Cleopatra's Whispers

UMEME's back at it again!!

2012-01-03T11:19:00.000-08:00

The new year 2012 is finally here but it is being made gloomy and boring all too quickly due to UMEME's endless load-shedding/cutting off of power supply. :(
It pains me to say this but Uganda, my country, when will we ever truly develop and be beyond such issues???
It is just the 3rd of January but electricity is going off in almost all places.
I was at work in Bugolobi then power went off, so we had to bare the noise of the generator, finally the day's work ends and am eagerly going back home, looking forward to taking a nice long shower, making myself a nice meal and sitting in my couch to watch a series but just as i turn onto the road to my house, there is total black out!!! AAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!
We were promised that the Bujagali Dam would be complete by now and that the power cuts would greatly reduce or stop but considering that I have been in darkness for the past four hours in the house except for the light from my lamp and laptop, I worry that this might not be so. Are we being taken for a ride? Are the promises real? Who out there believes we will soon have no more load-shedding? Please share your sentiments and experiences with this load-shedding. I need some hope.
One thing I must commend UMEME for though is the fact that they endeavored not to load-shed during the festive season all the way from 24th DEC 2011 to 1st January 2012.... or am I wrong?? If your home area had no electricity during that time, vent and let it out here, let's share our pain.
I would go on and on but time check now is 10:11pm and I gotta rest....... Oh and guess what? The power is back. ...... C'est la vie.
xoxo

I am NOT my hair!!

2011-12-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

Many of us go through transformations at some point in our lives, some of us more than others. When this happens in my life, I refer to it as 'going through a transition'. Yes, I have been through it. It was in 2008 December that I decided to cut off my hair and start growing dreadlocks... some people thought me insane but then the look grew on them and now they do not want me to cut my dreads off. ;) I am powerless without the dreads & will lose my super natural strength once they are cut off. Hee hee hee heeee...

Anyway, a friend of mine recently decided to SHAVE off all his hair.... You may know him; popular guy, plays the guitar, has a soulful voice and a strong persona that you may mistake him for having a big ego but it is not bad. His name is Maurice Kirya. Some of you may say "WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WAS HE THINKING??!!"Don't ask me, I do not know but here are my guesses:

1. Too tired of his hair and the heat was not helping the situation so he thought what better way than to shave it all off.

2. Had an outbreak of lice. (boo ha ha ha ha ha ha!)

3. Undergoing chemotherapy (doubt it!)

4. Got a big time film role and is required to be bald. (Hey, why not take the dollars, the hair will grow back anyway.)

5. Became a monk

6. A new look for his 2O12 album

7. Starting a new chapter in his life so this is his way of shedding off the past. (THIS MUST BE IT!)

Although it may take you a few seconds or a minute to recognize Maurice Kirya now, I personally like the new look and it has given him a strong masculine edge like that of Michael Jordan, Common, or Djimon Hounsou-- unlike the "too cute" Afro style he had before. Who comes to mind now when I see Maurice? Um, let me see... ..... Ah, yes! Boris Kodjoe--NOT that they look alike, don't get me wrong, but the facial features stand out the same way.

Lots of personalities have shaved off their hair at some point and still looked good; Lenny Kravitz, Brian McKnight, Tyrese, Bruce Willis... the list is endless.

So which look did you prefer? I do not mind either as long as he keeps making great music. He is not his hair and neither are you. It's all in the mind so you can do everything you are skilled/talented at with or without your hair! This does not mean go and do something drastic to your hair like Britney Spears did. ;)

xoxo

Using MUSIC to GIVE BACK!!

2011-12-24T06:02:00.000-08:00

It is said that Christmas is a time for giving and sharing. I believe it is.
There is an air of excitement around me.... Xmas carols playing around the city, decorations in place, people shopping gifts and all.....
While I was doing my radio show a few weeks ago at Radiocity 97fm, members of Swangz Avenue (one of the best music production houses in Uganda) came to meet with my bosses about something. Later on, my colleague and I in the studio received a mention we had to read out on air and I was touched.
Swangz Avenue artists and friends compiled a special 9-track Christmas album titled Do They Know its Xmas and after I listened to it just today, (yes today, Xmas Eve, because I finally had some "me time") I felt compelled to share this with you.
The album is being given away free of charge in exchange for a non-monetary donation in the form of clothes, shoes, warm beddings or foods that don't spoil easily.
Swangz Avenue did this as a way of reaching out and blessing the less privileged children in our community and it is an effort of theirs to brighten these children's Xmas through combination of music, clothes and food.
I find this a wonderful way of sharing and giving. My favourite songs on this album are: Joy in the Silent Night (Brian Mugenyi), Mary Did You Know (Pragmo), Oh Holy Night (Michael Ouma), Ho Ho We should all be Singing (Richy) and The King is Born Today (Benon & Vamposs).
Find out which are your favorites. Get your own copy of this Xmas album by simply donating something for the less privileged children now.
You can take your donations to Radiocity 97fm situated in Bugolobi on Jilak House, Spring Road Tel: +256-312-970000.
OR at Tuskys Kitintale, Tuskys Ntinda, Tuskys Makerere and Uchumi supermarket.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY 2012 TO YOU ALL! :)

Love Life, Love Music!!!

2011-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

There is a new sound in town. If you haven't heard it yet, you should. It's Radiocity 97FM with a swanky slogan 'Love Life, Love Music'. There is less talk and more music, lots of infotainment and you get to request all your favourite songs. Click on the link http://www.facebook.com/pages/Radiocity-97FM/191506874203527& join the Radiocity family to be a part of all their phone topics via Facebook. Radiocity 97FM, where the fun is!!!

