Although she was evicted from the just ended Tusker Project Fame (TPF6) in the very early days of competition, Phiona Mbabazi does not feel disappointed. Instead, the up-and-coming artiste told The Sunday Times’ Susan Babijja, that the brief stint at the TPF6 helped her move her music career another step forward.

Who exactly is Phiona Mbabazi?

I was born in Uganda and started my music career at an age of six; singing in church and school choirs. I attended pre-primary and primary school at Royal Academic Center, Kampala in Uganda. I later shifted to Rwanda for my senior secondary education at FAWE Girls School before joining Koretec College of Business in Kampala.

What were your expectations at the time of joining the TPF6? And why didn’t you make it to the end?

What I expected from the academy was totally different from what I experienced while there. I thought it was just about competing with others, but I realised there was need to be professional. As for not making it to the end, there is always a winner and a loser in every competition.

Did you learn anything from the Academy in that short time you spent there?

Despite stiff competitions, it helped me learn how to become a professional musician because music is not just a matter of singing; it also needs creativity in order to succeed.

What lack of professionalism failed you?

It does not mean having a master’s degree or certificate in music. It is about creativity and being innovative in whatever song you compose. This means that you must compose or write a song that goes well with public taste and expectations. I think every artiste will love his /her song to be a hit but without an element of creativity it may end up nowhere.

Any future plans after failing to meet your expectations in the Academy?

That is not the end of the journey, and I will continue working on my music and other business that is also related to music.

What is that business?

Writing and composing songs as well as other work that I will reveal with time.

Had you released any song before joining the Academy?

I have 6 songs but they are not yet playing on air. I am planning to release all my songs at once. I went in for the competition because I knew I have a good voice and I was confident in whatever I was doing. During the nominations at Sports View Hotel, I saw the number of participants was big but I had confidence that I could make it to the Academy.

When do you expect to release your songs?

I will release my songs beginning next year. I want to make an album and for that reason I am still composing more songs to add on the six. I don’t have a specific date in mind yet, but I am working on my songs and also spicing them so that by the time the album is on air it will be of great message to the people.

What are you singing about?

I cannot reveal them, because they are not yet on air. What I know is that my songs are interesting and in line with public taste. The songs carry a very good message. Let my fans just wait and see what will come out from me.