The Spicw Girl

MELLOW-VOICED SONGSTRESS AND CHERIE HITMAKER LYDIA JAZMINE WAS CATAPULTED TO INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AFTER HER PERFORMANCE ON COKE STUDIO AFRICA LAST YEAR. THE SEXY 25-YEAR-OLD UGANDAN RNB SINGER TALKS TO US ABOUT STAKING HER CLAIM TO FAME.

- Mwamburi Maole

H OW DID YOU START OUT IN MUSIC?

I grew up in a music environment. As children, my three cousins and I used to call ourselves Spice Girls and would enjoy singing their songs. I honed my musical talent in church and later started my career as a backup singer. I have backed up other Ugandan artists including Sheebah. I was an official backup singer for Good Life i.e. Ugandan artists Radio & Weasel.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER YOUR BREAKTHROUGH SONG?

That was in 2013. I was in my second year of University when I released the song You Know. I collaborated with Rabadaba on it.

HOW WAS IT HONING YOUR TALENT IN CHURCH AND LATER SINGING MUSIC THAT OTHERS WOULD CALL SECULAR?

At first it was hard because I got a lot of criticism but as I advanced and started enjoying success I was able to win some of my critics. I am grateful that the people who matter most to me especially my mother have always been very supportive of my music career.

WHY DID YOU PURSUE BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION KNOWING VERY WELL YOU WANTED TO GO INTO MUSIC?

I thought it would have been a good idea to know how to invest my money, besides music I have dreams of doing business like starting my own clothing line. I however regret not having studied music, which I think is important for musicians. A few musicians in Uganda have studied Music, Dance and Drama and they are quite good.