Check out the website too www.radiocity.ug

I host a show dubbed THE JAM every Monday to Friday with Hakeem the Dream from 3pm-7pm.

xoxo

JUL/AUG issue of African Woman UG

2011-08-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Get yourself a copy of the latest African Woman magazine & enjoy news about the world, fashion, trends, style & much more! Also get to read articles written by Cleopatra Koheirwe and learn how to love your body no matter the shape. Join the facebook page of African woman Magazine http://www.facebook.com/africanwomanmag and also check out the website www.africanwomanmagazine.net You can also follow African Woman magazine on Twitter http://www.twitter.com/africanwomanmag

Wats happening to Uganda?

2011-04-11T05:43:00.000-07:00

I am not happy about our situation in Uganda, politically and economically. Well, everyone around the world is going through a financial crisis or has felt its pinch but now, what is happening in Uganda is that we cannot even do a peaceful demonstration to let our voice be heard. If u dare, u will be bombarded with tear gas, police all over the place and their "S.W.A.T." team ready to tackle any one with something to say.
Is this what our country has come to? We can't speak or walk for a cause affecting us all? I thought that they (police) being aware of how far UG has come politically, they would be more careful how they handled issues but no, i think history is about to repeat itself.
Watching the news on TV was really upsetting as I saw unarmed civilians and a few MPs being manhandled or forced to enter the police tracks. Some individuals like Besigye were carried and thrown into the truck then carried out again and dragged into a police station, for what? For walking to work. U might be wondering what I am talking about but to make it clear, MPs and representatives of the opposition decided to do a "WALK TO WORK' peaceful demonstration with the aim of drawing attention to the increase of fuel prices. We believe our government can do anything so we expect them to give heed and help us the civilians. It is not that I support any of the parties that demostrated but this cause is universal and called for. The fuel prices are unbearable.
Such political figures who risk their lives to help put across the issues affecting all of us are the people we need to represent us unlike most of the MPs in government who simply drive posh cars, grow big bellies, sign up to posh clubs and ignore all that is happening around them. Simply selfish!! As long as they are well off, who cares, right? C'mon! Seriously?? We the civilians care! We pay taxes and we need to be protected from all this otherwise a layman will not be able to survive in this country anymore. Fuel is not the only commodity that has gone up, even a simple big loaf of bread is now close to USH 3000, sugar, rice et cetera. Our dear Ugandan government, we need u to hear us out, we need u to show u are on our side not against us otherwise with the news we watch, we might lose faith in u and doubt where your loyalty lies. U seem to be biased and we are starting to see through u.
Go on and make us proud to be Ugandan again! We still have faith in you.
Below are some links but you can google for more news on this Walk to Work demonstration and what happened.
http://ugandapicks.com/2011/04/the-walk-to-work-demonstration-taking-place-in-kampala.html
http://ugandapicks.com/2011/04/dp-president-nobert-mao-walks-to-work.html

SO U WANT TO BE AN ACTOR/ACTRESS?!

2011-02-07T06:16:00.000-08:00

A friend & fellow actor Munene Mutuma inspired me to write this after I read his post on acting. Over and over again, I have received emails and texts and met people who tell me they too are interested in acting. This warms my heart but the funny thing is that they think I can make their dreams come true. The fact is that I cannot. IT STARTS WITH U! I never had it easy getting to where I am and I did not get favours either. I am where I am due to hard work, perseverance and determination. I knew I wanted to be an entertainer ever since I was a little girl, I just hoped I made it. I used to take part in most of the creative activities, music, dance & drama. I acted in theatre while at Namasagali College and that is where I was sighted by the Obsessions and asked to join. I watched them for a year and joined in 2001 then all I wanted to be stating unfolding from then on. We don’t have acting agents here yet and it will take a long time before that starts I guess. Acting agents sight talent and make you a star, if I may easily put it.

If u know u have something u really want to do, go for it and try to make it happen. You won't get far if u think all u can do is ask people to get u connections or help u get to where u want as u simply sit on your bottom and wait. I was at auditions some time and this young woman said, "I wish we could act only in the evenings, after 5pm." Those around looked at her in disbelief and I said to her, "If u are chosen to play a certain role in a project, u will have to make sure u make time to be there. Acting is a job too and so u can shoot all day into the night if required." She said it was her first time auditioning and this is something she is trying out. Not bad for her, I am glad she took the initiative. I have taken time to write down the following, I hope all of u interested in acting take time to read this & hopefully, the emails about this topic will reduce as u will know what to do to follow your dream.

WHAT U SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ACTING

It is not easy and it is not a by-the-way. It is a profession, a job in which you have to put your time, effort and commitment. In a feature film, documentary or TV series, there are timelines which are things in the script that determine time of day, date and weather. There are day scenes, night scenes, rainy scenes and so on depending on what is in the script and this cannot all be shot after 5pm like the young woman above hoped. That is why actors/actresses spend more time on the set, working!
Acting takes patience! It can be monotonous and strenuous because u act for hours and hours and repeat the same scene more than twice in order for the Director of Photography-D.O.P. (locally known to many as the camera man, but in film, this is his title which comes with a lot of professionalism and experience) to take shots of the scene in different angles.
Acting requires discipline. Know your lines and the story of your character so you are on cue while acting and in sync with your co-actor. Keep time. Respect your fellow cast and the crew. Respect yourself too. Avoid alcohol or partying if you know you are to be on set the next day because this will show on camera, and it might affect your performance and professionalism.
Acting opportunities in Uganda are still minimal so the projects are seasonal but the industry is slowly growing. The filmmakers we have invest a lot into a project and sometimes are lucky if they are funded by a sponsor production house abroad or a local company. You as an actor should make your payment negotiations with the people concerned before you take up a role. If you are not comfortable doing it, then don't because you will waste everyone's (cast & crew) time including yours.
Acting is a talent, it should come naturally and if you really feel that you can do it, watch a lot of films, documentaries and biographies to learn more about the actors/actresses' experiences, acting and anything to do with this field.
Maintain a good working relationship with directors, co-actors and everyone on cast and crew team because our film industry is small and word goes around first if you are a real pain in everyone's a**. I am not saying suck up, No! Let your voice be heard but do it in a professional manner.
What u should do to get started:

§Research: Read Newspapers, magazines and watch film programmes that host actors and film makers. Look out for anything that talks about film as you could find some useful information. Research the acting techniques {Meisner, method acting etc}, watch clips of how to do them on You tube. Also take part in plays & have people who will be honest with you assess your performance.

