Gulu is preparing for the first female solo music concert dubbed the ‘Best of Jenneth Prischa’, by a recording artiste who has been at the forefront of major musical events in the region. Prischa is a household name and a darling to many youth and women who cherish some of her gender sensitive songs aimed at rebuilding shattered families and souls across northern Uganda. Her diversity in song writing and singing as exhibited in some of her songs with mixed genres ranging from hiphop, dancehall, afro, Zouk and gospel music makes her on top of her game regionally. With over 20 songs to her name, Pricha is geared towards the path of stardom. We caught up with her for an exclusive interview and share with you her full life story and career path
Who is Jenneth Prischa
My real names are Jenneth Amony but majority call me Prischa, a name I got from my granny. I am a self-styled female artiste based in northern Uganda who rose to fame in 2012 during a song competition organised by Save the Children International. Her song on the negative impact of domestic violence scooped an award and cash prize that encouraged her to record more hits thus her rise to be recognized as the best northern female artiste for the years 2013 and 2015, respectively. Prischa is passionate about family relations, community and love life as manifested in most of her songs.
Tell us briefly about your family and educational background
I am the second born in a family of seven kids, born on 13 March 1990 to Mr Darius Kalokwera and Mrs Adyero Rose all of Paluga in Lamwo district. My parents are farmers and so I stand to be a typical village girl.
As far as my education is concerned, I went to Padibe Boys for primary education then moved on to Padibe secondary school and completed my lower level education from YY Okot Memorial College in Kitgum in 2009. From there I could not continue with my education due to financial challenges and I opted for a vocational career joining the Northern Youth Development Centre Labora for a two year certificate course in garment making and cutting. I spend most of my time working on my sewing machine, designing cloths from my house and that’s how I am able to survive besides music.
When did you discover your music talent?
The first time I realized I could sing is when I was at primary school during the post primary music competition. My teachers checked my talent and helped groom me. I started to take it seriously by writing my own songs. However, during my senior four vacation I recorded my first hip hop song ‘Pe Itema’ meaning ‘Don’t try me’ to test the waters before joining professional music in 2012.
Who are your big inspirations?
My biggest music inspiration is my dad; he is one of the most talented traditional Bwola dancers, a royal kind of dance done specifically for the kings. I grew up seeing him as a real family man and I learned a lot from him. I am inspired by family life, love and adventure in general and that sets the tone for my music genres. However, there are some music personalities who have helped influence me into music like Roselyn Otim, a locally- based female artiste whom I used to listen to very much while I was still growing up. At national level I have quite a number notably Cindy Sanyu, Juliana (Kanyomozi) and Judith Babirye.
Do you write all your songs?
Yes, I write most of my songs because then the lyrics flow easily. I am inspired by what I see, so I feel I am better-placed to envision what I see than recording what I have been given by another person. My Dad has personally written for me two songs which I am yet to work on but this will be the first time I am taking on a divergent angle to my music career.
What is your best instrument?
My best instrument is a guitar but unfortunately I have no skills to play it but as my music career spans on its one thing I want to practically learn.
What does the future hold for Jenneth Prischa in 2016?
The release of my album dubbed ‘The Best of Jenneth Prischa’ slated for Friday, September 2016 will be a night to share all my music with my fans that have been with me since my breakthrough in 2012. They have been there to see me grow with a lot of love and support that made who I am today. It’s candid to say I am not alone but with all who have been an exciting part of my musical career.
This maiden solo music performance and one of its kind, where a female artiste like me plans to put up such a mega show in the region should to enable me sell my music to a wider audience. It’s not a mere album launch as said, but a moment to give my fans a variety of my music genres. I will perform all my songs right from ‘Tim Gero’ that scooped me an award from Save the Children International for its concept on domestic violence. I will move on to showcase some of my latest (2016) releases including gospel, dancehall and afro beat hits like ‘Atimango’, ‘Pa Pore’ and ‘Super Glue’. With over 20 songs to my name I anticipate the ‘best of the best’ for my fans.
After the concert I plan to get back to the studio and work on some of my new and pending projects for 2016; invest in the production of quality music videos, intensify promotions of my songs and then secure a part time job with a charity organisation working for the less advantaged girl child in the region.
What advice do you have for young artistes who want to join the music industry?
Music is a long term investment or career option and it requires patience so that you can master the trade fully. Those joining it to make instant money with single releases can never go far. Concentrate on giving your fans all your best always.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a female artiste?
The fact that I am based upcountry is already a challenge; some of us do really good music but lack a basic platform to promote our songs. I am hopeful one day we can take on the music scene by storm as we struggle to meet standards in this highly competitive industry.
The aspect of promotion and look out for competent promoters needs to be checked too. To me a promoter should be someone who understands music as a business and not just showbiz. He or she should be able to as well do media relation work in a bid to bring out the unseen but potential talents. Whereas the people look at me as a star in Gulu or across northern Uganda, I feel this is not enough in this dynamic world of competition.
