Already started showing what his made of, Godfrey Shula Mukuka alias Shula Kuka talks to us about his music journey, he also tells us why it’s easy to relate to his hip hop/rap songs and a lot more.
1. Would you tell our viewers who you are and where you from?
SHULA KUKA: My full names are Godfrey Shula Mukuka, I’m from Lusaka where I was born and spent most of my childhood.
2. What are you rapping about and why did you choose that particular subject matter?
SHULA KUKA: In the song Ma Kwacha I am rapping about how to make something big out of whatever one has. The money is both literal and figurative. So when I say, “scheme on how to take kwacha ngwees and turn them into ma kwacha” I’m also saying think about how to take something small and turn it into something big. You can also interpret it as making good of out a bad situation.
3. Was there a specific moment in your life where you thought, “music is what I want to do”?
SHULA KUKA: Thursday 24th April, 2008. The first time I ever stepped into a music booth. If I would point to a specific moment that would be the one.
4. Is rapping your real passion and why are you doing this?
SHULA KUKA: Yes rapping is my passion. Why? Let’s just call it love. You don’t get to choose who or what you love and that is what happened to me with rap. To me, it is the most authentic musical genre out there. In rap you can talk about literally anything. You can talk about life, death, politics, society, money, religion, you name it. It encompasses the human condition. I don’t know any other musical genre that does that better. That’s why I love rap.
5. Flow or Lyrics-What do you put first?
SHULA KUKA: Lyrics first. Always. Flow is great because it helps you stand out as a rapper which is very important but lyrics are powerful enough to touch a person’s soul. And music is not only meant to be heard but felt as well.
6. Whether you’re an actor, musician, or artist, I imagine it is hard for anyone to break out into mainstream Zambia. What have been your struggles and triumphs in the business? Are you interested in venturing to markets overseas?
SHULA KUKA: Well money is number one of course. I don’t believe it should the motivation for a true artist but in a growing industry like ours one cannot undermine its importance.
7. What keeps you going and what makes you think you have something that everybody needs to take a moment and listen to?
SHULA KUKA: What keeps me going is my love for music. I just love it and I wouldn’t stop even if I tried. You’d have to take my heart out to take music out of me because that’s where music lives. In my heart.
What makes me think I have something everybody needs to listen to? To be honest I don’t really think that way. I just make the music and if people take a listen to it then that’s a bonus for me. I’ll make music regardless of whether I’m famous for it or not. But i know that i have something that people can listen to and appreciate. I want people to listen to Shula Kuka and say, “i can relate to his music and I’m inspired by it.” And i mean inspired in a positive way.
8. So, do you think Zambia is the best place for up and coming artists? explain
SHULA KUKA: There’s no better place to thrive than where you are. The Zambian music industry may not be at the level we want but it is improving everyday. I truly believe that it is destined for great things.
9. Which current artist do you respect the most and why?
SHULA KUKA: Locally, it’s a tough call but I’d go with B-Flow. I respect B-Flow because he is one artist who has used his music and his position to bring about a positive effect on his society. He stands for the right causes.
Internationally, I’d go for Kendrick Lamar. Not only is he one of the greatest rappers of his generation but he too uses his music to address important issues in his society. These two artists, in my opinion are great examples of how important musicians can be in society when they use their talents for more than just entertainment.
10. Do we expect any project from you anytime soon?
SHULA KUKA: Yes, definitely. I’m working on a number of songs two of which should be released this July.
11. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in his or her career, whatever industry it may be?
SHULA KUKA: Whatever you do, do it out of love.
Listen to some of Shula Kuka’s songs here