`I can even buy a shoe which does not fit me’

By Joan Akello

Singer Rehemah Namakula aka Rema talked to Joan Akello about her baby and music career

Congratulations, how does it feel to be a mother?

It’s everything.Motherhood has changed me.

Things we don’t know about you?

I’m the last born in five children, I’ve grown up but some people take me as a baby. I’m prayerful and don’t go to club but can go there may be a once in five months to test a new song. I hate it when girls get silly drunk, so I don’t drink.

How will you protect yourself from the usual bad press?

I don’t mind haters. I’ll try to be a good person both in my public and private life. Don’t trust any man or any one.

Public misconceptions about you?

That I have dated many men; some who could be my father like Walukaga. He is too old for me and we have never met. I was told he told a friend that he loves me and it was this friend who spread the word.

Lessons learnt so far

You can’t have a private life. That’s why some people said I don’t know my baby’s father or that some men are fighting for my baby but no one is.

He was said to be partying and leaving you alone with the baby!

He is not doing the breast feeding. Don’t let a man feel like he is in prison and have to be at home 24/7; he must have fun and meet friends. Give him peace so that he comes back because you give him peace unless it is the extreme.

Your plans in 2015

I have two songs in circulation; ` Lean on me’ and the other some men stole it from studio and circulated it online.  I’ll hold a concert in July.

Any collabo?

I’m not a collabo person.

What about with your guy?

I’ll think about that, surprisingly we don’t look at each other as musicians.

What about marriage plans?

Inshallah; if Allah wills.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Minding your own business; you’ll have all the peace in the world.

When and where were you happiest?

Before I had my baby, it was my first concert because many people turned up.

What is your greatest fear?

When I see a frog, I get goose bumps and also when fans get so close. Anything can happen.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I sympathize with people and some take me for granted.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Liars; no matter how bad the truth is; I’ll stand it.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Buying nice shoes; I can even buy a shoe which doesn’t fit me.

What is most overrated?

Social media; some people are online celebrities but are nothing in reality and people can post anything about you and people will believe because they even have their believers.

How should celebrities react?

If it’s not true, just mind your business. You might run mad if you think about it. When I was pregnant, five men were said to be the father of my baby.

And if it’s true?

Then they have me.

On what occasion do you lie?

Brides want me to sing when they are coming out for the first time and sometimes I have four functions and turn up late.

Who is the greatest love of your life?

My baby, Aamaal Musuuza

What is your greatest achievement?

I started from zero but my fan base keeps growing everyday despite bad media reports, I inspire people, having this interview and my baby.

What is the lowest depth of misery?

When you betray your family and friends.

Who are your favorite singers?

Angela Kalule and Mariah Carey.  I can even sleep while listening to Angela because she sings with doesn’t strain.

Who is your hero of fiction?

Olivia Pope in Scandal; she is unpredictable and Katheryn Cryer, the wife of the judge in The Haves and the Have Nots; she knew every other woman the judge slept with and used to give them numbers but keeps her cool.

So women must accept that all men cheat?

If he is not cheating at home, mind your own business. Where are you going to find an angel? Forever and Amen men will always cheat.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Nelson Mandela; a man with guts who fought for our rights and Winnie Mandela. He should have given her a second chance. That couple was strong.

Who are living people you admire?

Oprah helps people and I wish I could meet her one day.

What is your greatest regret?

Nothing; I make every decision out of my own will.

How would you like to die?

Peacefully after I have achieved all my dreams, seen my grandchildren.

Your biggest dreams?

Have two children but they are a gift from God. I want to be remembered for the good things I have done like Mandela; remain relevant all of my life.

Advice to haters who say musicians are failures or will go to hell?

Life is not about books but common sense. No one should judge another. Who are they to send us to hell?

Biggest concern?

If only the copyright law was active, we would be getting some money. I have my side businesses but some of these women artists date rich men to get some money and I don’t judge them at all. They want to invest, dress, and eat well.