Jack Rollen Opens Up On The Future Of Ugandan Music Industry. Spits Facts.
JACK ROLLEN INTERVIEW
Everyone in Uganda possibly knows Jack Rollen now. But for the record;
Jack Rollen is a 22 year old Ugandan Producer, Singer, Poet, Author, and Creative writer. I can firmly say he’s one of the most talented people in the country, one of the most sought after producers in the country, and has been making headlines for years now.
And Lo, He’s a very hot Songwriter too.
Where was Jack Rollen all this time?
Jack Rollen has been around for for the past many years, trying this and that, and studying the Ugandan Music Industry. For the past 3 years tho, I’ve been working under different studios and labels and being employed by different Ugandan Music Producers to make beats/Instrumentals forsongs in production.
Its not long ago that I’ve finally become self established.
How Would you describe the Uganda Music Industry?
Well, our industry is still wanting. We have talented musicians, singers and vocalists, but the songwriters seem to be locked in the very many decades back, they’re not really evolving much. Same applies to the music producers.
So alot of work still needs to be done, honestly.
So, if i can ask, how has been your reception to the Uganda Music Industry?
It’s not been bad generally, really, coz am talented and hardworking, full of ideas and ever learning and very flexible. Am very easy to work with(which has been a generall compliment from my clients always). So the reception hasn’t been bad, in a general point of view.
But of course, there’s no course without huddles. And I have lots of ups and downs too but I keep strong and positive.
So How Has it been so far, the Music Production Journey?
It has been fun actually, coz I’ve had the confidence from day one and I’ve always believed that i can do better than most. Thats the energy that has kept me grinding, coz I didn’t want to dissapoint myself and the close people who have hopes in me, despite my clients.
Many artistes seem to be running to you, what is the trick?
It is perhaps because of my work. When I worked under other producers, I established contact with artiste managers, song writers and artistes.
And they seem to like my ideas, skill and the input. You know I give them my whole, so.
How did you make it possible?
It was after Percentage UG, a Rapper and songwriter who was my longtime friend decided to work with me. He helped me write songs such as Twelageko by Irene Ntale, Sitani Tonkema and Katono.
Which song made Jack Rollen who he is now?
Sitani Tonkema By Roden Y, was the biggest hit of JARO STUDIOS. The song received massive airplay, introduced other artistes to the studio and that is how Bebe Cool ended up doing Katono in my studio.
How did you come up with the song Sitani Tonkema?
When Percentage UG wrote the song, I looked for who could fit it well and Roden Y came to mind. I sent the song to Jeff Kiwa, his manager, and he was pleased. He paid for the song and told me Roden Y, Sheebah and Fik Fameika would voice it.
How much did Jeff Kiwa pay for the song?
I cannot disclose the price right now but he paid me some good money.
You have been working with young artistes. How is it working with established artistes?
Its entirely different, very different, coz, the upcoming artists give less headache, they’re respectful(most of them), and they’re very open to positive criticism. On the other hand, established artists are the exact opposite(except for a few). They bully alot. Upcomers’ prayers is that none of these established artists find theem in studio. Coz they stress you, intimidate you, and are capable of killing you studio time.
So how do you handle the manners of established artists?
At my studio, I always emphasise equality and I always want artistes to respect each other. I also prefer giving more time to young artistes because I want them to break out.
Don’t you have scenarios where established artistes send young artistes out of studio?
It used to happen a lot in a way that when a big artiste finds a young artiste recording, they despise them and send them out so they can record. So I started asking each artiste to book studio sessions and not to come before it is their time.
How do you handle arrogant artistes?
I tell them that when you become arrogant on a producer, then you can never come up with good work. When they are working with me, I always encourage them to keep calm and let me be in control and they have actually been nice to me.
How do you handle people who want to sing and have the money but not the talent?
I work with vocal trainers and song writers who can take them for some training before they come to studio. The only problem is that only a few can accept to be trained but others do not accept that they need training.
Your fellow producer Danz Kumapeesa is sick, what are you doing as Jack Rollen to help him?
I am not doing it as an individual but together with other producers. We have a group and we have collected some money that we plan to give him as a group.
Who do you attribute your success to?
Myself.
