This is a public letter to all those who know or associate with Kimera Sengendo, AKA Shamir. If you have recently seen this man driving in Kampala in an Escalade or Mercedes, please know that this man has no right to be in these vehicles at all. He would like people to think he has acquired these vehicles through the success of his music. He would like people to see him as a rich man, who has now returned to Africa from the USA as a star. YET ALL OF THIS IS NOTHING BUT A LIE!
Those who saw him flop at Club Silk (April 29th) can judge for themselves his true talent and abilities. The music of Shamir preaches love and harmony between people. But if one judges the man by his actions, one finds a thieving, back-stabbing desperate hypocrite. The truth is that Shamir has betrayed a wonderful family that supported him and treated him like one of their own. The truth is that Shamir has been struggling with a mediocre music career for years. The truth is that he would have nothing without the generosity of those who have believed in him.
Because these good people trusted him, they entered sincerely into a business deal to sell these cars. They made themselves financially vulnerable to him and in return he has taken advantage of them. One of these family members has been stranded in Kampala for over 40 days now trying to recover what is theirs. This man has stolen the life savings of a hard-working and generous family that only ever treated him with kindness and love. Shamir? The name says: SHAM! Shamir? The name says: SHAME!
This year, helping to raise funds for orphans, at his own concert is another Jamaican influenced artist... Uganda's own Portland, Oregon based Kimera Sengendo aka SHAMIR.
UGPulse Promo
People Change
The performances are filled with the energy of a seasoned artist supported by experienced instrumentalists. In fact his bass player Eric Luis, with 15 years experience under his belt, has played for the likes of Stevie Wonder, Jay-Z, Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Shamir himself has played with a list of well known artists like Shaggy, Beanie Man, Sean Paul, Ziggy Marley, Lucky Dube among other well known African and international artistes. Shamir and his crew are are ready to hit Kampala with a clear intention of leaving behind a big mark... both musically and socially.
Previous Shamir concert with Shaggy.
Interview with Shamir
"It is not just about Shamir's music itself," says Shamir's manager, entrepreneur Aaron Lee. "Its not just about the concert. It is about being a part of something that is going to change lives."
A date for the concert has not been finalized but Aaron will remain in Kampala to introduce Shamir and iron out the details until the concert is realized.
In the meantime Shamir spared a moment to talk to UGPulse. Away from the flashy cars and high energy concerts seen in his videos, it was surprising to see how humble and down-to-earth the emerging artist was. Born in Kampala and later exiled to Kenya, he has been living in America for the past 15 years where he has helped shape the modern sound of Hip-Hop Reggae. Shamir is one of most anticipated performers in the Hip-Hop Reggae industry today, and feels that "it is time to come home!" His message is one of "love, peace, and unity." Shamir believes that he has been given the gift to share this through music.
Shamir.
How come we have not heard about you before... Where have you been?
I left Uganda when I was young and I have been preparing myself for a long time musically, mentally and physically to come home. I wanted to make sure that when I went, I was bringing the people a sound of unification, a sound of love and peace. I needed to make sure that the timing was correct.
Music has taken on a new level in Uganda how are you prepared for that?
It is not about whether I am ready for Uganda, because I have been preparing myself for so long. It is about whether Uganda is ready for me! Our message is about joining together under one banner. Just get ready for a big and exciting show! I feel this is my calling... I have prepared my whole life for this.
What sort of music do you do and what is different from what we have today in Uganda?
My music is a mixture of Hip-Hop, Reggae, R&B, Blues, and African Rhythm guitars... this is what makes my sound unique. It reaches all cultures and all ears. People will be excited to see the band play and to see the way the music flows. I believe the main difference will be the energy and the interaction with the people.
How many albums have you released to date?
This will be my second full length album.
Who composes your music?
I write and arrange all music.
After watching your stage performance, I realized that you are a good performer with a lot of energy. How do you do this?
God has given me a talent that I represent and I cannot take for granted. When I am on stage I feel that my music is bigger than myself and it's my gift to the world and to those that I am performing for. That is where my spirit comes from.
You have a fan base in the USA. How have you managed to achieve this with all the competition that is out there?
Before I do a CD, I devote a lot of time to research and creating a plan that lets my music be heard. I feel that my music has a message that brings people together from all different tribes, cities, colors and races. It is my duty and truly my honor to bring the music and message I make to anyone and everyone.
So what should Ugandans expect from you in the near future?
Not only can they look forward to the biggest and baddest show around, but my new CD "PEOPLE CHANGE" is coming out soon as well, so they can look for that on my website www.shamirmusic.us and www.myspace.com/shamir02, I-tunes, Cd-Baby, and really any other store online.
We are super excited about having my new CD. We are having our International launch on July 2nd, so be ready!
Shamir.
Now that America knows Shamir, what are your plans for Africa?
I am coming home and I have missed Africa for so long. I feel it is my calling to help and reach out to better our people. So saying that, God has given me this opportunity and with that I want to live up to His expectations musically and with regards to humanitarianism.
Apart from music what else do you do?
I love the area that I live in, so sometimes I go hang out with my friends in the city. I love watching football and basketball. I play tennis and go to the gym. I am a normal person like everyone else... I live a normal life.
Have you signed a record deal?
Honestly, I have not taken a record deal yet. I am wanting to represent music the best that I can, so even though there have been offers, I have declined them until I feel it is the right one.
Have you been following Ugandan music?
Of course, Uganda is my heart. I feel like the musicians from Uganda are on the same level as anyone else so I still look to them for influences. The great late Philly Lutaya has been playing on my I-pod for the past couple of months.
Any message to your fans?
I appreciate all you are doing and have done. I am humbled for the opportunity to come and share my music with you. Words cannot express how thankful I am. I will do my best to represent our faith and message on stage and in my music. So keep your heads high and be in peace and love with God.
You have come out with full force. What else should we expect from Shamir?
Expect high energy, something unique and never done before. Expect a new sound and a new experience. I am honored to say that I have some of America's top musicians with me on this tour so expect the best show you have ever seen. We are so excited.
Thank you so much for your time, all the best from UGPulse during your African tour and your entire music career.
Thank you for having me and for your support, Ugandans are so lucky to have you.
