Beautiful, talented and dedicated to the art that is music, Ugandan singer-songwriter Martha Mukisa’s journey into music was set into motion years before even she realized it. Relatively new to the industry, it is her talent, her passion and her determination to make her mark that caught the attention of many. In this interview with Lambo Xtra, Mukisa talks about her musical origins and inspirations, her collaboration with Eddy Kenzo and many more.
You have been making headway in the industry for a while now, you’ve even been tagged a ‘rising star’. Tell us how you began your musical journey?
I grew up in a religious musical setting; I started singing in church at an early age and I attended catholic music, dance and drama schools. Back home, my dad, who was extremely in love with music, started a recording studio, and that’s where I recorded my first singles, and I have not looked back since then. I also sang in different bands, and in 2019, I performed on Blankets and Wines. My career took an upswing when I got signed to Black Magic Entertainment in 2020.
Every songwriter has their own creative process. Before you write a song, are there any personal rituals or habits you go through?
It’s usually a vibe that gets to me, then I reach out to Writers’ and express myself, giving them the tone and rhythm of my mood and vibe to follow, and then boom, magic.
Since you began, what has been your motivation, and from who do you draw inspiration?
The love and passion I have for music, knowing I’m part of something great and positive. When my songs move people, it amazes me in a wonderful way and pushes me to do better.
My parents are my biggest inspiration. My mom is a hard-working woman who never gives up on anything and pursues what she sets her mind to achieve. My dad’s love for music at an old age surprises me so much, and it pushes me to do more because it is a dream we share.
As a female performer in a male-dominated industry, have you faced any challenges that have made you question your career path?
I have not encountered any gender-specific issues, and I think things are changing with time. However, when it comes to the news, social media and fans, I feel a lot of demand and pressure because, as a woman, they need you to dress in a particular way, bash and body shame, and compare you to other female artists, yet we are all in the same struggle and industry. I also have to deal with the “girls can’t write”, women in charge must be “bitches” and a few other unpleasant assumptions.
As an African woman, this makes me stronger and work harder, and I have a goal to achieve; to be a capable and successful businesswoman.
As your career grows, do you have plans to ensure your music gains international recognition?
Oh yes, by God’s grace, I want that to come true. I will keep making good music to gain some big wins internationally.
You recently collaborated with Eddy Kenzo, and you talked about the struggle you faced before that collaboration came to life. How did you feel when you saw it pan out, and are there any future collaborations in the works?
It’s not easy to come out of nowhere and do a big song with an already established artist, so my nerves were up there, very shaky, but I believed that there is always a reason for everything and what’s yours always comes to you. I decided to enjoy myself, and like Eddy Kenzo always says to me, “smile Martha“. The sky is not even the limit for us. We want to work, make music, move the music across and work with different artists.
I know you’re young and new to the industry, but if you had to advise other young talents in the game, what will you tell them?
It has been God for me, and it can still be God for you because he loves us. Also, discipline is the key to becoming a successful, talented artist and keep learning. It is ok to make mistakes because you will learn different lessons from those mistakes. And spread love.
