As everyone else nursed the shock in the aftermath of singer Mowzey Radio’s death earlier this year, for musician Erio Disk, time was ripe to make the best of the spotlight.
The little know singer started to make headlines as he performed in numerous places banking on his striking resemblance of Mowzey Radio to immortalize the dead singer. But the reaction to his brand was mixed.
In fact he received a good bashing from critics and people on social media who branded him as an opportunist for choosing to brand himself as Radio.
SoftPower News recently caught up with Erio Disk to understand his story in the music industry and his future prospects.
SoftPower caught up with him in an exclusive interview to understand him more as an upcoming musician in the country and his looks and true character.
Tells us about yourself
I am called Mugwanya Lwamaffa Juma aka Erio Disk
When did you start out your music career?
I started music in 2016 when I produced my first hit single ‘Mpeka Mpeka’ which was akin to the GoodLyf juicy song. I can tell you it brought a lot of trouble between us and the Good Lyfe crew.
What propelled you into music?
Working at popular hangouts like Moto Moto Pub and 9 Degrees as an events emcee. It was great sharing stage with some of the top artistes in the city who came through for events always and I think I got inspired. Besides, I had a voice too and I had to give it a try.
So, you were basically surviving with money earned from emceeing?
Not really. I did that job mostly in the evening but I would spend my entire day down town Kampala streets selling women’s cosmetics like eyeshadows, lip shiner among other women’s products. But I have gradually moved on to a better business to sustain my life and music as a whole.
Which are some of you top and latest hits?
Ofcourse my debut hit Mpeka Mpeka, Bambi Tokoowa, Owamasso and of course my latest Ndinda a love ballad written by Umar Shaffic and produced by Nessim. It’s out and making rounds now.
What are some of the challenges you have faced in your musical journey?
I think the biggest is the fact that people have continuously mistook me for Mowzey Radio. Some of his ardent fans are not happy seeing me emulate his person. I have always told them that Radio was a great singer that we cannot let his legacy just fade off like that.
If I am Erio and people like my music despite my resemblance with Radio, then let them give me a chance to push on with my career may be its my calling.
What moves you when on stage?
I am taken up by people’s reaction when they see me on stage. After releasing a song, they are quick to ask for another, and I have always not disappointed them. I always sing from the tributary which in turn leaves some in tears.
What fond memories do you have of Radio?
He was a great friend, though not very close. People usually told me I look like Radio until one day when we met so he knew he had a brother who resembled him. By then, I was just a mere club MC.
I recall the time I decided to cut my hair. I changed my sfro hair look to what I look like now. Trust me, it was total mess. I was often mistook to be Radio. I decided to maintain it to date. I did it before he passed on and by then, my music was basically underground till recently when I started getting public attention.
Where do you see your music in five years?
I have come to stay. I am hoping for the best because all good things are in music. Let me sing and the fans will decide where they want to place me.
Any plan to make a collabo with Weasel just to fill in the gap?
Yes, i have some lyrics that i wrote myself. I have sent them to Weasel but he asked me to give him time to see if we can make the collabo. So it’s a matter of time. I am hopeful this will come through as well and maybe it will be a start to a new journey.
