While she has got some good songs to her name, Pia’s breakthrough happened amidst the pandemic when she released the song “Tupaate” which trended and topped charts on radios and televisions.

Pia Pounds Pulse Live Uganda

Who would you say Pia Pounds is?

I was born Tracy Kirabo in 1996 to my lovely dad Joseph and the late Jessica Musitate. My mum rested at the age of two years and I was later raised by my family relatives. Though it was a hustle of hard life, doing odd jobs like waitressing, supermarket attending, sim card vending and more to survive as a girl child, with God I survived. I never fear getting my hands dirty as long as I am cashing in money.

What inspired you to venture into the music business?

At the age of 15, I was already singing and the world should know that music has been part of my life. Relatives say my mom used to sing at the Miracle Center cathedral so I think it’s an inborn talent.

I have a couple of accolades from school because of singing and acting so no doubt, I belong in the entertainment streets.

Professionally, I started with going to West End studios that was owned by Aziz Azion in Makindye to back up different artists at a small fee which boosted my confidence in music.

Ragga Dee gave me an opportunity and I did a song with him in my O’level and after that collabo, focused on my A ‘level studies then returned to music in my second year at the university.

How does Kenzo and Big Talent get into your life?

My connections were through a friend and producer Kuseim who used to produce music from Big Talent studios. I wanted to record music and one time he invited me to the studio to record. When Kenzo listened to my music in his studio, he said he wanted to add something to the song but later it turned out that he wanted to sign me onto his label.

Pia Pounds and Eddy Kenzo Pulse Live Uganda

What exactly happened that you left Big Talent in such a short time?

One thing that made me leave amongst the many was having a piece of mind and freedom. I chose to be mentally free and build my career. The so many false allegations that were surrounding me and my brand left me with no choice but to depart. The relationship I had with Kenzo was healthy and only professional with no feelings attached, but people always mistook that and accused us of being intimate.

Our conversations and relationship were mostly all about music and building my career. To avoid ruining my whole career, I had to depart from Big Talent.

What’s your current relationship with Eddy Kenzo?

We are very good friends. Eddy is an icon that everyone would love to interact with for guidance and motivation. Whenever I have a musical challenge, Kenzo never hesitates bailing me out.

Are you friends with Rema?

Nope. We are not friends. I will leave it at that.

What’s the inspiration behind the Tupaate song?

I originally wrote the song with the help of my producer Kuseim. The lyrics were all inspired by the party moments and the Friday vibes feelings of Ugandans. The simple lyrics didn’t call for over thinking, everyone around the studio loved the song even when it was still in its bakery and that’s how I knew it was going to be a banger.We mastered and mixed it to a point that everyone will love it and released it.

Pia Pounds Pulse Live Uganda

Tupaate has been the talk of town last year, what’s the feeling of having a hit topping chart especially in lock down?

It’s a feeling hard to explain because it’s so extraordinary. I feel so blessed and I thank God for this opportunity. I pray he blesses me with more hits and music so I don’t let my fans down but bless them with more bangers because I was born and gifted to do music.

It took some time off after its release for Tupaate to become a hit. What do you think was the issue?

God’s timing is always the best and maybe that’s the time he had set for it to be a hit song. I personally don’t think there’s a duration for when a song will become a hit. Some people take time to understand the music when you are still an upcoming musician unlike the already established artistes whose influence is bigger and music is easily pushed by their numbers and following.

Didn’t MC Africa’s video challenge give the song mileage to be a hit?

The vibe he was on in that video is what the song really talks about so I won’t deny him credit. He played a very big role in pushing that song but not forgetting the fact that it’s a good song too. MC Africa will always be part of my story forever that’s why he was featured on the remix.

I posted the challenge he did on my social media platforms which also gave him mileage and pushed his brand. I brought him to Kampala and we did media tours together for him to shine more. He is now getting endorsement deals with different companies because of the song.

Is it true you begged Eddy Kenzo to feature on the Tupaate remix to make use of his big numbers and followers?

Eddy brought up a suggestion of him featuring on the Tupaate remix when I had gone to introduce MC Africa to him. At first, I thought he was joking, until he proved his seriousness about the project and that’s how the remix happened.

How did you feel when some fans bashed the remix saying Kenzo didn't deliver as expected?

Ugandans will always say anything whether negative or positive but you just have to stick to what builds you and ignore the rest. I believe he did a very good job on the remix and the song even trended more and became more popular.

Were influencers involved in promoting this song especially on social media?

I also have fans that love every piece of my work - that’s what most people don’t know. I didn’t pay anyone money to push my work but it was genuine love for the song and God’s blessings that people were sharing it everywhere on social media.

Is it true you spend more time on social media than making more good music?

Everyone has a right to their opinions. And I don’t blame people for whatever they want to say. I am on this musical journey and I know what I am preparing for my fans. I do everything according to my plans, I always have studio time and alone time. I don’t mix the two because I am human and I know how I handle my daily errands.

I wouldn’t also mind people saying I spend most time on social media because it’s the very platforms that have pushed my music mostly to everyone’s ears.

Who is the lucky man?

[Laughs] I always like to keep that as a secret, I want people to be speculative about that topic. Whenever I am asked this question, it makes me happy and bursts in laughter but God willing a day will come and I will let the world know about someone’s son. For now, keep thinking out loud.

What would you really look out for in man?

I believe it all starts with loving me unconditionally and that’s the best and most outstanding thing I would first look out for from a man. On a personal level it’s not all about the money or riches or looks, all these without love is a waste of time and playing with one’s feelings.

Do people love your music because of your body?

[Bursts in laughter] nope it’s not that. I have good music and I have the talent. The rest are simple things. I serve good music and also look good with a nice body and trust me on this every female musician would love to have them.

Besides the studio time and school, what takes your other time?

Cooking and swimming take up my spare time. The biggest enjoyment is shopping and filling my closet. Sometimes it happens to be window shopping [laughs].

Pia Pounds On Graduation Pulse Live Uganda

After graduating, what’s your next move?

I am looking at going for a master’s degree at the same university after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. I also have a lot of new music that is going to be released soon. Good thing the industry is opening soon.