Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, aka Navio, is one of East Africa’s most popular and successful rappers, with over 35 awards. He started off his music career in 2000 as one of the members of a hip hop group. The group introduced the Ugaflow, which is a concept they use to describe Ugandan’s hip hop. Navio has released over four albums as a solo artiste featured Burna Boy in his song, Gbesile, produced by Aethan in 2016. In this chat with JULIET IKEOKWU, he told us what he is working on and the challenges he faces every day…
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m working on new music right now. I go for long periods without recording, but once I find inspiration, I usually knock out my album in a 2-week period. I like thinking of it as a snaphot in my life at that time.
You sing and produce, are you also a song writer?
I do write a lot of songs. For myself and others.
I read somewhere where you were quoted as saying that you are the No.1 hip hop artiste that does authentic Ugandan hip hop music; do you still feel that way or have you been dethroned by another artiste?
People were saying it long before I ever agreed. I think it took me at least 4 to 5 years of people saying that for me to agree. Hence my fist album being called “Half The Legend”. I always knew there was room to improve. Funny enough, it was after that classic that people started saying I was a legend.
How competitive is Uganda’s music industry?
It’s the same here. We were the first group as kids to get a good pay cheque off this music and we started at 15 years old! So, I guess that format is the same. However, there are some names that are too classic. A Nutty Neithan can never compete with a Chameloene, A Cham can never compete with Afrigo. Without any videos, they have been packing up weekly shows for 40 years. I’m the Afrigo of HipHop… 30 years to go!
What got you interested in music?
Truth be told, I could do it before I even fell in love with it. Being around my hommies who talked about it let me know what was dope or not. My other group members in “Klear Kut” showed me how to get better.
While growing up did, you ever think or plan to be a musician?
Not at all. At one point I thought I’d be in sports or advertising.
In your opinion, what makes a good musician to you?
Someone who takes care of their fans. I’m also a fan of versatility. You don’t have to switch a genre, but keep breaking the mould on your own at least. I’m close to 40 awards, but I don’t believe that’s what makes someone great. How good you get at the basics. The fact that I’ve battled at the Mammoth Way With Words against the odds and kept pushing a genre when every radio said they’d never play it. That’s what makes a good musician. Dedication.
What do you think is the costliest mistake a musician can make?
Not expanding. Or expanding too fast.
What do you like most about being a musician?
Getting to say exactly what’s on my mind without fear or favour. That’s why I ended up falling in love with Hip Hop.
What is the greatest thing that music has done for you?
Just being able to support my family. I’ve been in the studio with RKelly, Wyclef, Kieth Sweat and more, but it’s the time I get to provide for the fans through what I love.
What has music not done for you?
Given me a mission. To spread my culture.
How long have been doing music?
Since I was 10 years old.
What has been your sustaining power?
Versatility.
You have released so many songs and albums, which is your favorite work?
The Chosen. The latest.
What distinguishes you from other artistes out there?
I can appreciate every piece of music I see and use it. Can always find something.
Do you do any other thing outside music?
Farming, Wheelchair Foundation (Off The Ground).
If you were not a musician, which other profession would you have gone into?
Advertising.
What is the worst thing that you’ve read or heard about yourself? And how did you feel, and then deal with it?
I don’t dwell on that. They’ve been too many. Last week; “ I crashed my car, whilst drunk in the night and injured people”. This wasn’t true. I was crashed into at 4:30 pm by a Police truck! That’s the truth.
What is your greatest regret in life?
I have none.
What are the challenges you face as a musician?
Online seems to be the biggest one. We can have artistes making a bucket of money, but our Internet is too expensive for people to surf, support and download as much as they’d like to.
Are you married?
Nope.
You are a handsome man, how do you handle advances from your female fans and admirers?
It helps that I’ve been famous since I was 16. Nothing surprises me anymore, but I also know how to let people down respectfully.
How do you relax when you are not doing music?
Used to be sports. Since I injured my knee, then it’s watching sports! I do some boxing and mixed martial arts as well.
What is your favorite food?
Gonja
You are one of the successful musicians we have in Uganda, how do you give back?
I have a wheel chair foundation. Also with UNICEF and on refugees, I work with AHA on GBV’s. And RAHU with AIDS awareness.
Where do you like to holiday in Africa?
Seychelles, Zanzibar.
What is the best way to handle scandals as a public figure?
Run! No. Face it head on.
What turns you off in a person/ your dislikes?
Laziness.
You have been to Nigeria severally, what can you say about the people, food and our music industry?
Vibrant, energetic and super assertive! I miss pepper.
You have done some collaboration with some Nigerian artistes, who would you like to work with that you have not worked with before?
MI is top of the list. Or Runtown.
Who are the musicians you look up to?
Mc Afrique, Ptech and Tupac.
How many people are signed to your record label, NavCorp?
Four artistes. They are called The Battalion.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My kids.
How many awards does Navio have?
Between 36 and 38, I believe…
Where do you see the Ugandan music industry in 5 years?
Having to deal with the digital divide that will make Africa miss out on the amazing talent we have here.
What advice do you have for African youths who are finding it difficult to choose a carrer path and those who look up to you as a role model?
Always try to do something that you like, can learn to like, or can do while finding fulfillment elsewhere. That is when you can truly find peace is the path you choose to sustain yourself on.