Interview with Shahai Mwiza

Shahai Mwiza is a recording and performing artist with a poetic voice. Her style has the rhythmic pulse of Zouk with subtle touches of kizomba coupled with her warm soul voice. She has released several solo singles on the Kampala scene with Kabuuti yange, kajanja penned down by Kenneth Mugabi, and Purple love penned by Shahai Mwiza having good critical reception.

She’s one of the finest East African singers, and just when we think Shahai Mwiza has had it all, she keeps proving us wrong by being bigger and better.“The more you sing live, the better you get at it. It’s like a workout,”.

A-CHOICES: Kindly introduce yourself to our readers.

Shahai: I am a female musician born and bred in Uganda.

A-CHOICES: How long have you been in the music game and how did you get started in the first place?

Shahai:9 years so far. Was given an opportunity to sing with KANGIE BAND at the Sheraton Hotel- Kampala on one of her Friday evenings… That’s how it all started.

A-CHOICES: A perfect song for when you finally find the one. Nteredde is a Luganda word that translates it. What inspired you to do such a song? 

Shahai: LOVE

A-CHOICES: I loved Kajanja as well, tell me more about it?

Shahai: More of the telenovela drama stories, the wishful thinking, expectations from the ones we love, yet we are all different in the way we express our romantic feelings, how we care for each other.

So what I watch in the movies is fiction but I want it in real life, which most times doesn’t come easy.

A-CHOICES: Are there any particular songs that you associate with your earliest memories?

Shahai: Yes, Lusa by Oliver Ngoma, You are me by Alaine

A-CHOICES: Your voice is magical. Would you say too bad no mainstream media give the attention you deserve?

Shahai: Not at all… The time is coming.

A-CHOICES: Is there any album or EP you are working on right now?

Shahai: Yes, Album

A-CHOICES: What music are you listening to right now? 

Shahai: I listen to good music

A-CHOICES: Can you tell us a little about your creative process and how far it has taken you?

Shahai: I create through real-life experiences and I am glad I can relate with whoever is listening.

A-CHOICES: What are your main inspirations behind your music?

Shahai: Life mostly.

A-CHOICES: What inspired you to become a musician?

Shahai: hmm, what inspired me? I have loved music since childhood..it just never made sense until I started writing, composing melodies, etc. that really got me.

A-CHOICES: Which Ugandan Music legend or musician do you look up to?

Shahai: Afrigo BAND. ( How they have maintained themselves in all decades, with skill, talent, discipline, branding, and consistency

A-CHOICES: What do you think of Ugandan music presently?

Shahai: It has gotten better.

A-CHOICES: What is your assessment between Uganda’s music industry and Nigeria’s?

Shahai: hmm… good music is well appreciated so, let’s say, Nigerians have mastered the art of less is more

A-CHOICES: What has been the most memorable moment in your career so far?

Shahai: Working with so many talented people, that I have always wished and wanted.

A-CHOICES: Have you suffered any ‘resistance’ or scepticism from within the industry, or from other artists?

Shahai: yes, with a doubt.

A-CHOICES: Tell us something about your songwriting process. What usually comes first the lyrics or the beats? And do you prefer the piano or the guitar when writing?

Shahai: Composition of melody

I prefer the guitar( acoustic)

A-CHOICES: How involved are you in any or all of the recording, producing, mastering, and marketing processes of your music. Do you outsource any of these processes?

Shahai:I am involved right from the beginning of the project to its last…nothing goes out without a good period of time listening through.

A-CHOICES: What is the one thing you are not willing or prepared to do ever, in your quest to achieve a successful musical career?

Shahai: hmm interesting. Selling my soul to devil or man in all ways.

A-CHOICES: Lastly, what words of advice would you give to young Ugandans like you who are pursuing big dreams?

Shahai: Well, stay focused, invest in your time wisely, have a structure in all aspects of life, believe in yourself that you are you and can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

A-CHOICES: Any last words and thoughts to your fans in Uganda?

Shahai: Live, Love and laugh.