Hustle Tales
Brief Bio:
Kisakye Elijah a.k.a Eli Songz. I am a Muganda. My parents, Mr & Mrs Samson Mubiru, are former members of the ebonies. I am 24yrs. I love to sing, watch movies, travel, eat & and play PS. I am the last born of over 21 children.
In 2015, I featured in the Coca-Cola Rated Next Season 3 reality show, I only made it to the top 10. However, I got evicted during the 2nd week.
In 2016 I participated in the Vodafone WhatsApp mania competition and won. This earned me a recording deal with Talent Africa and Deuces Entertainment Group. I’ve already release my video for my “Nakigudde” audio.
Current Location:
Salama Munyonyo
Current gig(s):
I perform at Gatomato, Bugoloobi Fusion Auto Spa and Tervan woods Lubaga
Current computer(s)? Why this one?
None… I don’t have any computer currently probably because my priorities are elsewhere.
Current mobile device(s)? Why this one?
INFOCUS M2 the best Android device I’ve ever had.
One word that best describes how you work:
Focused
How did you end up at your current gig?
Through a friend and relative #Steve Keys
Are there any career decisions/life choices/failures that were fundamental in making you the person you are now, doing what you are doing now?
Oh yeah! I studied plumbing at Nakawa Vocational Training Institute which was a total waste of time because I did not at any time do anything in that direction.
Is your start-up (or whatever applies here) able to fully support you or do you have side gigs to sustain you as it grows?
My gym provided me with the necessary funds to support my career as an upcoming artist. My friends also have my back and believe in my talent so they chip in once in a while to support me in my music career.
Talent Africa, Ken Daniels of Swahili Nations, Joel Kisakye and Magala Emanuel of Vodafone Uganda among others have also been helpful.
How has the journey been so far, being signed under Talent Africa as a young and upcoming musician?
It’s been an unbelievable experience; my dreams are coming to pass. I have had a chance to perform on the same stage with Sauti Sol as well as Kool and the Gang. It was such a big blessing to my career as an artist.
Which artists do you respect/admire most in Uganda and internationally?
Maurice Kirya, Late Jimmy Katumba, Joel Kisakye, Naava Grey, Aziz Azion to mention but a few.
Tell us about your Nakigudde song and its video? What inspired it?
It is a feel-good, sing-along song, something that I hope my fans will enjoy. I shot a relatable video.
What Apps/software/tools can’t you live without?
WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube
What’s your workspace like?
It’s simple gym with treadmills and workout bikes plus other body building machines.
How big is the team of people you work with and what’s your formula for managing them?
I don’t have a team because I run a simple gym so it’s just me.
What’s your best time-saving trick/life hack?
Doing business through my phone and on emails.
What’s your favourite to-do list manager?
That’s my phone. I always have a to do list of on my NoteBook App which I use to plan my day.
Besides your phone, what gadget can’t you live without and why?
I think none because I get all I want on my phone.
What everyday thing are you better at than most?
I believe it’s singing.
Where does your love for music come from?
I have been singing throughout my life, though I started singing professionally at the end of 2015. I am also a member of an acappella group called the Cape Brothers. I actually believe that I was born a singer, and therefore music chose me, I did not choose it. My mum sang with the late Jimmy Katumba while my dad was an actor with the Ebonies. Performing arts runs in the family.
What genre of music are you into?
I love R&B, Afro-pop and Soul music.
How do you recharge?
I go out and have a drink
What do you listen to while you work?
Techno music and Lingala since it’s gym.
What are you currently reading? What usually leads you to buy a book? Books you’ve read recently that have impacted on you deeply? What kind of impact did they have?
I’m currently not reading any book. However, I mostly read Luganda books. I have read “zinunula omunaku”” omuzimu gwa kasooba” ekiyita wagulu” among others. They teach you lessons a youth like me needs to know as I grow.
Any mentors/role models that you are working with/have inspired you and what lessons have you managed to learn from them?
Oh, yes these people have really helped me in my career and have seen me grow musically and have been there in my hustle.
Joel Kisakye and Ken Daniels have taught me to be confident on stage and work on my vocals.
Are you more of an introvert or an extrovert?
Introvert, I think I love to have fun by myself
What’s your sleep routine like?
I sleep at either 2 am or 1 am and wake up by 8 am, depending on what time the gig I had the previous night ended.
How do you strike a balance between work, family, friends and other social obligations?
Well, I do that easily because my job allows me and gives me time to be flexible. I visit my mum once in a while since I am my own boss it’s easy for me to do other things.
Who would you love to see answer these same questions?
Joel Kisakye
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Work till you don’t have to introduce yourself and do it for fun”
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
One thing I’d like to say to my fans is work on your hustle with a passion and happiness will find its way to you. For any music gig please call 0706594131 and 0772259767 or WhatsApp
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If you have any additional questions for Elijah, feel free to drop them in the comment section below. He will try and answer those he can. Click here to read other Hustle Tales
The Hustle Tales (adapted from LifeHackers, How I Work series) asks people that are doing epic things how they go through their daily routines to make sure whatever is needed to get the job accomplished is done. If you are interested in doing one these interviews or know someone you think should do one, inbox us with the details and we’ll see if we can make it happen.
