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Background
Born Paul Kibukosya, Ulopa, gained popularity in the last decade having produced the hottest hits of the 2000s. His journey, however, did not start as a producer. Ulopa comes from one of Kenya’s most prominent music families, the Kibukosyas. His grandpa, Peter Kibukosya, was one of the composers of the Kenyan national anthem. Peter’s son and Ulopa’s uncle, Gido Kibukosya, is one of Kenya’s veteran artists who married fellow musician Susan Gachukia. The two have a son, Marcus who was a member highly successful band Camp Mulla. This rich musical background opened Ulopa up to the potential of music and gave him an opportunity in that space.
Apart from rapping and producing music, he can play the bass guitar, keyboard, percussion and drums. He even played with Zanaziki Band in which his aunt Susan was the face. Despite the exposure to music performance, Ulopa was more interested in the technical part of music production. He pursued Mass Communications at Andrew Crawford Productions along State House road.
READ ALSO: Ulopa to open music school
His skills grew as he was guided and trained by the best names in the business. He was mentored by Tim Ribui aka Ennovator who is a record producer, sound engineer and songwriter. In his journey, he worked with the late Bruce Odhiambo, Mercy Myra, Victor Seii of the Five Alive band among others. This, he says really honed his skills in music production.
“For anyone looking to get into music production, it’s important to get the technical skills through education as well as practical skills through apprenticeship to get a full learning experience,” he points out.
Side B record label and performing
As the founder and CEO of Side B Records, Ulopa has produced some of the biggest hits in recent times. But even before that, he was behind some of the hot bangers in the 2000s. From the Kleptomaniax, Longombas, Collo to Gabu, his distinct tracks pushed the music to club anthems with longevity.
In recent years, he has produced music for Kristoff, Gabu, Petra, Yvonne Darc, Petra, Nessa, King Kaka, Gogosimo, Jay A among others. Bwana Ngoma is his artist persona which he has used in numerous songs including his latest ‘Maua’ which was released 2 weeks ago.
“I introduced the brand name Bwana Ngoma so that my presence in the industry is not just limited to Ulopa as the music producer. I wanted to be recognized for my performing skills and it has worked well for me,” he says.
His take on the rise of Gengetone
“I am excited by the new wave of change in the industry. These young people have injected a new life into Kenyan music. A look at the U.S. scene will show that music has changed from the Nas, Tupac hip-hop era, to Lil Jon’s crank and now Migos and Future have changed the face with trap hip hop. Change is inevitable and keeps the industry vibrant. I embrace the Ethics and Sailors of this generation”
He points out that it’s up to producers and industry players to encourage and nurture these new genres of music.
On nurturing talent and mentoring young artistes
The 35-year-old plans to open a school where the young aspiring artistes and music production people can learn and benefit from.
“A music school, a first of its kind in the region is in the works. We have realized that most aspiring artistes lack proper musical knowledge and need to a curriculum that will guide them through the artistry journey. Thus we are working on starting a music and arts school since most are frustrated by the costs of travelling to far destinations for the same,” he revealed
He pointed out that the institution will be in creating unity among the musical art fraternity so that there is no division among the producers, performers, instrumentalists and any other people involved in the creation of music.
“We will be able to give representation to these music creators when it comes to demanding payments and any other injustice. It is easier when they are represented by a big body rather than individually,” he says referring to the protracted battle of artistes and CMO royalty payments.
Disappearing royalty payment and cartels
On April 6, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the government would be releasing monthly cash to musicians to cushion them from Covid-19 effects which was welcomed by the artists. However, the implementation was marred by the CMOs and their regulator Kenya Copyright Board (Kecobo). Months later, many are yet to receive the money while drama rages on between CMOs and Kecobo.
READ ALSO: Kenyan artists to get Sh200 million monthly in royalties
“These CMOs need to be disbanded. From MCSK to Kecobo they all need to be pulled apart as they are riddled with corruption and cartels. There is no clear formula as to how payments are arrived at and this is killing the industry. There needs to be a deep audit and identify what is going wrong to be able to fix it. Artistes have spent a fortune to create art and getting nothing for it,” Ulopa points out.
“It is a fight that has been going on for years and one that will take years to win. The industry needs representation in parliament to push for policy-driven laws that empower artistes and ensure they get paid what they are owed.”
On explicit content and censorship
With the Gengetone wave taking over, there have been concerns that the music is too explicit and a threat to the Kenyan moral fabric. Dr Ezekiel Mutua who is the CEO of Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has routinely called out artistes for content that is considered explicit.
Ulopa, however, feels that it’s an issue that can easily be sorted out without censoring and muzzling the creativity of Kenyan artists.
“Mutua is right in asking for regulation of content on family media platforms i.e. Mass Media and social media platforms that are easily accessible. However, there is a need to strike a balance so that both parties are taken care off. In developed countries, artistes tend to release 2 versions. The X-rated version that is available to the intended audience and a PG version for mass media. That way morality and creativity can co-exist.”
On drug abuse rumours
There were rumours that the prolific producer had fallen into drug use hence the break from music. He vehemently denies that saying, “I have never been in such a situation. Those are just rumours that should not be taken seriously. I have my drink every now and then but nowhere near addiction.”
A few years back, Ulopa had to set the record straight about his rumoured association with Illuminati.
READ ALSO: I am not in the Illuminati- Ulopa
“What is Illuminati? The fact that someone is working hard and enjoying the fruits of his hard-earned labour – doesn’t mean that he is an Illuminati? I wonder why people have a tendency of associating successful people with the cult,” he posed.
Advice to artistes who are struggling during this COVID-19 period
“It has been really hard on us during this time. Some more than most. I am lucky enough to be working on a few corporate gigs that have kept me above water. I am also impressed to see how some artistes have taken advantage of social media at this time creating entirely new ways of entertaining their audiences. From live shows where people can pay, new opportunities are coming up during this time. I would also ask them to diversify so that performances are not their only source of income.”
Final word?
“To the industry, please don't give up. Keep fighting, keep working on your art. Offer constructive criticism to grow each other not tear one another down. It will take a united industry to push for the change we need. We need the government to clean up this space, remove the cartels that are hindering growth and remuneration of the industry.”
