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Pathways guest MEGA has a string of EP releases documenting her path so far. Joining us on the release of her latest offering, I Am Enough, we explore her experiences in music and the significance of connecting with an audience.
What stage are you on your pathway right now?
I don’t think I look at it as stages because constantly you’re just evolving and growing. In terms of stage, I’m at the stage where I’m about to obviously release this next project. But I’m always seeking to keep going and keep growing.
Was there a first experience of music that set you on a pathway to being an artist?
I was in an opera choir, and then a gospel choir. It was people’s reactions to me singing when I got solo parts. Also, singing in church… People would be like crying. I couldn’t quite fully understand it at that point, I was like, “Why are they so emotional?” I started to see that it was bigger than myself, and that it could really move people.
Your bio introduces you as a British-Ugandan artist. How important is that identity to your output?
I like that it’s British and Ugandan, because I also grew up in a Ugandan household. Ugandan music was something that I grew up listening, so that’s always just been a part of me. But also, artists that I’ve been obsessed with from young in the UK that I loved listening to. I don’t necessarily think that I’ve consciously tried to incorporate it. It’s just… I love both worlds.
Who were those UK artists you loved?
I used to listen to Amy Winehouse, Adele, Leona Lewis was someone I listened to when I was younger. Just really strong female singers that made me feel like, they had a voice, but also something to say as well, and were not afraid to be who they are. Which was very inspiring for me to encourage me to just be who I am.
How do you think success is measured for an artist in modern times?
Oh, streams, numbers, numbers, numbers [laughs]. That’s the only thing people care of. ‘Can you sing?’ We don’t care, you just need your numbers.
How is it measured for you?
I can see why people like to use numbers to base their ideas on success. But for me, it’s really about how it makes people feel and how it impacts them. When I’m at shows, and I hear true stories from people about how my songs have helped them or have moved them. That for me, is the true measure of success.
What do you want to get across from the new EP?
This EP is called I Am Enough, it’s sort of self-explanatory in the title, but I want people to walk away from it really knowing and believing that they are enough. Really realising that their uniqueness is their superpower. You spoke about measures of success. The thing that comes with that in life is comparison, constantly feeling like we are trying to keep climbing up to the top, and sometimes we can lose our way. Lose our sense of self, and this EP is really about reclaiming that power.
Is there anything about the EP format to why you’ve released in that way consistently? And when do you think will be the time for an album?
In this particular EP, it’s like a mini book. Each song is like a chapter. You have to start from the beginning and listen to every single song to get to the end, to fully understand it. It’s just felt like a natural process to put an EP together. And when it feels like a natural time to put an album together, I will.
Was there ever a moment when you realised this could be a legitimate career for you?
I lost my voice for a bit. I’d always loved music, but in the back of my mind, I didn’t know if it was still possible for me. And then when I put Chariot out, and I started to see, again, the reactions from people. I started thinking actually, maybe… Then my manager was like, “Yeah, you need to leave your job.” It was the positive reactions that I was getting that made me think, maybe this is something you can do, career-wise.
What is your biggest achievement so far?
I feel like just being able to put out a few projects continuously, because it is tough, this industry. And feeling like I’ve still managed to stay true to myself. There’s other things that people might look at and think are, like accolades and stuff. They’re not that important. They’re lovely. But for me, it’s actually having people still be interested. It’s going on my tours that I do and having people travel from all over the world to attend it, which for me feels like I’m connecting globally, which is really beautiful. So, my biggest achievement is still being able to make music.
On the other side, what has been the biggest challenge?
I think the biggest challenge today is that everyone in the industry wants you to be the thing that is currently doing well. The biggest challenge, I keep talking about staying true to yourself, but I think is that.
Do you think artists have a responsibility to speak on social issues?
I think if those social issues are true, like you really believe in those things, then I think it’s really important. I think we should all be speaking on things that feel real and true for us, that we are in support of. But I think at times things can feel quite performative, and people can feel pressure, ’cause you might not be an outspoken person. For me, in my day-to-day life, I do more than I do online. In our lives, every single day, we should be speaking about things that matter to us. As an artist, it just depends on what kind of artist you are. I think if you’re given a huge platform and it makes sense for you to do that, then definitely.
Lastly, what is the ultimate goal?
To keep making music, obviously. To keep connecting, but I’d like to do a lot more touring. That’s the next thing I wanna do. Go on tour and to maybe make an album next too. The ultimate goal is to keep doing what I’m doing and just for it to be able to grow as much as possible.
The latest EP, I Am Enough by MEGA is out now.
