INTERVIEW: Pia Pounds talks relationship with Eddy Kenzo, Fashion and Music

By Joseph Lubandi

Posted on June 25, 2018

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Pia Pounds

By Demo Riley

She is curvaceous, with a glowing smile and was recently signed to Eddy Kenzo’s Big Talent, making her the first female artiste to be signed by Big Talent (at least officially). But who is Pia Pounds? Well, we caught up with her and this is what she has to say.

For starters, who is Pia Pounds?

My real name name is Tracy Kirabo. My father abandoned us and my mum raised us as a single mother but later died and left me and my siblings with her sisters.

I was raised on a staunch Christian foundation, I was the lead vocalist in my church choir all my childhood.

I became immensely drawn to music when I was 8, I felt like no one understood me… and the best way I could express myself was through music. I became an outlaw at the age of 13 when I ran away from home because I felt mistreated and always misunderstood. Call me the black sheep of the family and certainly yes, I am very different.

I struggled while I was a teenager, with tuition and rent because I had to provide all that myself, my situation forced me to grow at a very tender age. I’ve worked in half the supermarkets and restaurants around Kampala, insurance companies too because I started working during the holidays of senior 3.

I’ve learnt to be independent and since I was a kid, I’ve always known music was the only thing I was truly good at. At 14 years of age, I was surrounding myself with music related environment because that’s where I felt confident the most.

I have always been insecure and very shy. I love music and art, writing, fashion, food and am a psycho for love.

Well, now that you’re under Big Talent, how is your experience working with Eddy Kenzo?

Big Talent in some way is more than just a label to me; it’s family. It’s one of those places where I feel safest the most. I’ve grown close to everyone there, sometimes I wonder what took me so long to find them.

We work hard, always in studio, always in training. So far, I love it there. And I hope my dreams really become a reality.

By the way there’s been rumor that your relationship with Eddy Kenzo goes beyond just music, how true is that?

I have grown weary explaining to my fans and Uganda at large that me and Eddy Kenzo have only business in common.

Eddy Kenzo is a very tough man, he has no time to play, you have no idea how many times he scolds me(laughs). He’s a great mentor and director, his heart is too big and I feel sad that people hardly see all this.

Many female artists whose music journey started off in labels have been dogged by similar rumors, for example Rihanna was accused of dating Jay Z, and Rema was rumoured to be dating Bebe Cool, but time is a healer.

You recently confessed that countless men have been approaching you for sex, how are you dealing with that?

I never said that countless men approach me for sex. The media chose to twist my words into what they wanted to hear.

I simply said in this industry, many females as viewed as sex objects that’s why thousands either fail or quit. It’s unfair how the world connects sex to our talents that If Pia is an artist it means she’s a whore. We are better than that and we deserve a little more respect.

Besides that, who’s the lucky man taking care of you?

Honestly, I am not ready to disclose my relationship status.

Three things you can’t leave without?

Definitely food, my fully charged phone and lipstick

What would you say is your inspiration, fashion wise?

Like I said, I was always insecure and I thought little of myself. Until one day in 2015 when I met Fatumah Asha. I was in my first year at university and she told me I had such an amazing body and she couldn’t wait to have me in some of her dresses. That compliment changed my life, next thing you know I walked into my school Miss registration office and registered as an aspiring Miss IUEA (International University of East Africa) in the competition I was crowned Miss IUEA second runners-up and Miss IUEA talent.

I was filled with so much confidence that out of 54 contestants I was a chosen one. I then met Bettina Tiana who became another inspiration and big mentor, most outfits I put one are chosen by her. I knew fashion was part of me, it makes me confident to put on a good outfit, there’s how it transforms my whole look.

Pia Pounds

Who’s your best male artist Ugandan artiste and why?

I have like 5, first the late Moses Radio – this man was exceptional, he wrote so damn well. He’s music took me through so many years of loneliness. And vocally, he was a genius.

Second is Eddy Kenzo. Before I knew him I thought he was just lucky but after seeing how creative he is in person, he can freestyle on 5 tracks in one day and he will release them all. He chooses his words in a way that makes them very relatable to the listener and hard to forget. My fave songs from him are – Twala Ewamwe, Stress free and Jubilation.

The third is David lutalo – I think he’s a very talented man. He writes so well and he’s voice is beautiful, his jam ‘So Nice’ is always on replay at my house.

Lastly, Fik Fameica. This kid has changed the whole Hip-pop industry of Uganda. I am his big fan.

Musically, what should your fans expect from you this year?

Music, music, music and more music.

The first time I was signed my boss he told me “Gwe ogenda ku kikuba”

We have a lot of work, only waiting for the perfect time to release it. I have great collaborations some with the male artists I mentioned above. I keep bettering my product all the time so the once a song is released, it’s hard to be taken un-seriously.

Some of the future prospects?

An album will be dropped at the end of this year. And lots of collaborations.

Last message for your fans?

I love them so much. They push me into becoming the best version of myself. I don’t intend to let them down, believing in me is a gift I take very seriously. Greatness is where we are headed.

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via: BigEye