Like they say, as long as you live, good things will always find you. With his latest song "Walayila" trending on all Ugandan airwaves, our reporter tracked down the star behind this hit song. He met with Fenrico, the writer and singer of the track. This humble and down-to-earth artist shared one of the most captivating music stories Uganda has ever heard. Read on.
At first sight, you clearly bear a striking resemblance to singer Ykee Benda. Are you twins?
Oh no, I get that a lot, but we aren't related at all. Maybe music will make us brothers, lol.
Well, it's great to meet you. Briefly tell us, who is Fenrico?
Fenrico is a songwriter, singer, and music producer, born in Kabale District but raised in Kampala.
Fenrico, where exactly in Kabale were you born?
I was born in Kabale District (Maziba District) and I attended the following schools: - Auntie Claire Kindergarten - St. Donozio Ssebugwawo Primary School, Kisubi - Buganda Road Primary School - St. Mary’s Secondary School - Alliance High School, Nansana - Lutembe International Secondary School - Makerere University
It's great to have such an education. So, where does your music background come from? Are your parents singers?
I found my music inspiration from school choirs. I joined them and fell in love with music from a young age. Of course, the usual 'big three' can't be missed on my list of inspirations. But over time, I think music chose me.
What childhood memory can you recall that made you believe you could be a music star?
I tattooed "Campus DJ Felix" on my arm, lol. I also named myself Fenrico in primary four, completely out of the blue.
And when was the first time you stepped into a music studio? And how did it feel?
That was around 2009 (Senior 2). It felt like heaven. The song I made there turned me into a celebrity at school and in my community.
What was that first song recorded in the studio?
I don’t even remember the title. It might be on a CD somewhere at my dad’s, though. But trust me, I don’t even want to listen to it myself! It must be terrible, haha.
You're actually a very good writer. Where did this talent come from?
God. I really can’t take credit for it myself. Some songs even come to me in my dreams. It’s a gift.
Exactly! Did you start with singing or rapping?
Rapping (HipHop).
Why hip hop then?
I've always been a singer, but I chose hip hop because it felt cool, trendy, and I was young. What do you expect? I adopted it as a hobby that I could perform really well.
Who inspired you into hip hop?
GNL Zamba, the greatest of all time!
You lived abroad for some time. How did you juggle music and work?
I was only in Germany with my fiancée and my son, helping to raise him to be a good child and being there as a father. Of course, I had to get a job to cater to the bills, and yes, I was recording music, releasing a few songs online, but not promoting them. The one thing I never stopped doing was researching and observing the music scene both in Uganda and other parts of the world.
What other songs have you written and recorded?
"Traveler," "I Wanna Be Loved," "Onyiiga," "I Will Heal," and "Bakujukize." All these songs are on every music platform.
So far, what has been your breakthrough song?
"Walayila."
On your return from abroad, how did you find the Ugandan music industry?
Just as I expected. But I am a positive guy, I tend to look for opportunity in everything. I don’t focus on the challenges or negativity. So yeah! I see my space in the industry.
Can you still compete with the new artists on the music scene?
First of all, I am not doing hip hop anymore. I rebranded three years ago. I am now a singer/vocalist, and yes, I can compete with anyone musically.
Share with us your biggest challenge in the Ugandan music scene right now?
Finances. For anyone to play your songs for promotion, money is required, regardless of whether the music is good or not.
What advice can you give to a young singer trying to come up?
I don’t think anyone is looking up to me right now, but in case there is, persistence and continuous learning are key.
Are you married yet?
I am single for now.
How ready are you to control the excitement that comes with fame?
You can't really control it, especially if you don't want to live a fake life. You just let things play out naturally.
So, "Walayila" is doing wonders. What is it all about?
It’s about me reminding my partner or girlfriend that we both swore never to let each other down, that our love is forever, so she shouldn't mess it up.
Kindly click here to listen to "Walayila." It will send you into a true love mood: