“I was at a point where I had everything, and then I lost it all,” says Jackie Chandiru. The ace-singer and performer has spent a better part of the week doing media runs painfully recounting her experience dealing with addiction . “I don’t believe there is any battle that cannot be won. I believe God makes us go through things for a specific reason, and he does it because we can overcome them,” she continues.
“I am in a happy place right now. I am happy with my progress health wise right now and I’m excited for opportunities that lie ahead.”
On her biggest lesson from the experience, the ‘Agassi’ singer goes ahead to share how it unleashed the fighter in her. “I had a big battle, and I believe if I was able to win it, you too can. I am still fighting it though. It’s a process. But, in my heart I know I won that battle. So if I was able to overcome those demons in my life, then anybody can do it too, as long as they have the zeal to fight.”
There’s no doubt that Chandiru’s fighting spirit is innate. At 18, she shot to fame upon winning Coca-Cola Pop Star, a talent search, together with Lillian Mbabazi and Cindy Sanyu. The dynamic trio formed Blu*3, arguably the most successful girl group to ever walk the surface of this part of the world. They snagged everything from PAM Awards and Kisima Awards, to even a Kora Award, which they won in 2005 for Best East African group. That aside, they literally made our teenage years colourful, the TikTok generation cannot compare.
In 2010, when the group disbanded, Chandiru embarked on a solo career, a tough venture at the time. However, in a couple of months, she was already ruling airwaves with ‘Agassi’, a ‘mysterious’ song with lyrics in Lugbara and English. It was followed by other hit songs such as ‘Gwoyagala’, ‘Overdose’, ‘For all time’, ‘Champion’, ‘Gold digger’ and more.
“I’ve always had the will and zeal to win – This keeps me going. I never allow to die in my own movie,” she laughs.
At the height of her success, even with struggles with her health (she suffered from a heart complication), Chandiru would put on a powerful 20-minute-performance non-stop, complete with energetic choreography done in sync with backup dancers.
“I don’t even know where it [the energy] comes from, but I believe it’s from the passion I have for my craft,” she tells me. “I love what I do. I love the sound, I love the lyrics, and for me, it’s just a different way I perceive the music that I do. I believe even when you may not know the music or lyrics, I can make you pay attention to whatever it is that I am performing.”
She continues, “I put in a lot of energy and focus when it comes to visuals and stage performances. It is important for me to leave a mark and for people to say, “Wow this girl, does her thing on stage, and she doesn’t just do it because she was paid to”. I don’t even know why people say it’s too much energy because I try my best to be normal, but that’s just the other part of me that people don’t know. I am two completely different people. On stage I am a different person, off stage I am a different person, but it’s basically the passion and the love I have for what I do that makes me do what I do the way I do.”
As we chat, she’s between interviews and studio, a busy schedule she has missed so much. After a couple of months away from Uganda, she’s back full time to do her favourite job. “Expect lots of new music and a new album,” she says, this time charged with so much optimism. “I want this to be my year. I want people to remember this year as mine.”
As we speak, a new single titled ‘Kwata’ is set to premiere across all streaming platforms in a few hours, a launch pad for her triumphant return. Produced by D-King, a long-time collaborator for the singer, and written by St. Andrew, the smooth love song comes just in time for Valentine’s.
“It’s a very personal song. It’s about the things I feel about someone but I just called to tell him. I can only watch him from a far because he’s not mine, “ she speaks candidly about the song. “St. Andrew brought it out so well for me when he wrote it. D-King also just knew it would bring out my vocal ability considering the fact that people thought I couldn’t sing anymore.”
Listen to Kwata below
She continues, “this is the perfect timing for Kwata. I want people to feel the love I feel!”
For someone who has since turned into a such a success story, it’s hard to believe that Chandiru wanted to a be pilot. “I wanted to be a pilot but then I realized I needed to be good at Maths which I knew was not going to happen. Then, I decided to focus my energies on becoming a doctor. This changed when I kept winning in the competition [Coca-Cola Pop Stars]. It was evident that my true calling was elsewhere.”
The singer went on to pursue a degree in Industrial Fine Art at Makerere University. Also, in case you didn’t know, she’s a great fine artist. She’s also a great actress. She’s also a fairly good song writer too. “I didn’t just contribute to, I wrote Hitaji, she reminds me.
Released in 2004, Hitaji was the title track to Blu*3’s debut album. The song was written by Jackie Chandiru, I learn. She’s not just a fairly good song writer, she’s excellent at it.
When I probe more for her other talents she tells me she’s a chef too. “I am a very good chef. Cooking is my other passion,” she brags.
Q&A
What are your fondest memories of your childhood?
I was extremely stubborn. My dad spoiled me a lot and I loved it. I was a tomboy so I literally did everything boys did. I was always in fights.
How do you unwind?
I listen to crime documentaries. I also try to sleep because I don’t usually have free time..
Who are you listening to?
I like Azawi. I believe she’s a breath of fresh air.
What would you tell someone who is considering getting into music?
If it’s something you want so badly, go for it. No one should stand in the way of your dreams. And, if you’re lucky enough to receive airplay, don’t let fame and fortune get to your head because you can have it today but be nothing tomorrow!
Kwata by Jackie Chandiru is out now. Via Apple Music here.
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