Guitar maestro Ouma on his life and love for jazz

Guitar maestro and vocalist Myko Ouma will perform at the Ultimate Kigali Jazz Junction at Kigali Serena Hotel, tomorrow. Ouma is among the celebrated figures in jazz and contemporary world music in Uganda. He can play over 12 musical instruments and has worked with several renowned Ugandan musicians as a backup artiste. The artiste talked to Linda M. Kagire about his upcoming solo performance, life, music, and tips about a successful career in music. Below are excerpts. Who inspired you to do Jazz music? I wasnt necessarily inspired by anyone, but I had been listening to various genres of music since early childhood, which I credit for my wide scope of musical appreciation. At some point, I realised it would be easier to communicate what I feel using instruments instead of vocals, and ended up choosing a genre closest to instrumental expression. Is music your fulltime job? I do music most of the time but Im a farmer as well. What do you think about the perception of people about Jazz? Jazz as a genre is based on improvisation (freestyle) which is pretty much what we do in Africa, even in other genres like pop and Hip-hop/Rap… et cetera. So I guess its a growing culture, with time it will pick up as long as the fundamentals are upheld and merged with our African cultural and dance music. Does it pay to be a Jazz musician? Everything in life that is well packaged, marketed and monetised can be well paying, and so is Jazz music. Your career is multi-faceted. Tell us a bit about your philosophy in life My philosophy is biblical. Pray like you never worked for it and work like you never prayed about it. Thats the key to a successful life irrespective of your faith. The use of pre-recorded backing vocals remains a big problem, as it is believed to be promoting laziness among artistes. How can it be discouraged? I have no problem with a bit of pre-recorded work on stage as long as it’s not 100%, because that kills creativity. However, due to budgetary constraints, despite high demands from promoters and fans, some musicians are forced to use prerecorded work since they cant execute it themselves on stage. Ouma is a talented singer/songwriter with extensive experience as an instrumentalist. To reverse the trend, I would advise young upcoming musicians to learn at least one instrument that can come in handy for an acoustic performance. You’ll be performing in Kigali for the first time as a solo artiste, and the expectations are high. What should your fans at the Ultimate Kigali Jazz Junction expect? Ive been to Rwanda a couple of times as a backup guitarist but I am coming for the first time to do my set. Its a bit of traditional jazz, instrumental pop and a blend of folk tradition too. Im also coming along with Steve Keys, a vocalist and pianist from Uganda that will serenade the revellers too. Its going to be fun. What do you think about Rwandan music and which local artiste would you want to work with? I think the music scene in Rwanda is growing rapidly and I like it. I have worked with Jody Phibi and, most recently, with DJ Pius on Agataako featuring Chameleon. If you could dabble in another genre of music, what would it be? Im open to all styles of music. I have no exception. Its a language and a medium of expression. I appreciate listening to everyones musical ‘opinion’ so to say. What advice do you have for the young artistes who are looking to make it in the world of music? First piece of advice, study the basics of music theory as well as master at least one instrument. The same way youd do if you want to be a good doctor, you need some medical education. Secondly, if you want your works to last put in time both creatively and in studio. If you weren’t into music, what would you be doing? I would still be doing what I do for money, which is farming. Though it would be fulltime, I guess. What other talents do you have? I don’t have hidden talents but perhaps hobbies I would say. I like playing pool and soccer (not extremely good at either though), and I’m pretty good at mathematics. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Guitar maestro Ouma on his life and love for jazz