Even if she is already very well known in her country of origin (Uganda), Melissa Mulungi does not want that to ever get to her head. She intends to indulge both her passion for music and for social and humanitarian assistance in the most peaceful way possible. Without rushing and always favoring quality over quantity in everything she does. Her Interview with Afrique Destinations.
Afrique Destinations : Melissa Mulungi, to begin, as an artist-musician, how can you present to our readers in the most complete way possible ? Who is Melissa Mulungi ?
Melissa Mulungi : Melissa Mulungi aka Melbs. She always does it, is a german born proud Munamasaka from Uganda. She is a Mother figure to many, a full time student currently studying Medical management, a passionate Tutor, a fashion content creator and travel/ lifestyle vlogger, extremely passionate about charity she started her Charity organisation ‘’CHIC’’ at 18 years old and a musician.
Afrique Destinations : I read somewhere you said: “I started singing in the church choir from the age of 3” . As far as you can go back in your memories, is there something that predestined you there?
Melissa Mulungi : I would most definitely say God had his hands in there ! My love for music started in Church and was first supported in Church.
Afrique Destinations : One should wait you to be a Gospel Singer since you are coming from the Choir or at least an inclination for Gospel…What kind of music do you make today?
Melissa Mulungi : I wouldn’t classify myself as a Gospel singer but Gospel music will always have big influence in my projects and I have also recorded Gospel music and will be releasing Gospel songs in the future. My music is heavily RnB inspired with a bit of Urban afro.
Afrique Destinations : I imagine that it took a certain process before deciding to embrace a career as a musician. How did you come to music?
Melissa Mulungi : Music found me and quite frankly haunted me, I am sure every musician can relate. As a little girl I had this dream of becoming a Superstar but as I grew older my focus was more on education when I finished School and moved to Uganda for my leap year with my Charity organisation I was introduced to so many people in different parts of the music industry and so many doors just opened for me without me having to knock on them so I started recording songs producers would send me beats and I would write songs. Established musicians would keep asking me when I would finally start doing music and offer me their music studios for free so I had no choice but to give it a go. 2020 the pandemic year is when I finally said God you have blessed me beyond measure, it’s only right for me to tap into this blessing and so my first single Titled « Empire of Love » was born.
Afrique Destinations : You often say that your parents were your first supporters. It helps a lot when you start this career, doesn't it?...
Melissa Mulungi : It is honestly a blessing being supported by your own within your passion I do know that not many have this privilege.
Afrique Destinations : You are a Performer and you sing both in English and in African languages. Do you have any favorite themes or what inspires you the most?
Melissa Mulungi : I love creating relatable music, music that tells a story and can last for decades to come. I am more focused on quality than quantity. I have not released any Body of work just yet but I have been working on an EP for the longest and can’t wait to finally finalize and release it.
Afrique Destinations : Melissa Mulungi, what is your view of music on the one hand and African music in general on the other hand?
Melissa Mulungi : Music is therapy , Music is a form of Expression and African music is the origin ! It is culture, it is heritage, it is happiness/ entertainment and it is struggle and freedom at the same time.
Afrique Destinations : You are a great artist-musician in Uganda and I could easily imagine you are well-known in most of the countries of East Africa and in English Speaking Countries. How do you explain the fact that you are not as well known within French Speaking countries of Africa and even beyond in France and other French Speaking countries of the world for instance?
Melissa Mulungi : I am humbled as much as I do not think that is fully true just yet…
I have not yet tapped into my full potential as an artist because I am still a full time student but I am excited to do so after I graduate and I would love to cater to french speaking countries as well especially my african brothers and sisters most likely collaborate with them more.
Afrique Destinations : You are not only an artist-musician, tell us about the other strings that you have to your bow professionally speaking...
Melissa Mulungi : As mentioned I have a Charity organisation that I started at 18 , I Tutor on the side as i am extremely passionate about Children and I am a full time student. Besides that I have done some Management work for various artists behind the scenes, I am a fashion content creator and a Lifestyle / Travel Vlogger.
Afrique Destinations : Could we know what are the pending projects of Melissa Mulungi?
Melissa Mulungi : An EP and a couple of collaborations with some dope artists.
Afrique Destinations : What would you say to young women who would be tempted to get involved in music but who are still reluctant to take the plunge?
Mélissa Mulungi : DO IT ! Stay true to yourself and follow your passion there is nothing more rewarding than that it won’t be easy it takes a lot of work and dedication but it is a part of you and always will be.
Afrique Destinations : If you have a message for the public and especially for African countries and the French-speaking world, what would you say?
Melissa Mulungi : Wake up and realise the greatness that you are ! Be proud of the rich culture the beauty that is Africa and always stay encouraged.
Peace and Blessings and thank you all for showing me so much love and support.
Interview by Marcus Boni Teiga
