‘I dropped out of medical school for my music’

LAMU, 26, real name Ahlam Ismail, is a singer, songwriter, humanitarian and recently a television host. Quick Talk had a chat with her about her many roles and how she juggles them.

Who is Lamu?

I am caring, funny, fun-loving and I love helping people because I feel like it adds value to my life as a creative. Before I got into the music industry, I explored and did a lot of other things I loved. I am actually an aspiring filmmaker, and I did a mini film in 2016 after high school and also acted in some local films.

I am also a community projects coordinator working with youths on developmental projects. I have worked with several organizations where I have volunteered as well as being hired as a consultant. I was Miss Earth Uganda 2021/2022 because I am a climate change advocate. I am also currently a student of International Relations and Diplomatic Studies.

You were also recently a radio presenter…

Yeah. This year I got into radio presenting at XFM, but I had to leave it sooner than expected because I had got another opportunity at NTV.
Although being a radio presenter was not necessarily my dream, I felt like it was a step I would take in the industry to open more doors for me.

When did you start doing music?

I started doing music when I was young with my elder brother who would help me write songs, which I sang as he played the guitar. But I started doing music professionally in 2019 when I released my first single, Something About You, after dropping out of medical school.

You what?! How did your family take that?

They were so angry and disappointed. I was told that I was making a very huge mistake because there is a lot of struggling in the music industry. But my childhood memories of doing music with my brother were always reminding me that it is something I had always wanted to do and so I just went for it.

But when they started hearing my songs play on radio and TV and saw me per- forming at different shows, they came to terms with it.

How would you describe your music?

My sound is captivating; it is a unique fusion of who I am as an East African, meaning that I put in some Kiswahili, English and Luganda and maybe in the future some other languages I know because I have origins from different parts of East Africa.

Tell Quick Talk more about that.

I was born in Soroti and stayed there until I was a teenager, when my father moved to Tanzania, but I remained in Kampala to carry on with school. I also have origins from Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda.

I see. Do you write your own music?

Yes. I get help when it comes to writing Luganda. I speak Luganda and can sing it, but I can’t write it in a song and a Muganda appreciates it. And I don’t want to offend people the way I feel offended when some Ugandan musicians do Kiswahili and don’t do it well.

Who is managing you?

As much as I am an independent artiste, I do have a team of people that I have worked with over the years called Trendsetters Africa. I also signed a memorandum of understanding with Talent Africa in 2021 which expired on December 1 this year, but it was not necessarily a management deal; just an agreement to collaborate.

Tell us about your new TV show.

Oh My God! It is a very cool travel show, and I feel blessed to have such an opportunity because I get to travel around Uganda and experience all the beautiful places and cultures.

Are you the one who came up with the concept?

The concept was developed by producers at NTV and they were looking for someone to host it. I learnt from a friend about the opportunity and I went for a screen test interview… I talked about Mwanza in Tanzania where my dad stays and in just one take, everyone seemed impressed.

After that, I was called for a pilot shoot for the show and I was given the contract.

What is your favourite holiday destination in Uganda?

I haven’t travelled the whole of Uganda yet, but so far I have really loved Western Uganda; that place is so beautiful. The crater lakes in Kabarole and Lake Bunyonyi in Kabale stand out.

Are you dating anyone?

No. I think I haven’t met someone who matches my energy. Until that person comes along, I am still single.

And what kind of person should that be?

Eehh banange, my list is very long. The person has to be focused and goal-oriented. I want someone who can make me look up to them and feel inspired, because they are doing more than me.

I also want someone who is going to take on the role of a man by always getting things done so that I can be a woman and very feminine. But the guys who approach me think that I already have everything sorted out and, therefore, no need to inspire me to do more or cater for me as a woman.

But I do suppose you receive a lot of DMs from guys…

Yes I do, but some men don’t know how to approach ladies. Some women like it when you tell them as it is. But you find a guy sending you just a ‘hey’ every week like it’s the only word they have in their vocabulary.

But then sometimes someone reaches out to you and says something that is so captivating that you instantly start chatting with them and in a few days, you go out for a date.

What is the weirdest DM you have ever received?

It was on Snapchat where someone sent me a picture of their private parts [ouch!]

What has been your highlight of 2023?

It has been my TV show NTV Travels. It is the best thing that has happened to me this year and I am very grateful for that opportunity.

How do you plan on spending the festive season?

I will just be with my family and friends, watch some series and episodes of my show. I am also going to be a bit serious doing my dissertation and internship report for school, because I will be graduating next year.

What are you looking forward to the most next year?

I hope to see more of Uganda by going to places I haven’t travelled to especially in the North and East. But what I am looking forward to the most is the release of my EP, which is ready.

It was due to be released in November this year but we missed that widow and decided to push it forward. It is titled Infinity and will be released early next year. [She tells Quick Talk he is the first person she is revealing the title to, so…there!]

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