§ Notice boards: Always check the notice boards especially at the Uganda National Theatre for any info to do with film or theatre auditions. The more acting experience you have on your CV, the better for a film career.

§ Attend film premieres and film festivals: Here you will get to mix and mingle with film makers, actors/actresses and you might get an opportunity to hear of a new project that you could audition for. Film festivals are usually free. In Uganda, we have the Amakula film Festival, Maisha Film Festival and the German-French Film festival so far. Premieres most times require you to buy tickets but the range is usually between USH 10k to 100k (VIP) depending on the organisers. If you really want this, u will make an effort to attend.

§ Auditions: Go for auditions. Every actor/actress should go through this before attaining any role. Don't worry, being nervous is normal. I can never get used to it. :) But give it your BEST! Ask where you do not understand. Sometimes though, an established actor/actress will be called upon and given an offer of a role in a certain production but this happens after most of his/her work has been seen by filmmakers and they know his/her potential. Auditions should be free, if you go somewhere and you are being charged a fee to audition, then that is strange.

§ Take acting classes: This is a little tricky because acting classes aren’t available in East Africa but Maisha Film Lab at the National theatre is one film company I know that helps nurture acting skills, camera, script writing and son. You can go there and find out more. I have not been a part of Maisha before but I believe they can help get you started. There’s a lot you can get off the internet too but be careful because the sources may not be so credible.

Modelling agencies: These days, most production companies contact modelling agencies when they are looking for models/ actors. Unfortunately a few individuals have identified this as the new get rich quick scheme so be careful, some of them are scams or use only a handful their ‘best’ models.

Stay in shape or get into shape: Most of our local celebrities in East Africa gain weight after they start making bank. Nobody invests in their body, be one of the few & you will have an edge over the competition.

Facebook: Where would we be without it, huh? Make use of facebook too. There are many film groups but u need to search them up and see if any info suits you.

I wish you all the best! :)
Cheers!
Cleopatra.

Changes Season 2 trailer

2010-10-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

OMG!

2010-10-18T15:03:00.000-07:00

Just dropped in to say a quick "HELLO! I"M STILL HERE!" ;-)
It has been a while since I posted something on my blog... shame on me, right? ... Darn it! I apologise for the silence. I do have a lot to tell you about what I have been up to; poetry, acting, my new music... blah blah blah ... as well as other stuff but I need to get some good "me" time and spill it all out.
Oh, before I go, to those of you in Africa, please make sure you do not miss out on the African TV series Changes, on DSTV's M-Net East channel 101. I act in it. :-) If you do not know about it, check it out on my facebook page or its facebook page, see photos and read about story. I hope it will also air on local channels soon after so that everybody gets a chance to watch it. Ta-ta!
Chat soon!
xoxo
Cleopatra.

Am back...

2010-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Oh my... it's been a very long while since I last posted something on my blog.... Where do I start?
It has been a busy year, and it still is going on.... I am acting in the second season of CHANGES, an M-Net East African TV series, being filmed in Kenya. All is going on well, but I just hope I will be done in time to go back to Uganda.
A lot to do there too. I miss Ugandan food.... :-(
I miss my munchkin sugarplum... Lol
I miss my family.... well, consolation is that I have my cousins and aunt & uncle who live in Nairobi so it's not that lonely. I also have some cool friends, most of them from the CHANGES set.
I also miss everyone I work with at African Woman magazine.
Anyway, gotta go now, just wanted to say hey and fill u in on what's up.
Meanwhile, I released my first single titled "Ngamba" which means "Tell me", u should listen to it. check out my facebook page.
Nuff love! :-)

DON'T SHOOT!!

2010-02-10T06:09:00.000-08:00

I feel angry at the way some police officials misuse their guns and abuse their offices. First, well not first, (it could have been the umpteenth time it was happening but the first time it got pointed out by our dear media), about three students in Bugema Adventist Secondary School, (my old school by the way, O-Level) were shot and injured by one of the security guards, just because they were demonstrating. I think one or two of the students died. What was this guard high on? These were unarmed students for Pete's sake--unarmed! Couldn't he just shoot in the air? We don't have to go to shooting school to know that rule. Did he think or fear that they were going to turn into werewolves? This isn't TWILIGHT, it's real life. I love the movie though... but, really, these security people lose it a lot these days. You might even get shot at in the bank just coz you didn't join the queue.

Well, most of you are aware of our musician's condition, Bebecool, yeah, some cop shot at him more than four times injuring both his thighs... Even when Bebe fell down, the cop kept on shooting at him with such venom that even anyone who tried to save the situation got shot at too.NO HEROES! My God! what's this world coming to? If you dono what happened, Bebecool was leaving Effendy's and finds this cop harrassing another new musician, (Bebecool loves to defend his own unless you are a rebel among your own--if you get what I mean), so he asks the cop to leave him be that he too is an artiste and he aint doing nothing but minding his biz in his car.... to cut the story short, cop loses it, feels like Bebecool is trying to steal his thunder and he cocks his gun.... "Woooww don't shoot!" But then, bullets go flying everywhere like it was a scene in a movie, am not good at story telling especially something i didn't see for myself so you can check the web for any information connecting to this and find out more for yourself but dear people, the cop was way out of line here, and this time, there were witnesses. You can tell how serious it was because even Kayihura, the police force leader, apologised to Bebecool and... WAIT FOR IT... our president H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, went to visit Bebecool at the hospital.... Now that's what I call, making amends and trying to right a wrong.... Kudos Mr President. Bebe, wish u a quick recovery...

