Born to Dorothy and Alex Achola, Jocelyn Tracy Keko (which means early in the morning in her native language), grew up with a vision of becoming a force to reckon with in the music industry and making it she’s doing because her three singles are fast receiving regional approval.
So who is Keko?
Keko is a Ugandan artist who comes from Tororo and a Japhadola who happens to love music.
A sneak peak into your Background?
Born to Mr Alex and Dorothy Achola, Keko is the last born of 3 girls and schooled from Rock view primary school, St Noah and Maryhill High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce at Makerere University.
This is one question I always ask artists especially when it’s my first time to interview them. Why music and not any other profession?
If memory serves me correct, I had a passion for music ever since I can remember and that is basically why I always party crashed ceremonies with an excuse of performing.
I believe I was born to do this.
I wanted to be a different female artist altogether because most women have failed to put a stamp on the scene especially in hip hop. So I got up to the challenge of being that one particular person who represented the female gender in the hip hop category.
So who inspired you to join this kind of profession?
My first inspiration is my late mother Dorothy Achola but musically, I’ve always been inspired by artists like Loraine Hill, 2pac, Nicki Minaj, Game, Nas the list is endless.
Which Record label are you signed to and what is their role in your music career?
Apparently, I’m not signed to any Record Label but Crystal Klear Entertainment owned by Steven Ochola acts as my C.E.O and the management bit of it is taken care of by Platinum Entertainment.
Already, you’ve made your mark on the musical scene as one of the best female Hip hop artists ever. What are some of the songs that pushed you to be considered among the top hip hop artists?
So far, I have three singles namely “Hey Hey, How we do, and Alwoo (cry for help).
I’ve also appeared on a few collaborations like “Let’s go green alongside Angella Katatumba, Fallen heroes, and of course “Kwekunyakunya” remix which is my best collaboration. My next project is with Market makers.
Do you think it was a wise decision for you to take up hip hop in a male dominated kind of music?
Absolutely because I like challenges and generally I wanted to be an inspiration to the female gender.
Every one in the music industry has faced some challenges one way or the other. So what are some of the challenges Keko is facing?
Wow (looks up) let’s see challenges!! Well, the first challenge I’m facing is the fabricated stories from the media which damage our reputation
I also find it hard for my music to penetrate to all the places I want it to be. Like to my fans everywhere, radio and TV station, to every club, hang outs and happening places.
What are you doing for a living besides music?
That’s a good one! Okay I’m a graphics designer, I pen down lyrics but strictly vocals. I’m behind Juliana’s verse in Kwekunyakunya rmx.
“Fallen heroes” which by the way is one of my best collaborations this year going by the cause in the song wasn’t even among the nominees in the Pam Awards. What’s your take on this?
Let’s say it was the best song missing out in that category basing on the musicality. I believe it’s the best hip hop song apparently because every instrument was played live but all that said, Congs to the eventual winner. Although “Fallen heroes” deserved the accolade.
What is your general view on the ever increasing Awards in the country?
Awards are good for music but my concern is the categorization. Basically the criteria the organizers follow when making the categories. Awards are good for business because the competition gets us serious.
First on my list is Afrigo band, then Qwela band, female vocalists like Juliana again, Susan Owiyo, Lady Jay Dee and if an opportunity arises, Maurice Kirya.
How would you want to be remembered in the music industry?
So soon? Anyway I want to remembered as an artist who inspired young females to reach their wildest imagination.
Why the ray ban shades all the time?
Because I have a thing with lights, I’m forced to wear shades and ray bans only for your information. My eyes become teary every time I’m exposed to so much light. It’s out of necessity not luxury.
All that said, what’s next for Keko?
I’m working embarking on my second album (my mother’s daughter) which will be African oriented with producers like Benon and artists like Richard Kaweesa.
I’m also writing more songs in my native language Japhadola.
Does Keko own a dress in her attires? If yes when does she put them on?
Yes she does and she puts them on especially during dates, weddings, graduations, Kwanjula and formal occasions.
And high heels?
Being six feet tall, I don’t find it applicable to put on high heels though I own a few pairs.
Where has she performed since becoming an acclaimed artist?
2010 Pam Awards, Young Achievers awards, World music day held at Alliance France, Buzz leaver’s rock, Uganda Youth Convention, Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE)
Lastly, Message to the fans?
Committed to take them on a musical journey they’ve never been on.
My debut album will be out next year. I’m as well working on a mind blowing collabo with an East African International artist. Just watch the space.
Nikweli mwana dada "Keko" anapoteza katika sanaa ya hip hop East Afrika, lakini katika upande wa kiingereza. Maana ya jina la mwanadada huyu Keko linamaanisha "arufajiri au mapema asubuhi.
Jina lake halisi anaitwa " Jocelyn Travis". Poa zaidi na zaidi endelea kutupia macho blog hii ili upate mengi zaidi. 
Good stuff Keko,keep it up,the sky will be the limit but plz drop 4 us ur fanz agospel hit as well. XOXO
ReplyDelete