?
Give the hand by Maurice, Nzikiriza by Aziz, Where you are by Radio & Weasel and Blu*3 and Bona Obasinga by Iryn.
What does it feel like rubbing shoulders with artistes you originally admired?
It is still a pleasure and miracle for me. It is a lesson too and a story to tell to all my fans and those with whom we share the same dream.
How much was your first salary as an usher?
Shs150, 000. It was just enough to pay my rent and to save for studio time by then.
How much were you paying in rent?
Shs80, 000, in the ‘Dangalas’ of Kibuli.
At what point did you leave home to start renting?
The moment I got scared of how my dad would react upon me starting to sing before I completed university.
So did you abruptly leave home?
Yes. For a year I never met with family or in particular my dad. After I was sure about my earnings, we reconciled and I paid my way back to Makerere University.
I had asked for a dead year because I knew how important education is. This is something my dad had no clue about and I had no way of explaining to him when he was mad.
How did the two of you meet?
I met her at a club and we spoke.
Amazingly, we kept in touch and she felt like coming back to find out more about who I was and we have been together for six years now.
What have you done to hold onto each other?
We love and are fond of each other. She is the best friend I never had.
When are you planning to make your relationship official?
I have already put a ring on her finger to mark territory.
What do you do to keep her happy?
I just love and understand her. These two are very important in a relationship.
Being a celebrity and naturally in the limelight, you attract attention, how do you deal with female fans that would like to get into your life?
I do not react negatively but rather joyfully and try to make them understand that I am committed.
What’s your favourite hangout?
Laftaz Comedy Lounge and my studio called Volume Up, which is located at Tirupati Mall in Kabalagala.
…and as a couple?
Get-aways in Jinja are the most amazing.
What do you like about Jinja as a travel destination?
Calm places, literally peaceful for relaxation.
Which places have you visited in Jinja?
Holland Park, Jinja Sailing Club and Nile Smile.
Have you written or performed a song especially for her?
No but most songs are inspired by what we have.
Give me some examples
First single, Sula Bulungi was a dedication to her and I sang it to wish her a good day. This was at a time we were in different countries.
Do you have a girlfriend
She was there in all this and that is one of those reasons I am still with her. I met her in April 2010 after I had applied for a dead year, towards the end of 2009.