Security is meant to make us feel safe, Police is meant to protect us but lately, it seems civilians are in a silent war with all these gun powered people.... (sigh) I hope all will be better soon. This is why I do not like poli-trics...i mean, politics, it's a mess.
These are my sentiments, what are yours?

BE AN INSPIRATION!

2010-02-01T00:04:00.000-08:00

I really do not understand it when someone who knows that they should be passing on a message to the masses, and should be looking for positive ways to enhance his/her life and those of others resorts to violence and chaos!
What is happening to some of our local musicians??!! This is now affecting the industry and people are even getting the guts to put up discussions such as "The ways in which musicians are affecting the youths' aspirations and direction today". What??? Seriously??? I do not believe it. This is ridiculous.
Yes, you might say we are all human but when we choose to do what we do, which puts us in the public eye, we must expect that there are many people who look up to us and we must try and live up to it. We may slip sometimes, but, always repeating the same mistake is sheer stubbornness, hooliganism and lack of self respect and respect for others... The way you treat people around you really tells how you feel about yourself and the sort of person you are... Please, let us be more positive, more inspirational and let us gear the youths to the right direction. We are not perfect but we can only try to do what's right and appropriate. Hatred is a tool of destruction; let's not let it be a part of our hearts. This goes out to all other public figures: politicians, artists, journalists and so on. As long as you know you stand out from the crowd, you have a role to play in this world. I can't say no more.
These are my sentiments, what are yours?

UMEME, wa guan?

2009-09-16T05:16:00.000-07:00

I want to love these guys but my heart is slowly failing me. What is it with the continuos mistakes they make with the electricity bills, and the overcharging or should I say ridiculous figures they come up with at the end of the months? Oh, bot forgetting the unnecessary power cuts and mix ups!!! What am about to share has been on going by the way! Just when you thin kthings are better, you're back to where you started!

Here I was, thinking, "C.K. get home and take a lovely warm shower, make some nice dinner and eat it while watching your favourite series Brothers & Sisters" but alas! I found my place in sheer darkness! I call up the Umeme customer care line and after giving the guy on the other end the account number, and calmly... (did i say calmly?) Ok, and as calmly as i could, telling him my UMEME frustrations, I got a humble response, "Sorry madam, there seems to have been a mistake. You were not the one supposed to be disconnected. We will rectify it as soon as possible but this will have to be next week on monday seeing that tomorrow is a saturday and right now it's after 8pm." (WHAAAAAAAAAAT??) "The electricians don't work on weekends." he politely went on. I wanted to scream or blow up.... but these customer care guys, i must give it to them, they know how to cool us off. Not that I would want a rude attendant but they are good. More money for them. If only the electricity issues were as smooth as the customer care service!

Anyway, I stayed in darkness the whole weekend; more of candle lit dinners and conversations-- wasn't bad for a change. (I say, look at the bright side....LOL )
As soon as Monday struck, I had to follow up and make sure my complaint was cleared. The electrician was apologetic and connected my power back on. All forgiven, bygones!

I am now in the month of September and haven't yet received the bills of July and August. Who is in charge of delivering this stuff?? Seriously, they should be fired! So I get a call a few days ago from UMEME customer care, (they have my number now- not with al the complaints I raise) and the gentleman tells me my renumeration for July/August but adds, "...The bill for August is not yet ready. You can go on and pay if you don't mind or you can wait for the August bill which comes with past month's bill too and you can pay at once."
"Okay, thank you." I said.
Wow! nice people. They actually call us back. I get back home and there is no power! AGAIN!!! I am the only one in the neighbourhood with no power! GOODNESS! The whole process again and remember each time you call customer care, a different person speaks to you. What makes it easier is if you wrote down your complaint number on a piece of paper or in a book and you have it ready with you but how i hate repeating myself!

I rest my case! I get disconnected when I have no pending balance and I still get disconnected when I haven't yet received the bill. what do they want from me?!!!? (sigh! sigh!) At least they are quick to respond.
Anyway, this time it wasn't their fault, it was a short circuit or something that had forced the button in the box to automatically switch off.
People, what we go through with these electricity bills can fill up a book! LOL
I will continue to be a patient citizen.... for a bit...... ;-)

CHARMED!

2009-09-16T04:43:00.000-07:00

Ok. So as I was driving to work this morning, listening to one of my favourite morning shows (I like two on different stations so i take turns to listen to both, haha), the interesting presenters went on an on about charms, black magic, child crucifixion.... I think you know how this topic goes. They were trying to understand why people go to desperate measures to seek redemption or success and talked of how dangerous it can get. One posed the question, "If you are used to having a charm or being given something from a witch doctor to help you get what you want, when the next time you go to this WD, and you were asked to take a head of a child(Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!) wouldn't you do so?"

Oh dear, I get a chill by the thought of this. Seriously, we must be careful what we wish for and sometimes what may seem harmless in the beginning could end up costing you your soul..... Any of you ever watched Ghost Rider? (OK! I know you might say, here come the movies, but seriously, this is a good example of what it can be like for an individual that is tied down by an oath to the wrong force- forget the marvel comic character but focus on the lesson you learn from it. Just watch the movie already! U will enjoy it.) The co-host then mentioned that there is holy water that people are given to go and sprinkle on their clothes and belongings for good luck, plus, holy bread.... not aware what this one does but as a bread lover, i am curious about this one. LOL

So, I continue, now where was I? Oh, the witch doctor and the child's head, now people, to some extent, we all are superstitious; for example, don't jump a friend's legs if they are seated down, don't sweep at night, mbu, you will be sweeping money away, eh! And this one: Don't whistle at night because you are inviting snakes (Yikeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!) Ok, some of these were put there to help us have better conduct but when it comes to this strange charm stuff, how superstitious are you and how far can you go to get what you want? Do you break all norms, values and humane principles?

