Mariam Ndagire is a Ugandan entrepreneur, singer, actress and movie producer. She talks to Stellar Woman Magazine about her influences, working in a male-dominated industry and what makes her proud to be a woman.
What does it take to thrive in the entertainment business?
They are four pillars; 1. Talent – you have to have some bit of talent. 2. Passion – you must love what you do. 3. Discipline – you have to be disciplined. Humility is a deal breaker in this business. 4. Esteem – you have to believe in yourself. Number 2 is a must.
Are there women in your life who probably influenced this assertive demeanour?
My mother to start with. Just like I am, and probably much more, she was a strong hardworking woman. A single mother who singlehandedly raised us and provided without looking at a man for a helping hand. I also attended Trinity College Nabbingo, a school that prepared us to be smart and confident women. The other woman who has had a huge influence on my life is Hajjat Nuulu Bongole, my aunt, who raised me after the passing of my mother. She was no different from my mother.
I also look up to Joanita Kawalya, another Ugandan artist. Every time I listened to her or watched her perform, I could see myself heading the direction she was on. Up to now, she’s a huge inspiration to me.
You work in a relatively male dominated industry. Don’t you think you are here because you’re a woman?
Not at all. I’m here because I’m a human being who is passionate about what I do. The people I’ve worked with over the years, who are mostly men, appreciated my way of thinking and that’s how we got to work together. There’s never been a point where I was treated differently because of my gender. There was a time Kato Lubwama described me as a ‘man in woman’s body’ because I know what I want and I’m always very clear and assertive about it.
Away from that, what makes you proud to be a woman?
I’m more proud to be a human being than I am to be a woman. We are all human beings who have the same capabilities.
You’re quite accomplished, what goal do you still have on your to-do before you probably retire?
I want to grow my centre into a film hub or village that houses and trains filmmakers, not just from Uganda, but the whole of East Africa. We have a lot of potential that hasn’t been tapped. This hub will be filling that gap.