Mbale-based singer Nofia Ug, real name Abdallah Hadadi Mayambala, has released his very first project of 2023 dubbed ‘Badimile’. He describes himself as a versatile artist from Mbale and one of the very best musicians in Eastern Uganda. We caught up with him in Mbale and shared his success story
You’re rated the King of dancehall in Eastern Uganda, where did your music journey begin from?
I can trace my music journey way back to when I was a very young boy in Primary Seven. In my heart, I loved music. I would dance to every sound of music around me.
I remember when I joined secondary school, my love for music increased. Unfortunately, I couldn’t continue studying. I stopped in S4 a week to do my final exams because my parents had no money.
Well, I later left Uganda for Kenya for greener pastures. From there, I found myself in South Africa. In SA, i saw many opportunities there for any upcoming musician. I started visiting different music studios. I went to Lucky Dube Studio with no cash. At that studio, they told me they couldn’t make my beats. It almost frustrated me. I decided to first hussle, make some money and get back home to pursue my career. When I eventually returned, I immediately met different singers and did some collaborations.
As you know that luck favors the brave, I made a song called Baganike. The song took me places. I covered the whole of Eastern Uganda, reached Kenya, and all over. From there I have never looked back.
I was rated as king of Amapiano because of the Amapiano song called baganike which i did with Rebby Tanner which gave me a break through.
Why did you choose this kind of music genre?
Well, I do all types of music. I am a versatile singer. I do Amapiano, Dancehall, and afrobeat plus love songs. it is not that I am only a dancehall artist only.
When you look back, what was your turning point in life as a musician?
Man!! The music industry is hard. The industry is full of so much deception. People are not real. People are so selfish and unsupportive. Knowing all this, I grew hard skin with a stone heart. I said to myself, I shall never give up my dream. I keep insisting and that is why I am here now.
Most upcountry musicians always run to Kampala to better music viability, why are you still stuck in Mbale?
True, I see people move to Kampala. But personally, I believe a star can come from anywhere in this world. Even with well-developed countries, a star can make it from anywhere. I just want to be an example to many. I have made it from here in Mbale and I am so proud. So I am here to inspire those that don’t believe in themselves.
What have been your challenging moments in this competitive music industry?
A challenge today with musicians in the industry includes different ways to finance things like studio time, paying for coordinating features, and finding ways to get paid off for sharing music. Music is a very expensive venture.
Most musicians use substances to get studio and music inspiration, where do you get your energy from?
I have heard about this. But with Nofia Ug, I have never even tasted weed. i have never used any substance to keep me moving. I am sober 24/7. I want to tell my fellow musicians that use drugs for confidence and inspiration.
Are you in music for money or? If not, what is your next 10 years’ plan?
I am here to make my name big. I am sure when the brand name is big, the money of course will come in. I have very big plans of collaborating with big named international names in the industry. I am sure in the next 10 years, i will be among the top 5 musicians in Uganda.
In the music industry, who inspires you?
To be sincere, I love the way Diamond Platinumz way of doing things. He is a talent out of this world. I love the energy he puts into his Video music productions. He inspires you.
Of course, one can never separate music from fame and women, how do you handle your celebrity life at the moment?
A lot of women tend to show love and affection when they don’t mean it. I try so much to avoid women. I want to concentrate on music and wait for the right time when the right person arrives. I know with God, I will meet a lady who will understand me with my music.
Well, since you’re single, which female musicians would you wish to settle down with and marry?
Hahahah. I have loved Spice Diana from day one. I have a huge crush on her. Can you get her for me?
What is your advice to young musicians based in Mbale and beyond?
One single piece of advice! You must be patient and focused. You have to have respect for everybody and do things right. You must work hard and wait for the right time. You just can’t come from anywhere and hit it up. When you do these, surely success will just find you.
Are you under any management? How do you share the money from your music?
Yes, I am under management but we haven’t finalized certain things. When we get all that concluded, I will be able to answer this question well.
Any new projects?
Yes. There is a love song coming and I did it for my grandmother. She has seen me through it. We have been in very hard situations in life with her. That is why I will forever cherish her. And I kindly ask for everyone to subscribe to my YouTube channel here;
