Uganda: Sandra Suubi Brings Her Great Vocals to National Theatre

22 May 2022
The Observer (Kampala)
By Nathan Atiluk

You may remember her from the Airtel Trace Stars Music in 2016. SANDRA SUUBI is an award-winning gospel star, known for her beautiful voice.

Lately, she uses her music as a tool to push the environmental conservation message. She talked to Nathan Atiluk about her musical journey and her upcoming concert.

How have you been, Sandra Suubi?

I have been great and pushing hard to see that things are on the right move, since we are now open.

Have you been generally on a music break of sorts?

No, I was not on a break, but instead doing a lot of background work on myself. You know, once one stops growing, they start dying.

Has Covid-19 in one way or another affected your music career?

Honestly, Covid allowed for a pause and a moment of reflection. A time of evaluation and opportunity to re-strategize; a strengthening of the foundation and more listening.

You have such great vocals! What's the secret behind them?

Aww, thank you! You know the statement Ubuntu [I am because we are]? I have had the opportunity to watch and learn how to sing from so many people.

And how would you describe your music genre?

My music genre plays on music fusion: Afro soul, Afropop, Afrobeat, world music, world fusion, world beat, jazz and gospel.

Despite the pandemic, you managed to release an EP last year. How did it fare on the market?

Last year, I released two bodies of work; an album called Anthems Of Praise and a love EP called Mutima. I have really been humbled by how these works were received.

You are into music and eco-art. How do you balance the fields?

I have been very intentional to bring the conversation on climate justice to all the platforms that I am given. As an eco-artiste, I started to see myself as the sculpture, making more wearable artworks from used objects, especially recycling used plastic bags and used plastic bottles to make these wearable sculptures that I wear both on stage while performing, as well as in processions along streets and different public spaces.

Could you tell me about your upcoming show?

The Sandra Suubi musical experience is one night where the guests will be treated to a sumptuous vocal display with melodious music from my catalogue.

It will be a two-hour show of non- stop music amazement. The event is scheduled for June 8, a day before Heroes day.

So, we can all celebrate our heroes.

In such hard economic times, why now?

Now is the time. I have seen a shift over the last two years where we are listening more; where we want live performances; where we want unique experiences and this is what this show offers at a world- class level.

Do you think Uganda Musicians Association has done enough for the entertainment industry?

They are still on a journey. Let us give them a chance. Actually, let us give ourselves a chance.

Who is the lucky man behind this songstress?

Hahahaha, no comment on that. All those that want to know about the wedding bells should come for the concert on June 8 and see all that will happen that day.

Who is your best male and female vocalist locally and internationally?

I love and respect so many artistes, some of these include Stromea, Angelique Kidjo,...

The list of female musicians denouncing sexual harassment keeps growing. What's your take on that?

I speak a lot about women and the environment in my artwork. "A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy; a wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim." - Maya Angelou. You see, wisdom is the principal thing.

Your message to your fans...

Thank you so much for supporting Sandra Suubi's music. Always remember, we are the Suubi generation, a generation of hope. Come out on June 8 at the National theater for the Suubi Musical Experience; this will be a night to remember, one for the books. I love you.

Your education and family background...

I am born to Mr Paul and Sarah Kasule; one of four siblings. I studied at Greenhill Academy for seven years, Gayaza High School for six years, and the Margaret Trowel School of Fine Art at Makerere University for my bachelor's and master's in fine art.

atiluknathan@gmail.com

Related Stories

2022-05-17 - How 15-year-old rapper scooped collabo with Jamaican star Sean Paul

Read the original article on Observer.

Tagged:
Copyright © 2022 The Observer. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com). To contact the copyright holder directly for corrections — or for permission to republish or make other authorized use of this material, click here.

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.