PROFILE: Deena the German rocking Ugandan music

Deena’s Liteside

Any three things we don’t know about you?

I am a fearless person in terms of not being sacred of new situations but also in music. I like to try out new styles to make it more interesting. I am also a workaholic because I enjoy working and a down to earth person.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Freedom, independence, good health for me and the people around me.

What is your greatest fear?

As a public person, I might do things that many people have access to so I am at times scared that I might offend somebody in way that that I didn’t intend to do. But for myself, I am super fearless because I want to use the opportunities that come my way to offer the best .

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

I can be too ambitious and sometimes I expect everybody around me to be the same. It can get too much for myself as well.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

I don’t like people who are arrogant for whatever reason.

Which living person do you most admire?

I am a very big fan of Barrack Obama because he came into a position in a country where it’s difficult to effect the changes that he made. What he achieved was very difficult in the position he was so I admire that about him.

Musically, I am a big fan of what Beyonce does and how she does it.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Music instruments are the only thing I spend on without question. I have so many guitars which I can’t play at the same time but it’s just something I just love to spend on.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

It was taking the decision to do music professionally in Uganda. I was hesitating for so long because I was scared that I would loose the passion for it but I would never want to miss the experience.

What is your current state of mind?

Relaxed

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

The whole thing about makeup is not only a Ugandan thing but a lot of women are so much into makeup. There is no need to wear too much make up because women are prettier without it.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Having a good heart; others are just earthly things but with a good heart and wishing well for others, I rate that as being powerful.

On what occasion do you lie?

Life is full of small lies but one big lie I made was when I quit the job because it was right in the time when the music here happened. I lied that my mother was sick just to travel to Uganda and take on music.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am quite happy with myself because everything on me makes me who I am.

Which living person do you most despise?

There are people I don’t like but I don’t immerse myself in it.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

Humor but I also enjoy the company of active men

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Self esteem helps beat off some of life’s challenges.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My closest family in general; my parents and two brothers are so supportive and always there for me.

When and where were you happiest?

In 2012, while still in school, I organised a charity concert with different bands and at the climax, the audience was all in standing ovation.

When I lived in Rwanda, I stayed directly at the lake so I had to swim a kilometer to the island every morning and it was so peaceful. It made me feel like I was in paradise,

In 2015, when I was performing at ‘Enkuuka’ (Buganda Kingdom end of year fete), it was such a big stage but also knowing that the Kabaka was seated somewhere watching me with an audience of over 5000 was a very happy moment.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I can do sport because I am a good runner, swimmer and dancer alongside music.

Where would you most like to live?

I am happy to stay and work here.

What is your most treasured possession?

There is one specific guitar that I have travelled with to so many places and it has shared in my fears and happiness.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

It’s a feeling that I can imagine because I don’t have children as yet but being a parent and waking up in the morning without knowing what your children will eat must be traumatizing.

What is your favorite occupation?

Being a musician enables me meet new people and react to new challenges in life.

What do you most value in your friends?

I have many friends who are very positive in life.

Who are your favorite writers?

I love J K Rowling in Harry Potter; she has created the whole world in my head.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Martin Luther King Jr; There is still a lot of racism and the idea that we are different because of different skin colours is too bad so Martin Luther tried to get into the system to raise a voice against it which made a very big change. I adore how strong he was and what he did for the so many oppressed and I wish that one day we can copy his idea.

What is your greatest regret?

I have a philosophy in life that I will always try as much as I can but even if something in between doesn’t work out, I always learn from it so there is nothing big to regret about.

How would you like to die?

As a very old granny with many children and grandchildren, go to bed and never wakeup.

What is your motto?

Stay happy and grateful.

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