We so need guardian Angels with us all the time, our world is a weird one when it comes to the supernatural. Figuring it out is like trying to understand why government stopped the Buganda prime minister from going to .... where was it again? Oh well, that's a whole other story that I am not telling!

The award goes to KANYE WEST...er sorry, to T.I.

2009-09-15T04:15:00.000-07:00

One thing I will never understand is why Kanye West is so damn stubborn during music awards! Why he always feels he has to disagree with the musician announced as the award winner beats me! Remember when he complained in 2007 or is it 2008 (who cares!?) that he deserved to win the award and not the person that was announced? He even said he wouldn't attend the MTV awards again... So umm, why were u present again? To make a fool of yourself? Oh... right.

Recently at the MTV Video Music Awards, he rushed to the stage while young and talented Taylor Swift (whose song Love Story i love to bits) was giving her speech and grabbed the mic from her saying, "I am happy for you Taylor and i'ma let u finish but Beyonce had the best video of all time!" He went on to make a face of "Hate me but it's a fact and it's my opinion!" Poor Taylor looked on in disbelief and Beyonce was shocked in her seat as she said, "O my God!"

Kanye, this was outright rude! I love Beyonce too but you should have let Taylor Swift enjoy her moment. You went ahead to steal her thunder! Thanks to Beyonce for giving Swift a chance to complete her speech, indeed Beyonce is extraordinary... Kudos.

What the bloody, er, soil is wrong with Kanye? Is he usually high on something or does he just want attention at these awards? Well if he was meant to win an award that night, he jinxed it coz everytime his name was mentioned as a nominee in any category, he was booed. OUCH! In fact, T.I. won the award he probably would have taken home but well, T.I. is off the hizzy too. He can do whatever u like... LOL

I like Kanye's music btw and his album 808's & Heartbreaks broke my heart..... I mean, it was touching. I like it. I play Love Lockdown, Bad News, Coldest Winter and C u in my Nightmare which features Lil Wayne on my ipod any chance I get.... he is good at what he does, I won't dispute that but it is his manners that disappoint me. He has a big ego..... I love his ego... U know that song? Weird thing is he did the remix to that song with Beyonce. Figures why he felt he had to step up for her... unnecessarily.

Kanye, don't be a pain pliz. Hopefully at the next awards you will bite your tongue before u storm the stage and say something you will regret.... eti, he apologised to Taylor Swift, her fans and her mom. Didn't you know what you were doing? What's your problem Kanye? Get with it dude. Oh well, Welcome to heartbreak!

ALL LIGHTS ON!

2009-09-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

Cleopatra Koheirwe (me)

Hello my dears, guess you're wondering where i have been, huh? Yeah. I know. Had a lot to do and no time to fill up my blog but here is an interview that was done of me by one of the top rating magazines in Africa! African Woman magazine - The Voice for Women in Africa. It is a Ugandan magazine with two publications; one in Uganda, another in Kenya. It's slowly growing bigger. Thought I should share this with you so you get to know more about me. Enjoy!
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ALL LIGHTS ON: Cleopatra Koheirwe
Story written by: Diane J. Binta

If I had to sum up Cleopatra in two words they would be diminutive dynamo. There is so much talent and energy contained in this one small actress/singer/dancer/writer/poet/presenter package. And she gives you the impression that she is only getting started.

