A Pass
A Pass: Singer A Pass is one of the gifted artistes we have in Uganda and recently he released a video of a song he collaborated on with South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa, Rouge, and Fik Fameica. The project, which cost half a million Euros (about Shs2b), is a Sony project and is a new sound for Uganda – House. Is the song, Midnight Drum, opening a door for the genre? Isaac Ssejjombwe caught up with A Pass on this and a bit more.
1.Your song Midnight Drum has created a lot of buzz. How did you get to collaborate with Rouge and Maphorisa?
In February this year, Julius Kyazze of Swangz Avenue called and told me that he had a deal and he wanted me on it. We talked about it and he told me Sony and Club, the heads behind the project, were looking for a future of Africa that has technology. I started writing, put down so many hooks but went with the first one because I gave it all my time. I was facilitated well and now we have a ballistic song, the first of its kind in Uganda. We also set the bar very high with the video.
2. By the first of its kind, we believe you mean the genre. Do you think House can be popular in Uganda?
When we were working, we were going for a sound that is not just Ugandan, but rather African and universal. We had to put DJ Maphorisa, Jeremy and a couple of guys on the project and that is how we built the idea. I believe the sound can work in Uganda because it is always about appreciating sounds from a different dimension. Also, the video was all shot in Kampala.
3. Working with Sony is big. How did you benefit from this project?
First of all, the song is lovely. It is something I had never experienced, so I benefited because I am testing myself in a different perspective musically and borrowed ideas from different people to build something solid.
4. You have been in the industry for some years now, but never held a concert. What are you afraid of?
I am not afraid, I just do not think I am ready. I will do it when I feel it is the right time because I want it to be the best. I need to have worked out in the gym, so that I do not get out there and run out of breath. Everything that is good takes time.
But I perform at concerts, only that I am also selective of where I perform at. My brand is not for everyone.
5. This beef with Bebe Cool, is it real? One day you seem like friends and another time you are attacking him on social media. Why?
Bebe Cool and I are associates. I cannot say he is my best friend but we are good associates. There is no problem between us. It is all love and respect but in the end if I see something that I do not agree with, then I have to talk about it.
