The Observer (Kampala)

Uganda: First Time Lucky Kayz Scores Hits in Bogolako and Kiwoko

The rate at which he is going, Kayz of Leone Island studio could be one of the most talked about producers of 2010. Or he could just as easily crash and burn.

True, he helped craft Bebe Cool's Bogolako with another equally young promising producer Reinx of D Records. But current club banger Kiwoko is all his work, as is the Bogolako remix done by Jose Chameleone.

Kiwoko, in case you have not heard about it, is a track done by Eighton and Rainman who claim affiliation to Bebe's Gagamel Crew. Kiwoko stokes his rivalry with Goodlyfe Crew musicians Mowzey Radio and Weasel. It makes fun of the duo but Kayz says, "I have nothing to do with the message in the song. I'm just the producer and the musicians know it."

Kayz says, "I knew Kiwoko would be a hit. We as producers can have this 'feeling' that a song is going to hit. I can call it [ghosts] of music, but you can tell. I'm good at mixing vocals and their voices were sweet. It could make people listen to it without distractions."

Like the three hits he is best known for, Kayz is not without his share of controversy. Until two months ago, Kayz was working out of D Records which he left abruptly.

He left to work for Leone Island studio but refuses to be tied down claiming, "Sometimes I also work in Omulangira Ssuna's (OS) studio, Moureen Studio because he is my good friend."

Kayz prefers to reserve the right to move as a producer.

"They are all still my friends, even at D Records but I have reasons of my own for moving." In fact Kayz goes on to disclose, "I'm in Gagamel Entertainment though I work in Leone Island. Leone Island is just a studio."

Born February 2, 1990, Kayz claims he began producing when he was just 12 years old. Or at least experimenting.

"I had a small mixer and some instruments when we were living in Naalya. At that time I befriended producer Allan Okia who was working in D Records. I could pick up from him tips on what to do when I would pass his studio."

Real names Allan Ssuuna, Kayz claims he was ambitious early because, "I grew up like whites. If your child wants something, you get it for them. At home, in my parents' house, we are musicians. I also sing in the St. Paul's church choir in Mukono."

The admirer of Swangaz Ave Benon's production work says, "I had always wanted to work with singers like Bebe Cool and Chameleone. They were the biggest stars when I was growing up. I feel them. That's why when I got a chance to work with them, I took it."

The chance to work with Chameleone came when, "Chameleone had come to work on his part in a song about this year's World Cup at the end of November 2009. I was the one who was chosen to work on his part. He liked what I did and asked me if I wanted to work with him. I couldn't refuse."

The singer who says he worked on the Bogolako remix after Bebe Cool had come to an understanding with Chameleone says, "There are more hits coming out soon. I have just started. I may be young but I have ideas."

In the cutthroat competitive musical world of Uganda, Kayz seems determined to carve himself a place.


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