The Edition Cleopatra featured in

Cleopatra Koheirwe seems to have been set on the path to stardom from day one. She was named after the heroine of the 1973 action film Cleopatra Jones, which her mother loved to watch. “From when I was little girl, I got so tired of people asking me if I knew about the great queen Cleopatra,” Cleo says.
It turns out that Cleo was not named after the Egyptian queen, but after a no-nonsense, kick ass special agent with attitude. And Cleo seems to have a bit of both women in her. There is something quietly regal in the way she carries herself, but also a hint of steel and determination in her eyes when she flashes her bright smile.
While she felt strange to be the only girl at school without a namesake, Cleo was not without friends, as she quickly gravitated towards activities that appealed to her artistic nature. She was always to be found in a drama club, an art club or a choir.
“I was always happiest when I was doing something creative and my breakthrough really came when I joined Namasagali College,” she says. “Being part of a Namasagali production at the National Theatre was such a big deal and I was thrilled to be chosen for the first time in 1999 as a dancer.”
This introduced Cleo to the experience of being in front of a live paying audience. It was after her role in the 2000 production, Secret Agent, that Ronnie Mulindwa of the Obsessions approached Cleo with the idea of joining the group. Her first ever production with them was the aptly named Cleopatra.
Contrary to popular perception, being in the Obsessions while she did her university degree actually kept her out of trouble. “The group was committed and disciplined and everyone looked out for each other. We spent lots of time improving our skills and there was really no time to be out there partying,” Cleo says. The proof of the pudding was in the honours Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree she left the university with.
Cleo may burn up the stage when she dances, but she is more of a quiet, reserved personality off stage. She will unwind by watching a movie, swimming or taking a nap. “I do my laundry and occasionally make mandazis to keep around the house as a snack. I love to cook,” Cleo says..
In 2005, Cleo joined WBS television, where she held slots on an entertainment magazine, a political programme and the fitness programme for which she became immensely popular. From TV, she went into radio, where she was a guest presenter on Capital FM and then worked on the Kampala International University radio station.
Cleo’s hands were very full, but her heart was set on exploring new horizons. An avid novel reader (she was a Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High die hard in high school), Cleo had a love for words and had tried her hand at poetry. She became a contributor to African Woman magazine and as her involvement in the magazine grew, she knew it was time to leave the Obsessions.
“I had grown so much in the Obsessions and would not be anything that I am now without my time there. However, there was nothing more I could offer the group and I needed to develop as Cleo. It was so hard to leave,” she recalls.
Working a 9 to 5 job was a shock to Cleo’s system. “I am always excited about coming to work because I love writing, but office hours were alien to me. I am blessed to work in a place where there is a sense of flexibility, togetherness and team spirit,” she says.
To upgrade her writing skills, Cleo did a correspondence certificate in journalism from the University of South Africa. “I feel I have grown as a writer and as a poet,” Cleo says, adding that she is always learning more.
Cleo’s poetry is mostly about love and death. “Death is real to me because it has taken many loved ones from me – from my parents to close friends. It happens. I am also inspired by love because for me it is the largest part of living,” she says. “I could never write about things like politics. All that comes to mind when you say politics is pretence, lies and hypocrisy.”
Cleo’s dress sense is the envy of many, but unfortunately she has no amazing fashion secrets to share. “I look into my closet before I go to sleep and see something I might like to wear the next day. However, I may wake up feeling different, so my selections are purely random,” Cleo says.
If Cleo wasn’t where she is now, she might have been a painter. “I think being an artist does not allow you time for much else,” Cleo says. “I am happy that I have chosen a path where one experience could link and flow into another; from TV to radio to acting, to music... this path has worked for me.”
It surely has! Working in theatre provided the opening for Cleo’s first movie appearance – in the Idi Amin-inspired drama The Last King of Scotland, no less. She played the supporting role of Joy, and from that has gone on to a role in the new Mnet series Changes. “The pay cheque from Changes helped me buy my new car – I call her Princess!” Cleo says with a giggle.
She is set to begin filming a role in yet another movie to be directed by Donald Mugisha. This time she will have the challenge of a dual role as twins. “I am so fortunate that I can take time off from my job to pursue acting with the full support of my supervisors,” Cleo says.
In 5 to 10 years, Cleo hopes the movie industry will have grown and there will be more work to do, more roles to play and more young talent on the scene. She is also looking forward to new writing challenges and has a bucket list of the things she’d like to do.. Top on the list is a visit to Egypt. “I’ve spent my life being asked about the Cleopatra of Egypt. Since she cannot come to me, I must go to her at some point,” Cleo explains.
What does Cleo dislike about being in the public eye? “People think that because you are in the limelight, you are not human. They have high expectations of you and sometimes, they expect the worst of you too. People seem to think I should be rude, stuck up and difficult,” she says.
A compassionate spirit, Cleo hates to see human suffering and is absolutely ticked off by lies. “I hate it when people spread lies about others purely to hurt them,” Cleo says.
Cleo believes that anyone can do anything they set their minds to, and they should not think success is for a select few. However, you have to have support from those dear to you if you want to succeed. “My biggest support structure is my family and my boyfriend. They make it easy for me to do what I do,” Cleo says. “My work family and my friends are the best. They always tell me I can do this; I can succeed. That is so important to me.”

* * *

A love so strong!

2009-09-14T06:17:00.000-07:00

My heart is at ease when I am with you
There is nothing that can make my joy turn to gloom
Wherever I go, you are in my thoughts
I pray to God we never have doubts
For our love is strong
Our trust is deep
Our bond is unbreakable
And together we are magical!

Angel

2009-07-08T06:47:00.001-07:00

-Death which takes from us those that we love, cherish, admire and respect!-

I was a young girl when my dear mother was taken from me; you insisted it was time for her to go. I still needed her here with me but you were selfish enough to want to take her away. Who told you I was going to be okay without her for the rest of my teenage and older life? Why did you have to be so mean? Wasn’t it enough that you took my father before he could even carry me in his arms? What is your problem?

I have no choice but to hate you! When you’re around, I have sadness, sorrow, pain and grief as my companions. Do you not know when you shouldn’t show your face? I’m sure you are well aware that your presence means death.

“Pitter-patter, pitter-patter” That’s the sound of my heartbeat, I pray you do not stop it for my works are not yet finished…

You will not believe this, but I wrote the beginning of this piece last week before I was rudely interrupted and had to break off…. What followed is what’s creepy…. BAD KARMA, BAD LUCK, NEGATIVE ENERGY followed me from Friday until today!!! (Now I’ve managed to add my other rambles… with a few changes of course… lest the bad karma increases.)

I fell and nearly hit my head on a very hard surface but missed it because by God’s grace, I believe, my left arm stopped the fatal fall. I didn’t say I got away unharmed, nah-ah! I chipped a tooth, cracked my upper lip and got some injuries on my left rib cage….

I believe I have a Guardian Angel watching over me otherwise….
Anyway, this takes me back to what I was talking about originally but now I will not waste any more time.
Dark angel, spare us, we miss our loved ones terribly but are moving on strong. As the cliché saying goes, “they are all in Heaven smiling down,” and yes, this I want to believe too.

To all the fallen wonderful people: My mom, my dad, my grandparents, godfather, Michael Jackson, Lucky Dube, Miriam Makeba, Heath Ledger, Bob Marley, Left Eye, Aaliyah, 2Pac, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Philly Lutaaya, Luther Vandross, Natasja, Umaru Katumba, Brenda Fassie, Saayi, Saasi, Bamzi, Rogers, and all those who may have departed from you too that I have not mentioned…… your stars still shine on. God richly bless your souls.

Amen!

-“Life is but just a breath.”-

MEN!

