Talking music: Not many producers can make good artists and vice versa but Daddy Andre has proved to be a maestro at both. Since last year, his name appeared on most top charts both for the songs he wrote and those he featured in. Isaac Ssejjombwe caught up with him on his music and choices.
1.When did you start producing music?
I do not quite remember the year but it is a long time ago. I started learning production when I started operating my brother, Oscar’s, computer. I started early but professionally, I started three years ago. I did not go to any music production school but visited different studios and music producers such as Ronnie Da Don, Producer Jox and Maro to master the game.
2. What was the first song you produced?
I cannot recall, but I think it was Be With You with Gift of Kaddo and Becky 256 followed by Nkwatako, Bamusakata, John Rambo all by Sheebah, Smart Wire – Vampino, Dangerous – Ceaserous, Kimala – Desire Luzinda, Give Me More – Maurice Kirya and Vampino, and Akateteyi – Chozen, among others. Some of the ones I have sung include You and Me with Lydia Jazmine, Now with Spice Diana, Kyoyoya with John Blaq and Prince Omar, Ku Kyokya, among others.
3. What do you prefer? Singing or producing?
It depends on the vibe. With both, I think I am contributing so much to the industry. I always want to do things perfectly, which I think helps the industry because others will learn from you as you also learn from them. I am not working for Uganda but working on elevating Uganda to be on top of the market. I want to represent the industry further and so far so good. Chameleone and other big artistes paved the way for us and I am going to make sure I achieve that. I enjoy doing both, and in fact, I shoot videos as well. Like I said earlier, I am a bright guy and God created our brains to work at different speeds.
4. How much do you charge for your services?
It is the passion that has helped me reach here. If God decides to give me money, well and good but that is not what drives me. I have offered free service to most of the artists I have worked with. You can ask them. Some just give me money after they feel I deserve it. I keep telling people that I am an upcoming artist and producer. That means that I am still naïve on my journey, which I am yet to start.
5. Tell us about your family and school background.
I am an orphan; my mother passed away when I was six years old and my dad when I was 13 years old. Good enough, our father had saved some money with NSSF, so education for my siblings and I was not that hard but I hated school yet I passed well. I went to so many schools in my primary that I cannot even remember them but for secondary, I went to Modern Secondary School and Old Kampala SS. I was not a big fan of school and the only positive thing I can count from education is learning English. I started singing before production and I got vocal training from Maro, with whom I grew up. Teachers would find me writing songs as early as P.2.
Who is Daddy Andre?
My name is Andrew Ojambo and the Daddy Andre name was given to me by friends, including Beenie Gunter, who I had helped in the industry. They looked at me like a daddy.
Challenges in the industry…
When I got saved, Jesus took away all the challenges. I do not have any. I am just surprised by good things. Whatever challenge you face, just turn it into good.
Any achievements?
I am still on the way. I am eyeing so much. I have not achieved anything going by my expectations.
Are you married?
No, but I have a four-year-old daughter.
