Lanie Banks on life and doing music in Canada 

LANIE BANKS, 26, real name Micheal Osings, is a young, free spirited Canada-based Ugandan rapper, songwriter and music video director who hopes to change the narrative of Uganda’s urban hip hop. Quick Talk chatted with him online.

Who is Lanie Banks?

My name is Micheal Osings, also known as Lanie Banks professionally. I was born on October 10, 1996 at Mbale regional referral hospital to Mr Didmus Osings and Mrs Irene Wondo. As a child, I was not always the playful kind of kid.

What childhood memory do you have about Mbale?

Every Sunday after church service, my mother always took us to the supermarket and then right after that, we went for snacks; now that is something I reminisce about when I think about Mbale City.

Why the name Lanie Banks?

I got inspired by the movie character Davie Jones, though I later dropped the whole idea when I realized who I truly was and what I truly represent.

I represent the struggle, the voiceless youth who dream until they achieve their dreams against all odds and evidence. Society may discredit them but they keep going because they believe. It is why I chose the name Lanie Banks. Lanie to mean lean on me and Banks to mean confide in me.

Which schools did you attend?

I attended Nabuyonga elementary school for my Primary Leaving Examination, Mbale SS for my Uganda Certificate of Education and then St Peter’s Secondary School Naalya for Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education, then finally Makerere University where I did a bachelor’s degree in Social Administration.

How did you start doing music?

I started singing and dancing at a very tender age and hence I was no stranger to anything that revolved around music, dancing and script writing.

What inspired you to do it professionally?

Initially, I wanted to be a singer but my singing was imperfect, I mean the crowd was always cold. One Sunday, when I switched to rap and everyone got on their feet, so excited they all danced and screamed my name aloud, I could tell they loved my rapping and it was then that I officially realized that I was destined to be a rapper; a flawless rapper.

What was your childhood dream?

I wanted to be a boxer, I loved and watched Iron Mike Tyson fight every single day, plus all the children in the neighbourhood nicknamed me Tyson and honestly I was a strong kid who never lost in any fight but when I got a compound fracture, I knew I had to let that dream slide.

When did you move to Canada?

It has been approximately five years. I moved because here in Canada, there are opportunities for people like me, especially with my kind of music.

How has life been?

I am managing; to sum it all up, I would say it is great over here.

What do you miss most about Uganda?

Hahaa… firstly, I miss the wild freedom and the beautiful mountain Elgon; Wagagai peak, I miss you!

Which Ugandan artistes do you enjoy listening to?

I occasionally listen to Eddy Kenzo and Naava Grey; these two are uplifting Ugandan musicians.

Do you plan on relocating back to Uganda?

Definitely yes; they say east or west, home is always best, and that is right.

Is there anything else you do apart from music?

Yes, I am a sales personnel and brand ambassador.

Are you in a relationship?

Yes, I am married to a beautiful lady called Peace Nabududa and we have a beautiful daughter.

How did you meet?

Firstly, we were staying in the same hood and then little by little we crossed paths when we realized that we had similar passion, tastes and preferences that enabled us to connect on a deeper level.

How has becoming a father changed you?

Firstly, I would love to thank God for my sweet little girl Jedi Paris Osings; she is a blessing from above. However, being a father has changed a lot of things right now especially when it comes to my schedule. My schedule is very tight; I don’t hang out like I used to, and it has helped me focus more.

Take us through your day…

I wake up at 5am; without moving an inch, I say my prayers and then look sideways to see whether my other half is okay. I scroll and read my mails for about 30 minutes, after that I switch to my trainers and sweatpants, then head to my daughter’s room to find out if she is okay.

Immediately after my little safety check, I head out jogging for about 30 minutes, shower, have breakfast and drive off to the studio. I stay there for six hours and then switch to my other job for four hours and finally return home.

What do you do in your free time?

I love flowers and I actually have a large collection. I always attend to each flower individually. I am talking watering, pruning, spraying and applying fertiliser to the flower foliage.

When did you last come to Uganda?

A few months ago, I actually lost my loved ones in a row and I could not stay away. It hurt so much.

What do you consider the greatest rap album of all time?

The Blueprint 3 by Jay Z to me is the greatest rap album of all time; it is only when you listen to the Blueprint 3, that you will know what real rap actually sounds like.

Who are the best rappers in Uganda and globally?

Atlas the African for Uganda and Jay Z, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake for global.

What do you think about the Ugandan music industry?

Ugandan music is still growing and evolving. Ugandans have not learned to embrace their own music; they instead opt for foreign music. They do not support their own musicians; that is what holds back Ugandan music. Another point to note is Ugandan [promoters] pay foreign musicians highly while their own artistes remain underpaid.

The government should put in place a body to regulate the rate at which foreign music infiltrates the country. When I was in Uganda, it came to my attention that Ugandan media companies focus on playing foreign music more, compared to the Ugandan sound.

Which international and local musicians have you met physically?

Internationally, I have met Tory Lanez from Canada, Davido from Nigeria and Drake from Canada. Locally, I met, Eddy Kenzo, Goodlyfe and many more.

What do you consider the most important part of your circle or routine?

My family is the most important part of me, and it always comes first.

Which musicians do you listen to frequently?

Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Sia, Rakeem, Future Hendrix, Drake, Tory Lanez, Eddy Kenzo, Nipsey Hustle, Snoop Doggy Dog, Dre, Sarkodie Banks, Xxxtentacion, Ice Cube and the legendary Tupac Shakur.
 
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