Brian Muhumuza on the highs and lows of working with celebrities 

BRIAN MUHUMUZA, 29, is a publicist and founder of Bryan Morel Publications who works with several celebrities to build and maintain their brands. Quick Talk caught up with him for a chat.

Hello Brian! Can you briefly tell Quick Talk about yourself?

I am Brian Muhumuza. I am a publicist, philanthropist and team leader at Bryan Morel Publications. We are a growing public relations team and our services include influencer marketing, profiling, branding and digital marketing.

Brian Muhumuza you said; so, where does the Morel come from?

I would say the industry gave me Morel. But it stems from earlier admiration of British publicist Thomas Morel.

What led you into the kind of profession you are in?

Passion. I was raised by a single mother after losing my dad when I was barely a year old. I grew up running errands for people as a way of supporting myself.

When I was at campus, I started doing voluntary publicity for Iryn Namubiru because I was a big fan and it was all passion because I used to use my own pocket money to move her music around. So, that is where I based from to start assisting eminent figures.

What did you study at campus?

I studied Project Planning and Management at Makerere University. Before I even graduated, I had started managing and planning projects run by celebrities like Jackie Chandiru and Angella Katatumba.

What celebrities are you currently working with?

I am working with Angella Katatumba, Desire Luzinda, Jackie Chandiru, Sheila Gashumba, Judith Heard, Rickman, UK-based Sarah Mulindwa… Along the way I have also supported Nigerian news anchor Jerry Fisayo Bambi and South Sudanese oil and gas entrepreneur Atong Amos.

Eh! Quite a portfolio. What exactly do you do for them?

I work as a publicist, executive assistant, promotions manager and my team and I run errands on behalf of these busy clients or their management; from welfare to business. As a publicist, I am also in charge of their public image, personality, character and consistent visibility because these come front in branding.

Some of your clients can be very controversial; how do you handle that?

We make the best out of it. For example, sometime back Sheila Gashumba came out and advocated for a minimum wage basing on her experience of working with big media houses here. There was a lot of noise and mixed feelings about it but in a few months, she got a casting call from Honey TV in South Africa.

Sometimes the public takes its own twists of the story but it is better you come to us and get the right story from the horse’s mouth. So, we usually give our side of the story because we treasure our clients’ fans and we strive to keep them updated.

Do you believe in publicity stunts?

I am aware of that but I think most of them are fueled by the public, and not actually the people handling the celebrity. I believe in real work. With people who plan well, opting for a publicity stunt should come last.

How easy is it working with Ugandan celebrities?

It is very easy because it is talent, creativity, entertainment and it is what they love to do. This makes it easy for everyone on the team to do their job. I am happy with the discipline and responsiveness of our talents today.

Who have you found the easiest to work with?

I think it is Angella Katatumba and this is because she is very outspoken. We have had many internal fights with her but she stands and fights for the truth. She is also very dedicated when she sets out to do something, and a very supportive friend.

And a difficult one?

I wouldn’t say there is any I have difficulty working with. Maybe sometimes the new clients that come in with expectations of everything working out instantly, and I find it difficult working with that.

What we do is guide them to realize that for long-term sustainable results and a strong brand, we have to look ahead and plan for the long term, and not the short term.

You have been part of some UN programs; could you tell us more about that?

My association with UN Best Diplomats, a diplomatic simulation of the UN and the International Youth Conference, is out of my passion for children’s rights, corporate social responsibility, sustainable environment, empowering the youth and being part of society’s change.

How do you balance life and work?

I am a team player; so, I delegate what I cannot do to be done by someone else on my team. I also dedicate my time well for work and personal life, so that there is no contradiction.

What mantra do you live by?

Do 100 per cent, leave the rest to God and the results will manifest. You cannot expect the best out of something when you didn’t give it your all.

What are your hobbies?

I listen to music all the time. Most artistes send me their music before releasing it to listen and give my opinion. I also like engaging in healthy living activities like exercising, meditating and cooking [cooking? Relaxing? Okay…!] Plus, I enjoy travelling.

Which local artistes do you enjoy listening to?

I am a big fan of Jose Chameleone, Pallaso, Iryn Namubiru, Lilian Mbabazi, Eddy Kenzo, Chosen Becky, Angella Katatumba, and Jackie Chandiru. I also love how the new breed of artistes like Rickman fuse talent and creativity.

What advice do you give these artistes when they send their music for evaluation?

To invest in research because the industry has changed and it is no longer just about the voice. I also tell them to work with different producers, affiliate themselves with publishing companies that can scrutinize their music to make sure it is of good quality before it is put out.

I also advise them on which artistes they can work with in case of collaborations.

What is your favourite travel destination?

Tanzania. When I go to Arusha, it shows how accommodative these people are and their culture and to me it always feels like home.

Is there a Mrs Muhumuza?

I have just started dating and I think it is a good experience so far to have someone who can support you, listen to you and understand what you are doing.

Would you date a celebrity?

Yes! They are good people, reliable, encouraging… But I have not dated one yet.

What is your love language?

Friendship before anything and then trust, openness, understanding each other and just being focused on me. You should also be able to invest time for the relationship.

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