Staying true to my roots

He has been singing in church since his Sunday School days and swears he will never be tempted to do secular music. Photo by Abubaker Lubowa.

What you need to know:

Emmanuel Edwin Kusaasira. A gospel artiste who goes by the name Coopy Bly, the 26-year-old is staying true to his church and humble background as he told Esther Oluka

For how many years have you been a gospel artiste?
That’s a tricky question. I started singing right from Sunday school. Then, in 2003, while in Senior One, I recorded my first song called Shiny money. But my professional breakthrough was in 2010 after joining campus.

Why gospel and not secular music?
Because of my church affiliation, I’m more comfortable doing gospel music.

Does being a gospel artiste really pay the bills?
Back then, it didn’t. But now, it does. I think as one grows more popular, God starts creating more favour for you and you start getting more deals and booking shows.

How different are the lives of gospel artistes to that of secular ones?
The major difference is that gospel artistes have restrictions because our works are guided by the words of the Bible unlike secular ones who do whatever they want. In other words, gospel artistes act and behave in accordance to what is in the bible.

Why do you think some gospel artistes change to singing secular music?
It’s probably for the money and fame. When you are a gospel artiste, you are an inspiration to so many people and when you decide to change to secular music, you are letting them down. I find that very disappointing.

Take us through your education background
I completed Primary Seven at St Savio Junior School in Kisubi, Senior Four at Seeta High School, main campus, and Senior Six at Ndejje Senior Secondary School. I joined Makerere University for a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences in 2010.
I should have graduated by now, but I failed to balance my music career and studies. So, I kept on missing exams and getting retakes. I may finally graduate next year in January though.
What is the craziest thing that has happened to you while performing?
There are so many that I even cannot point a finger to a particular incident. Probably it is girls handing me some pieces of paper with their phone numbers urging me to call them, which I never risk doing.

Is there anything wrong with going to church to find a spouse?
I do not have a problem with it, except that someone may pretend during the church service to be holy and only show you their true colours afterwards.

How do you stay grounded despite the fame?
I think it’s more of my personality. I also come from a humble background and have always ensured not to forget my roots.

Is there any formula for staying relevant as a gospel artiste?
You just have to keep pushing yourself to do your very best despite the several challenges you come across in your career.

What is your take on gospel artistes performing in secular concerts?
It is just another way of ministering to people outside church.

When was the last time you visited a club?
About three weeks back. I went to Club Silk to talk to the DJ to play one of my gospel songs. Sometimes, you need to be there yourself to remind them to play your songs or they will forget.

What do you miss most about your life before the fame?
Getting away with things easily. I miss that a lot. I could walk along Kampala streets without people analysing me from head to toe. Not anymore.
How do you handle temptation from women?
I already have a special girl in my life, which alone disciplines me to stay away from other girls.
Your advise to upcoming gospel artistes?
Know what you are getting yourself into and read the Bible for inspiration.

THE WOMAN
Are you in a relationship?
Yes, with a very beautiful girl I met in Jinja while volunterring with a certain organisation. We have been together for over two years now. I do not really like talking about her in the media. You guys in the media can tend to go erratic on people sometimes.

What is the most attractive thing you find in women in general?
A woman who knows her worth, and does not do things just because other people are doing them.

And what turns you off in a woman?
Hypocrites, those always pretending to be who they are not.

Do you believe in marriage?
Yes I do. In fact, I’m looking forward to it someday. I was fortunate to be raised by both parents while growing up and would want the same for my children.

Career woman or housewife?
If I was a married man, I would want my wife to stay home. I would not want her as a career woman who I will never see in the house.