Not many of us were familiar with the younger brother of Ugandan R&B music ballad Michael Ross a few years back. Allan “Kutos” Katongole’s life improved after one audition for the now-famous TV show Sanyu barely two years ago, when he was merely existing in his brother’s shadow.
He received the best actor prize for this at the recently finished Uganda Film Festival, but he had to make a number of professional changes to get there. On Episode 3 of Home of Our Stars, he talks with Flavia Tumusiime about how he overcame his obstacles.
Allan, who was formerly a gospel musician, began his career backing up his famous brother Michael Ross at his performances. He credits his brother, who encouraged him to embrace music and even composed him a song, with providing the foundation for his musical career.
“I credit Michael for getting me interested in music; as a child, I used to enjoy watching him sing and dance constantly. I had had the chance to dance for him, and the audience seemed to enjoy my performance. I was requested to return, and I didn’t look back after that. I continued to perform at church, where my musical career was fostered, singing and dancing “Katongole muses on the past.
Allan began his career as a back-up dancer for his famous brother Michael Ross, who was then a gospel musician, at his shows. His brother, who encouraged him to embrace music and even composed him a song, is credited with giving him a solid foundation in music.
“Michael was a big influence on me; when I was little, I used to constantly watch him sing and dance. The audience liked me while I was on stage when he offered me the chance to dance for him. I was requested to return, and I never turned around. My musical career was nourished as I continued to sing and dance in church “Katongole recalls his past.
Given that he was new to doing series, Allan claims it was an entirely new experience. “The first time I saw the Sanyu set, I was quite intimidated. I was intimidated by sharing a stage with celebrities like Abbey Mukiibi, yet these folks recognised something positive in me, and they invited me back for rehearsals. Their energy was simple to consume, “States of Katongole.
His fan base has expanded as a result of his appearance in Sanyu, and this has given him more opportunities. According to Allan, he moved from being a nobody to entering a room and drawing attention.
“I used to perform music and dance as Allan Kutos, but no one ever saw me or knew who I was. Since coming to Sanyu, however, my life has altered drastically. People want me to sit next to them when I attend an event; they engage with me, and I am well-known.” He continues by noting that acting has provided him a career as well. “I consider myself fortunate to have a job that I wake up to go to every day and get paid for given the high rate of unemployment in the nation. I am grateful to Pearl Magic for giving me a reason to get up every day and for igniting my enthusiasm “He proclaims.
Allan highlights how acting has helped him discover new talents: “In addition to acting, I also want to direct. I sometimes feel like a scene should have gone a certain way, which has inspired me to think about directing in the future in addition to performing, “He states.
With certain major jobs, acting comes with a lot of pressure, and the public is constantly interested in what happens next. Once he became well-known, according to Allan, there has been a tremendous pressure to exceed people’s expectations.
“If you are good at what you do, you will attract people’s attention; in addition to the work you do, you will need to be the shining example that everyone looks up to. The goal is to let go of the urge to be famous and just be yourself, Allan advised.
Allan offers this advice to aspiring performers who want to learn more about the entertainment business: be humble and seize opportunities when they present themselves. “I would advise beginning with having patience because it is the most important quality you should possess, building your brand well so that people will want to work with you on their films and in general, and finally watching as many films as you can because you never know what you learn from the stars.
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