2009-06-14T14:18:00.000-07:00

In a young woman's world, say, aged between 18 - 30, the topics most talked about are fashion, movies/series like Desperate Housewives, Sex & the City), or the breathtaking dudes in Prison Break, going out proggie, what happened, who is dating who, who broke up, who is having a baby, who is getting married, et cetera..... then the best of it all is, MEN! These species NEVER miss in the picture. I mean, how can they? It would be inhumane. LOL!
The conversation is something like this (and I'm not making this up, honest):

NICOLE: I don't understand this stuff where a guy expects you to be all over him all the time!
SUZAN: Oh Nicole, you need to show a brotha some affection and attention, you know, give him some sweet L-O-V-I-N-G! {laughs}
TRACY: We all know you Sue, you never wasted your time on guys. I personally can't keep calling up a guy I like if he almost never calls or texts me on my cell.
NICOLE: Exactly! Me too. What's up with guys? I just don't get it.
LISA: {Shyly} I call my boyfriend most of the time. He calls too.

Silence as Nicole and Tracy look at Lisa in disbelief. Suzan is amused.

SUZAN: Well honey, keep doing that. At least he will be sure where your heart lies and he won't doubt your feelings for him.
LISA: Really?
TRACY: No, no, no. That will make him take you for granted. Take my ex-boyfriend Greg, for example, he used to call me up every hour of every day-imagine that- yes- alot of communication. Anyway, when we finally became an item, you know, dating, the calls and messages reduced as time went by. Whenever I rung him, it felt like I was nagging him or something.
LISA: So what happened?
SUZAN: Look girls, I'm the married one here. I know these things. You give a guy space and he'll find someone else so stick to him like glue. Make him feel adored.
TRACY: Ugh!
NICOLE: Come on sue, look where that got you with Brian! You used to do all that and yet he dumped you for someone else leaving you heart broken but now, you're married to Mark- who by the way- you never gave time to see you when he was making moves!
LISA: {Surprised & confused} Sue, what's the truth here? How did you end up being married to Mark then?
NICOLE: Yeah. {Ironically} Tell us so we can get some tips.
SUZAN: {Laughs heartily} You girls never cease to amuse me. Of course it's different for everyone. I don't have the answers. {Sighs} Sometimes what you least expect happens but it's good. I played hard to get with Mark- not that it was my intention but I was still hurting from my break up with Brian. I didn't want to have excess baggage if I got involved with Mark. I guess Mark truly had genuine feelings for me because we had only been on a couple of dates when he first proposed. It was our first anniversary together.
NICOLE & LISA: {dreamily} Ooooooooh!
TRACY: Cut the love tales! The fact remains that most guys take us for granted.
SUZAN: {pretends to clear her throat}
TRACY: Uh- except Mark. {grins at Suzan and they all giggle}
SUZAN: Hey Lisa, don't get too worried when your boyfi doesn't call sometimes. There can be good reasons why and come on, we don't expect the men to do all the work now, do we? A man makes the first move, he takes you out on a date, he sends nice texts or calls to say hello, buys you gifts and blah blah blah. What are you doing on your side girls? Simply waiting? It takes two to make it work.
TRACY: Oh no. {Rolls her eyes}
SUZAN: Tracy, you know the reason you're responding like that. Derek cares alot about you and he's been calling endlessly trying to talk to you. Why can't you return his calls? Is it because he stood you up on your birthday? He told you why, he had to travel suddenly, work stuff.
LISA: What?
NICOLE: Exactly. What?
TRACY: {Looking guilty} It's not what you think...
SUZAN: Derek actually calls her now more than she does ever since she started pretending to be busy.

Nicole and Lisa stare at Tracy dumbfounded.

TRACY: Hey girls, I acted less available and he started looking for me and trying to get time out with me. See? It helps to play the hard card sometimes. I was too 'out there', now, it's his turn. He's doing all the calling, isn't it nice when both sides of the cheek feel the same pinch? {she smirks}

The girls all nod in agreement.

LISA: You are tricky.
TRACY: {She gets off the couch and says this as she bows} I try to be sistas, I try. I will call him soon though.

They all laugh.

WAD'YA SAY?

2009-06-10T12:43:00.000-07:00

Back in the day when I was just in senior one in a school that was known to be one of the the toughest and harsh shules....... I mean we dug moulds of sweet potatoes, slashed and raked the school compound, fetched water from the pump.... how easy do you think all these were? We were kids!!! So anyway, I was saying, a little girl I was, new to this world of 'labour' and it was only a matter of time before I found a way out-I joined the school editorial team, so as others slashed, dug and so on, we who loved to read and write did just that. We came up with articles to feature on the school mirror as it used to be called.

That is besides the point I'm writing this. Back to the issue. I was a little girl and you know how most kids hate anything to do with boy-girl or even insinuating that a boy was with a girl under a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Hooooooooo! Tears would go streaming down the victims' faces (the two being teased) and they would hate each other for a long time until they grew up and realised, it's normal.

Now my story.... taking long to get to the point, eh? Then why are you still reading? LOL. Ok. So in my senior one, it was my first time in boarding school, I hardly spoke Luganda besides English and Swahili (having lived a while in TZ) plus of course my mother tongue which you know. You don't? Check my surname.
The first day I went to class, this group of boys stared at me as they whispered to each other, then one of them walked towards me and said hello. I quickly responded and got my novel which I suddenly wished I could disappear into. I pretended to read with deep concentration. He went on to tell me his name and I was thinking "GO AWAY" but I looked up and said, "I'm Cleopatra." He smiled and walked back to his friends who cheered and from then on, this boy would call me his mugole (bride). This is what he would say in Kinyarwanda but forgive me if I spell something wrong, am not conversant with this beautiful language, "Biite umugore wangye?" (How are you my bride?) Oh how I hated his guts! But now, we are friends and we laugh about those naive innocent days. Besides, he was cute. No, we never dated.

Recently this is a conversation I overheard as I sat at a coffee place typing away on my laptop. Hot guy is making a move on hot chick as his friend looks on and says a few words to emphasise a point on behalf of his gango (buddy). This is what sparked my senior one experience, note that the words in brackets are my thoughts and reactions except those in { } Here is what I heard:

Hot gal: I know guys like you. (she says to hot guy's friend) You never tell the truth. You stick up for your friends.

