The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
By Joan Akello
Daisy Hope Ejang, 22 -year old artiste who represented Uganda in the 2013 Tusker Project Fame, speaks Joan Akello about her life before and after the regional competition.
So what else do you consider as your greatest achievement?
I have not yet achieved but there is progress to it, which is to be the next biggest female singing sensation in the world. It is a process and a journey and I know will achieve it.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Having the inner peace and joy within you, it is not about having all the money in the world.
When and where were you happiest?
The first time I saw Mia Teko being played on TV and also on MTV on April 23.
What is your greatest fear?
Not getting where I want to be and achieving my goals.
What trait do you most deplore in yourself?
I’m impatient with liars.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Dishonesty; I want people to say things straight and I think it is a Northerner’s trait. Tell me the truth straight, do not sugarcoat it.
What is your greatest extravagance?
I spend more on other people than on myself. As long as I have money however little, if somebody asks for it, I easily give it away. I think it’s a weakness.
What is your current state of mind?
Believe in God, work hard and achieve my goals.
Which living person do you most admire?
My foster dad; he supported me through Compassion International for over 15 years, has made me feel like a real child in a home.
What virtue do you consider the most overrated?
Kindness; people think that being kind necessarily means not being strict.
On what occasion do you lie?
To save a life.
What do you dislike about your appearance?
It used to be my colour because people used to tease me that I am too dark but now I love it.
Which living person do you most despise?
I have learnt never to despise anyone.
What is the quality you most admire in a man?
A real man must know how to handle his things well.
What is the quality you most admire in a woman?
Be a real woman and never look down on your pride.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Ojja kuba bulungi (You’ll be fine).
What or who is the love of your life?
Jesus Christ because I think he understands me better than everyone else.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Singing, even if I didn’t sing, it is a talent I would have loved to have.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’m big headed sometimes. I would like to change that.
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what you be?
As me, and may be a lion because it dominates.
Where would you most like to live?
Uganda, and may be Nigeria because Nigerians are aggressive, go getters and that’s me.
So you would marry a Nigerian?
Yes; not seen one yet, but hope I can marry one in the future. Ugandans are my brothers and sisters.
What is your most treasured possession?
My life; if it is safe, then a lot of things can go well.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Seeing somebody going through pain or in a state of hopelessness.
What is your most marked characteristic?
I do not give up.
What do you value in your friends?
Honesty, with that trust will be built.
Who are your favourite writers?
I love writing lots of poems, scripts and songs. I rarely read books.
So, how do you advance in your music if you do not read?
I watch a lot videos about successful musicians their rehearsals and practice what I like to better myself.
Who are your heroes in real life?
Hellen Akello, my mother who died on Heroes’ Day. She was a woman of substance; she taught me that no situation is permanent.
How will you use your fame?
I can use my talent as an entertainer to influence positive change in society.
What is it you most dislike?
Disappointment.
What is your greatest regret?
I wish my mother were here to see all these things.
How would you like to die?
When I am 530 years old after a concert.
What is you motto?
Work till you make it.
What is your philosophy about life?
With God everything is possible.
