AfriPOP! How did you become a singer?

Jaqee: It started out as a hobby. I used to sing a lot and I spoke to a couple of record companies who were like “yeah, we like your music but you’re not quite what we are looking for” so I decided to put an album (Blaqalixious, 2005) out myself.  It was such a wonderful surprise to be nominated for the Swedish Grammys because it was completely me, you know? I wasn’t signed to a big record company, I didn’t have a big machine behind me. It was just me and my music and thankfully people liked it.

Your latest album, Land of the Free (Makasound) was voted 2010 Reggae Album of the Year by iTunes France. How did that feel?

It was an honour. I have been singing for a while but I still count my blessings for all the good things that come my way.

Land of the Free is actually a re-release of your 2009 album Kokoo Girl which was originally released by German label Rootdown. How did that come about?

Someone came across the record when I was on tour in Japan and they liked it. We decided to change the cover and give it a new focus, and it has been going really well. I am loving France at the moment! But after the tour this summer I will be heading back to the studio to record my next album. It is definitely time for some new material.



Do you have any plans to release your music in the UK or US?

I would love to! Do you know anyone? [Laughs] I love the UK music scene. I used to be really into jungle back in the day so I used to hang out in London a lot and I really love the rawness to the music there. It represents what I’m about as an artist.

Do you have any favourite UK artists?

Lots! But I like Est’elle a lot – she is really cool.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a singer?

Hmmm, I’ve often wondered that myself. I think I could do a lot of things. Something creative.

How many languages do you speak?

Four – Luganda, Lunyankole, English and Swedish. I also speak a little bit of Spanish and I am currently learning German.

You are originally from Uganda. What is the one thing you would like people to know about your home country?

That we are really friendly people and that it is a very beautiful country. A lot of people still think about Idi Amin when they think of Uganda but that was a while ago. And having travelled to a lot of places I think we are one of the friendliest nations. So check it out!

OK, we will! Where should we go?

Kampala is cool – it has a very active nightlife. But I would actually head to the countryside. Kabale is in the west of the country and it is very beautiful. It has an amazing landscape and you can also see gorillas. Its not so great for clubbing [laughs] but it is one of my favourite places to just relax and enjoy nature.

Which African musicians have inspired you?

So many! I love people like Ali Farka Toure and Tinariwen. They inspire me because they have never compromised on making real African music. Then there are people like Lucky Dube whose music has such a strong message. I also love artists like Nneka and Ayo and all these brilliant female singers that are coming through. And Angelique Kidjo – she is such a powerful woman.

And what have you done that you are most proud of?

A few things but recently I was in Lesotho and I went hiking for five hours in the mountains. It was a good brain sharpener because you always have to keep track of your movements and be present with the land and nature surroundings so that you can find your way back. It was a truly beautiful and humbling experience. Definitely a proud moment.

Look up Jaqee on www.jaqee.com