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‘Saha is disciplined, polite and I do not forgive'

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Musician Manisul Ssemanda, known by his stage name as King Saha performs for NUP leaders at the party headquarters in Kampala recently. PHOTO/MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI 

Why is this concert important to you?

Every moment in life is important, particularly the moment you are currently experiencing, so this is the concert we have now and it is essential for us to focus on it.


Your concert is happening two days to the NRM Liberation Day, celebrating 39 years in power. Did you have that in mind when setting dates?


My focus is entirely on the concert. I rarely notice other advertisements and I am unaware of any other events this year apart from my concert, unless you want me to lie to you (chuckles).


Who are you collaborating with for this concert?

All my friends are ready and it is unfortunate that you came when they have not yet arrived but we always rehearse together with people like Mike Urban, Ashama, Zubayili Music, among other youngsters who motivate me whenever we hang out. They bring fresh ideas, unique tones/sounds, and innovative approaches to music. 


For the past year, your songs have been politically charged, what motivated this?

My music has always included political themes but what sets it apart is my focus on love politics, demand politics, and material politics. I used to sing primarily about love politics, exploring themes such as those in Nkulungula, Nkulungula.
However, I have since expanded my repertoire to include world politics with songs such as Ekimala Kimala and Ensi Kwejukiza. It is important to remember that while God knows what is in our hearts, we still need reminders of His presence in our lives. Therefore, the world should be reminded and that is what is important.


Clearly, you are not afraid of the powers that be with your political music, do you have any political ambitions?

My prayer is for the world/country to become a better place. I hope my colleagues take responsibility so we can see this change. I do not despise anyone unless they despise themselves.

Do you mean to say you can consider running for a political office?


I have not focused on my future plans because I take a long time to discuss them. As I have mentioned, I concentrate on current issues. Our priority is to have the Nakawuka Road constructed.

After it is constructed, what else is on your wish list?


After they complete the road, then we request for water and jobs. We have not received any of these services and it feels like we are on an island; as if we need visas to come to Uganda.

Would you rather make a case for such issues as a representative of the people?

Yes, if I am allowed to be where Nabbanja (Prime Minister) is, the country can change and that is why you see that people have not resumed decorating Christmas trees.


You mean that they had stopped?


Perhaps you still do in your area. Some of such days have become normal days to some people.

What gives you the resolve to tackle issues that most local artistes prefer to stay silent about?


I am also scared to tackle them but you cannot be afraid of the truth. I fear using vulgar insults and I worry about shame. But I am not afraid to speak the truth.


Won’t that bring you problems?

We are already facing challenges; we do not even know if the children we are educating will find jobs, and that is a significant concern. Imagine having to pay school fees for your child and later support your grandchildren. If we do not address these issues now, we should anticipate such scenarios in the future.


As a government critic, how do you feel hearing your voice on Tubonga Nawe, a song NRM is still using at political rallies?


I do not mind my childhood photos because I believe we all go through different stages as we grow. It is interesting to consider what a person might be thinking at a specific stage of their life compared to before. Some individuals who were once bright and promising in school, seem to lose their spark as they mature, leaving us to wonder what might have happened to them.


We have seen gangs of artistes, for example Pallaso and Alien Skin turning violent, how are you protecting yourself?

I avoid moving in some places. I always have my panga for protection. I will cut you and we find ourselves in Mulago.

Do you mean to say that you are going to start moving with a panga?


I always move with it. At times they deliver it on a bike and other times on a bicycle, and if I am around the person that has it, they are always nearby. I just have to beep them and they will bring it. You know that in this country if colleagues we lost such as AK47 and Radio had pangas, that would have helped them a bit.

Should we say that you are promoting violence?

No, I am promoting security and I do not encourage anyone to have it. It is me that has it. I do not want my people to lose me over stupid things like “mbu nabadde mu daalu lya city” (I was involved in City Madness ).

People are being naughty, throwing stones and bottles I will slaughter you. Have you seen anyone who has tried to beat me or have I just arrived in Kampala? Or do you think that I do not have what they want?


At times even discipline among your colleagues is important and I think it is what has kept us safe because we do not despise anyone. When we visit the ghetto, it is important to recognise that every one there is valuable, and we should respect them completely. Respecting others does not cost you anything if they have not taken anything from you.

The conflicts we encounter often arise from a lack of respect for others. Therefore, I encourage all of us to value and respect ourselves and those around us. When you encounter someone who is quiet, remember that disturbing them may lead to regret. Life teaches us that people protect themselves in various ways.

How do you think associations can help curb this violence among musicians?


I have my own association (dodges to mention name). If a person reports to my association, something is done about the issue. When I see that the issues have escalated elsewhere, I tend to ignore them. I am currently in Nakawuka, and you have driven a car to Gulu, how do you expect me to assist you?
Once they chase you away, you want to return to Nakawuka but at that point, we are closed.


You have a song with Coco Must Shine, where do you plan to go with that?

I love those kids. They have persevered and I am always motivating them. They should not give up.

What is your take on artistes who have chosen what many categorise as vulgar songs?

I just look at them as people who just want to get rich. They should come and work. When you aim at something, it may fail to work out. We have musical prostitutes that sell themselves; today they are stating this price and tomorrow, they are stating another price.
They sing songs worthy of placing on a saucer and they want a billion shillings or want to drive a nice car.

You are a farmer, how is that going?

Yes, I am a farmer. I also rear animals. I am a fisherman and I do so many things. At times you might think I am complaining about the music yet they have taken my fishermen’s nets from the fishing sites. So, I am into so many things. I am also a green leaf farmer.

Do you taste the quality of the green leaf?

Mairungi has no problem and you can also eat it.

What is that thing people do not know about Saha?

Saha is very disciplined, polite and I do not forgive. You should avoid making me angry. I do not deal with ‘sorry’. That is why I also avoid annoying my colleagues and when you are in the wrong, I tell you.


How have you kept your voice strong?

I refused to use drugs. 

What do you refer to as drugs?

Cocaine. All those drugs that guys take and find their veins noticeably popping out,and they look uncomfortable. So, that has helped me maintain discipline. There are people who have tried to control them. If your ancestors refused something, then try to avoid it. It will kill you. If the ancestors refused obuchwili, and that is what you start with early morning, you are doomed.

How do you manage to keep off drugs and sober?

People always ask me that and I tell them that I sleep early and drink a lot of water. Back then, I had gained a lot of weight just as you see Ragga Dee but the doctors advised me to reduce and start jogging. So, I jog up and down the hill near my home. Before that, I would jump. I still feel some fats, and still feel heavy (chuckles).

How many kilogrammes do you currently weigh?

I am scared of measuring my weight because I might get high (blood) pressure.

How are the preparations going for the concert?

We have prepared thoroughly and conducted numerous rehearsals. Our collaboration with the team is just as you see it here. We are ready because we made some good music over 10 years. Our fans know we usually host parties, but this one is a much larger celebration because we have added more music to the line-up.


What should your fans expect at the show?


Music. I am a man of few words, and even when you want to talk, it might be impossible to get a greeting of “eladde maama”.

We have seen many musicians graduate to holding concerts at Serena. Is that something you are considering?

We have different classes and there is a certain class that I want to target.


What else is on your mind?

People should avoid those false prophets such as Pastor Bujilita who is making a mockery of our religion (Islam) while dancing Kasongo.


At times even discipline among your colleagues is important and I think it is what has kept us safe because we do not despise anyone. When we visit the ghetto, it is important to recognise that everyone there is valuable, and we should respect them completely.
Respecting others does not cost you anything if they have not taken anything from you. The conflicts we encounter often arise from a lack of respect for others.

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