Birungi Alexander Kiremire, better known as Proklaim, is a British-born, Namibian-based rapper and songwriter. It wasn’t long ago that I came upon his tune ‘RIGHTEOUS’ and was blown away by his lyrical prowess and overall creative flair. Diving a little deeper, I discovered a seriously gifted and mature artist, and knew it was time to get to know him a little better!
Stoked that he agreed to an interview, Birungi takes us through what his basic songwriting process looks like, what he enjoys doing on non-music days, and which three albums he’d take with him to a desert island. Now, let’s get right to it and give a big welcome to our new friend Proklaim!
Hi Birungi, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! Let’s kick things off with an easy one…Who is Proklaim and when did your love affair with music begin?
Proklaim is Birungi Alexander Kiremire. Born in Brighton, England to Ugandan parents, and raised in Zambia and Namibia.
For a long time, I’ve liked music of all sorts. Since I was a toddler I have liked the transcendent ability of good music and good songs and their ability to convey energy in such a potent way that it is intuitively felt by even little children.
I gravitated towards being a rap fan from when I was around 6 or 7 and it was during my teenage years that I really became passionate about consuming good music.
You’ve already released seven singles this year, and we’re only in February! Does the entire “song-making process” come very naturally to you?
Over time the song-making process became more organic and spontaneous. It now basically comes down to me hearing a beat that I like…usually by it immediately sonically impressing me. Then I simply begin the writing process prior to getting straight to laying a song. I enjoy the writing process a lot and I find it a pastime that I, at times, resort to just for the fun of it.
I’m a little ashamed to admit that my introduction to your music only came with your recent single ‘RIGHTEOUS’, but it’s a tune that’s essentially been on repeat ever since I first heard it! What does the song mean to you and do you remember its “birth”?
There is nothing to be ashamed of having not heard my material prior given that, as with everything, this is a journey and it has to start somewhere. I am always honoured and humbled to note that someone has derived value from the material I am privileged to make.
The song ‘RIGHTEOUS’ is an extension of my pondering and reflections about life as well as purposeful things I find to be of great value for one to consider…as it is from this that productive ideas can be birthed within one.
Now, I know this is a toughie, and possibly like asking you to pick a favourite child, but which tune of yours are you most proud of to date, and why?
That is a tough question as there have been several, but I’d say at present my two favourites are ‘Permission’ and ‘Poppin’.
When you’re not creating new music, what keeps you busy and what do you enjoy doing? Walk us through a non-music day in the life of Birungi Alexander Kiremire.
When not creating music I enjoy physical sports and spending time with my kids. I also run a business in the city where I currently reside.
Which of your lyrics would you like to see printed on a T-shirt?
”Something different when you got favour” (From the song ‘Permission’)
OK, Birungi – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you go with?
If stuck on an island, I’d like to have music that evokes joy! So, I’d likely pick:
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, John Legend’s ‘Lifted’, and ‘Be’ by Common (Or anything created by CeCe Winans).
Thanks again for chatting with us Birungi! It’s been great getting to know you a bit better. Before we let you go though, what comes next for you musically?
Keep creating material that reaches ears.
