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He is one of the latest up and coming Ugandan musicians, following on the trail of the late Philly Bongole Lutaaya with his exciting conscious lyrical AIDS awareness songs. Lutaaya had a successful music career in Uganda which started in the 1960s. In the 70s he performed at a variety of concerts in countries like Congo, Kenya, and Japan. He finally settled in Stockholm, Sweden where he recorded his hit album, Born in Africa, making him Uganda's best musician of the 80s and early 90's. 
UGPulse Promo
According to Ssematimba's manager, Peterson Ssendi of Josemat Productions, Ugandan-born Joseph Ssematimba's CD titled Akasolo is a manifestation of a wealth of experience and talent of a rising star. Ssematimba's move into the world of music is not by accident. In 1989, while still in junior school he joined a choir at a local church and it's this exposure that probably stimulated this star. In 1997, Ssematimba joined the Bahai Choir and in 2000 entered the real world of music with KingMasters. His director then, Peterson Ssendi, says it was at this time that he identified a very talented musician in Ssematimba.
Joseph Ssematimba aka Josemat.
Ssematimba's debut 13-track CD is a mesmerizing compilation of reggae-induced, guitar-laden, banging beats and syrupy witty lyrics, with which he mostly focuses on warning about the dangers of AIDS. He also touches on the negative effects of bestiality, incest and promiscuity; topics which are still considered taboo and unmentionable in many Ugandan circles. He in addition taps into the uncharacteristically Ugandan techno-pop territory. Some of the hits on this album include; Akasolo, Lutulya, Let's Stand Together, Woowe, Komawo, Know Yo' Future, Lwaki, Dear Ntaasa and Know Yo Future (remix). He is working towards being one of the artists slated to perform at the 2006 UNAA New York Convention.
Jane: Who is Joseph Ssematimba? Please tell us more about yourself?
Joseph: I am a 25-year-old Ugandan artist. Ladies say that I am handsome. I'm a young and single with a strong sense of humour. I live in Kampala, the capital city of Uganda in Eastern Africa.
Josemat is your nickname. How did that come about?
Yes, Josemat is my nickname. Josemat is a summary of two names; Joseph and Ssematimba. I was first called Josemat by my fans. I now use it as my trade name.
Joseph Ssematimba aka Josemat.
When did you get involved with music?
While still in a junior school in 1989, I joined a choir at a local church and it's this exposure which probably stimulated my interest and propelled me towards musical stardom. In 1997, I joined the Baha'i choir and in 2000, I joined commercial music with KingMasters Entertainment under the leadership of Mr. Ssendi Peterson, who is now my manager.
How did joining the Baha'i Choir affect
you musically?
Well, when I joined the Baha'i choir in 1997, the opportunity enabled me to attain professional training although I worked there on a voluntary basis. It gave me lots of experience. This was the experience which I needed to gain confidence as a musician and to hone my skills.
What can the hundreds of Ugandans who will attend the UNAA New York Convention 2006 expect from you once it's confirmed that you are part of the show?
Joseph Ssematimba aka Josemat.
I am to play my latest hits and the most celebrated popular hits at the UNAA convention. That includes some of those which are already hitting the charts here in Uganda. For example I shall sing Zavaawa, a reggae song, which has been ranked highly in Ugandan music circles. With that song, I criticize the spoiled generation in Uganda and elsewhere, where evils like rape, female mutilation, defilement and bestiality. Fellow participants and music lovers at the UNAA New York Convention should expect a unique entertainer with a professional approach and lots of surprises.
Your first and latest CD titled Akasolo brings out rich messages about social issues, the youth and of course love. What inspired it?
The contextual translation of this title is 'a disaster,' and the term is commonly used to mean a disastrous creature, especially those that used to prey on the farmers' poultry. In this sense the disaster is HIV/AIDS, which is rampant not only in Uganda but throughout the world. I was inspired by the deaths, which I myself personally witnessed. I continually shed tears when the general public begin discussing HIV/AIDS. The politicians in Uganda have the power to decide over the death or survival of the victims but instead they misappropriate funding meant for HIV/AIDS activities. I'm of the thinking that my message will soon, or in the near future force some to change their ways.
