John Blaq
NEW KID, NEW SOUND: Before his song Sweet Love featuring Vinka, John Kasadha known to many as John Blaq, was little known. Now at only 21 years, John Blaqq is ruling airwaves with three topping charts. Lawrence Ogwal caught up with him for a quick chat.
1. You emerged out of nowhere. Who is John Blaq?
I did not just drop out of nowhere. I have been singing for years, but I was mostly doing hip hop. In 2016, however, I decided to change genre and that is when I got a breakthrough.
2.How much did you pay to collaborate with Vinka on Sweet Love?
Haha. I did not pay Vinka a dime. My manager, Hassan Bahemuka, known to many as Hasz Media, has a good working relationship with Swangz Avenue and during a chat with him and Julius Kyazze, he listened to my song Sweet Love and he asked that we do the remix with Vinka.
3.What was it like working with Vinka?
It was scary in the beginning because I was worried that she might be arrogant, and being a star, I was nervous around her. However, after spending some time with her, I relaxed. It also helps that I believe I am talented, so I was confident and did my best. I want to think that I left her wowed.
4.What did Vinka tell you when the song came out?
She told me that I am a talented young artiste and I should never lose track. Besides Vinka, other artistes such as Maro, Hellen Lukoma, Fik Fameica, Lydia Jazmine, Big Trill and Beenie Gunter have also encouraged me to stay focused. So I am in pursuit of releasing hit after hit.
5. When did you realise you could actually sing?
In my Primary Three at Rwanda Primary School in Jinja. I used to mime songs by Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool and Chameleone, until Primary Seven when I started writing my own songs. I did not record any though.
I pick my inspiration from Eddy Kenzo because he is one artiste who does not only look at Uganda but works hard to penetrate the international market. He shoots great videos and knows how to brand himself. Internationally, I like Wizkid.
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