Hot guy: So do you like what you see?... Me? (what a stuck up @#$%^&, I think to myself as I type on)

Hot gal: Of course! (Whaaaaat? I'm thinking has she gone coocoos?) Yo a charmer! It's hard for me to believe you though. ( Now my ears are really alert coz this is just absurd)

Hot guy: OK.... I have lost words!

Hot gal: Sweet face, sweet smile, sweet words, gosh! It's too much. (Banange! woman, control yourself!)

Hot guy: Sweet YOU! I think I really like you but I don't know what we gonna do. (Huh?)

Hot gal: Uhhhhh..... Ummmmmmm {she's speechless}

Hot guy: Well? {insisting} You know you like me... don't you? (Meanwhile, his friend is keeping himself busy on an iPod pretending not to be listening so that the gal is not uneasy. The hot dude licks his lips slowly as he leers at her)

Hot gal: You pass off as nasty at times! (Oh, you've met before? Ma bad.) Then you make me think and wonder....

Hot guy: So are we gonna make love or what? (EH! EH! EH! This brotha is a smooth fast criminal)

Hot gal: NO!

Hot guy: Kiss?

Hot gal: Is that what you want? (EH!) What exactly do you want from me?

Hot guy: YOU... but then I can't help to imagine making love with you... It's better with no one but you because we have a connection... we don't see it but we feel it. you mean so much to me... You'd rather sleep with one like me coz at least am myself... BUT I REALLY LIKE YOU!

Hot gal: Wow!

Hot guy: Yeah... Wow!

By this time, I had shut down my laptop and had to get up and leave so I missed finding out how this Romeo & Juliette ended their chat. Eh! We need prayers if men are making moves like this.... and women are responding like this.... Whatever happend to taking things slow? NBM anyone?
What happened after I left? Your guess is as good as mine. At least she didn't hate his guts.
The conversations we overhear usually aren't for our ears. :-)

Welcome to my album launch!

2009-06-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

Ok! So I love the arts and I enjoy going to watch artistes perform at their launches- which have become numerous by the way- even guys with two songs are launching.... SERIOUSLY???
This is what gets to me; the long lists of 'curtain-raisers' who have to go on stage to do their thing before the 'famous' singer appears. I mean, in some instances, it's ok to have a big name sing before you, the artiste launching. Let me make this clearer with an example, and I insist, this is just an example, ok? Don't hold me to it. Ahem!
If Bobi Wine has an album launch, it would be kawa (ok) if he has other artistes like Bebe Cool, Juliana or Peter Miles & Menshan step on the stage and hype the crowd with their great energy and captivating songs, (here comes...) But if it's like say, S... B.... C..... (ok, let me not mention names here) an artiste that's not yet popular on the entertainment scene in Uganda alone, meaning the rest of East Africa also has no idea who this artiste is, then why in your right mind would you go ahead and announce an album launch? First make your name or mark in the industry because like now, you have to do the following:
One: You need big-name singers to be on your poster so that you draw attention to your show. Two: You charge like Ugshs. 20,000 yet you're not even sure if people will turn up. (Will they really be willing to pay this dime?)
Three: Finally when it's the D-day of the launch, all the hot names such as Mowzey Radio & Weasel, Blu 3, Bebe Cool, Navio, Cindy, HB Toxic, GNL Zamba and more perform.

MC says, "Lovely guests, it is now time for the one and only ..........(names withheld)."

When this dear singer gets on stage, and note that it is now 1 am in the wee hours, most of the revellers are leaving or left immediately GNL went off the stage and this singer performs to a crowd of about... guess? That's right, thirty people- am exaggerating? Ok. Fifty people. They are less than thirty and fifty? Fine. My point is, the venue will almost be empty! If you know your curtain-raisers are far more important or have bigger musical careers than you, then do this;
Perform first, and the rest follow..... this way, everyone will have watched you perform and will even get to know you are worthy of their appreciation-that's if you put up a good show and can actually hold a tune. (Story for another day) LOL!

One more trick to do is: If you really want to know your fan base, HAVE NO CURTAIN-RAISERS on your poster! I must say big up to Navio for this one. Those of you who saw his posters, can you tell me if you knew who was going to 'curtain-raise'? Exactly. The poster was all about Navio and his Half the Legend concert going to take place at Kati Kati grounds. The artistes who featured in his show actually have songs with him and the sole purpose they came on stage was to perform these hits like Bugumu Rmx, Burrn, All I wanna know, Salooni, etc with the hip hop brotha. Those of you who attended know what I'm talking about.

Anyway, my lovely meal is calling and my stomach is grumbling, BUT remember, make it ALL ABOUT YOU. No, I am not running a promotion for Uganda Telecom but hey, your concert or launch should be ALL ABOUT YOU, and the rest follow or else, you will stay in the shadows...

Hey, do you know the track In the Shadows by a rock band called THE RASMUS? That's the song in my head right now...
Adios!

Death

2009-05-25T05:07:00.000-07:00

Death tears a family apart
Death breaks one's heart
Death separates lovers
Death takes all
And leaves nothing that's pleasing
Only hurt, loss and wishes
That remain unfulfilled!

Queen of my heart

2009-05-25T04:09:00.000-07:00

My dearest of all women
The one who was there
When I came into this world
T'was so sweet to have you near
For you were as loving as love
Itself can truly be
My one and only mother
You will always be
The queen of my heart!

Happiness

2009-05-22T07:10:00.000-07:00

Happiness comes when you let it
Be not sad but enthusiastic
For this world is one big joke
and somethings might make you choke
You have a lot to live for my friend
So, please be not afraid.

Heartache

2009-05-22T04:11:00.001-07:00

With all the love I was willing to give
The wind has carried it away on its wings
My heart to ache for it's wounded
And nothing I do can get it mended.