You also tackle the issue of AIDS with the songs Akasolo, Lutulya, and Let's Stand Together. Do you feel that people are forgetting about its urgency?
My biggest worry is that the youth born after 1980 need to be strongly and repeatedly advised of the dangers of this pandemic and probably be barred from having premarital and unprotected sex. One of the latest and direct means of communication to the population at large about AIDS, particularly the youth, is through songs. Akasolo, Lutulya, and Let's Stand Together, are aimed at scaring the youth from contracting HIV/AIDS, having premarital sexual relations and encouraging them if possible to abstain.
Why is the issue of AIDS important to you?
As earlier stated, I am very disappointed with the way HIV/AIDS is being addressed by politicians. I find that it's not am important priority any more. I have also witnessed many deaths of my brothers and sisters, friends and in-laws.
Now let's talk about the name of the
CD... What would you say to people who may consider it inappropriate?
They should kindly re-consider it as appropriate. No man is an island and I stand to be corrected wherever I go wrong and I have to apologize to all who feel out of place when they first read the title of my song Akasolo... but the contextual meaning was, and is still, not vulgar.
Are you one of those artists who think it is important to sing in local dialects?
Yes.
Why?
My reason is just simple. The message I have in my local music is as local as I am so, the only way to reach my fellow locals without fail is only by being local.
Joseph Ssematimba aka Josemat.
What's your general message to the world?
People of the world should be not be looking at me as an artist who is desperately looking for money, but as one who is trying to pioneer change in my community. Let the better community be my mission and bigger audience become my vision.
How would you classify your music?
In Uganda, most local artists are still lacking in professionalism, to the extent where they are not specifically identifying their type of music. Also the music market is still a virgin area, which might be the reason why artists have no specializations. However, my music is classified in only three categories; Disco techno, R&B and Reggae.
Who are your musical influences?
Unexpectedly, my musical influences are not native Africans. These are R. Kelly and Joe.
How has the Ugandan audience received you so far?
Joseph Ssematimba aka Josemat.
So far I'm being celebrated by the youth and some middle-aged Ugandans who compare me with their late great artists. Also, after each of my performances, I am always surprised to find my photos selling and being displayed on Kampala streets, on TV, and playing in shops. I have noticed that my videos are always being played. I think the music is played by vendors to attract road users towards their shops, and of course in some shop entrances people stand around to watch. This may, in one way or another prove that I am so far, not doing badly.
How did you meet your manager Peterson Ssendi?
My manager Peterson Ssendi a.k.a Kawandulabigambo used to be a theatrical director of a group called KingMaster. At the same time he was a presenter on top radio station, a Christian FM station. I was referred to him by a friend in the year 2000, during my search for a better ground to train as an upcoming artist. Currently Peterson Ssendi is a presenter at Radio Simba.
What do you think of the state of hip hop today?
Hip-hop music is good to me but I find that locally it is not really celebrated or embraced. I hope it will in near future become common.
Which Ugandan musicians do you enjoy right now?
It's unfortunate that the two major ones are dead; Philly Bongole Lutaaya and Elishama Wamala. Among the living, I enjoy Mesach Ssemakula.
If people want to come and listen to you live, where would they do they find you?
Currently I own no venue and unlike some fellow artists, I avoid being always available for performing on the cheapest stages, but always respect invitations from all those organized events in the country and abroad.
What is next for you?
The next plan is a unique launch of my album, which will fetch me some good money and enable me to re-enforce voluntary charity activities related to HIV/AIDS sensitization and other related issues thereafter. The dates are not yet set by now, but my manager is working around the clock to get everything together and we will collaborate with any organization which is willing to participate and make this launch a success. My manager's phone line is +256-772-390973 and our email is josemat@kampala1.net.
Joseph Ssematimba aka Josemat.
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