6 September 2008
interview
Omega Bugembe Okello is a Ugandan based in the USA. She is a health Advocate turned jazz musician. Last week, she held her debut Ugandan concert to fundraise for Mulago Hospital's Maternity Ward.
What's in your book shelf?
I'm glad you asked because in this era, everything is electronic: Books are on CD, tape, or flash disk but I still have books. I have books on health advocacy. I have the Bible for guidance and books for leisure.
What do you love reading?
I love books by Alexander McCall Smith. He has a ladies' detective series in which he paints women in a good way. The series is set in Africa so I understand it easily. He has lived in Africa so he doesn't write as if we are stupid. I also love reading light and silly books to de-stress and even though I may not agree with all the values in the novels, it keeps me in touch with reality. I'm also obsessed with fashion - that's why I loved Shoperholic and Sister by Sophie Kinsella.
What does that say about you?
I want to be a fashionable business woman. Some women are great at business but are not good at presenting themselves physically. I double as the image consultant for my label so I have had to read and learn many things for myself. I also read to keep in touch with reality.
What's your reading culture like?
Ideally, I would love to read a book a week but time to read is hard to come by. I spend a lot of time trying to promote my music label and also to find gigs but I love to read - I could spend a whole day reading if I landed on a good book. It's my way of stealing away. Some people do drugs, others drink to forget their problems. I'm not an escapist but books do it for me. With a cup of Rooibos tea, and a good book, I could cuddle up on the couch and see you in the morning.
What's the most memorable book you've read?
Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks - It makes me feel like a romantic and many things in the book have come true for me. He writes about the intricacies of relationships like honesty and integrity not just for romance but for friends too.
Has any book ever made you cry?
Of course - it's because I'm laughing too hard and end up crying. When you get a good writer, you're in that world and when I read Shoperholic and Sister, I just burst out and laughed loudly.
Why do you read?
When I read, I get to know other people's experiences and get the assurance that I am normal. Some writing is fiction but close to reality. Also, apart from the accent change, my English deteriorated when I left Uganda but reading has helped build my vocabulary.
Is there any book you read over and over again?
No. Once I know the plot, I'm done - except for the Bible.
What do authors and musicians have in common?
Everything - starting with the pressure to write well so that the audience can relate well to our work. That means we both think about our audience a lot and don't write songs or books just for sales but we can't ignore that. There is also the desire to be honest in our art but at the same time, not come across as being autobiographical.
What are you reading?
I've just read The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger. I'm now reading Chasing Harry Winston, by the same author.
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