Interview with AMINA SEWALI

Hello Amina, welcome. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Amina Sewali. I’m originally from Uganda, but moved to Norway when I was 4. 

I Started making and learning music when I was 7 with piano and singing.

What inspired your passion for music?

I was inspired by my grandmother who was a Gospel singer.

What inspires you to keep going despite the difficulties and competitiveness of the industry?

What inspires me to keep going is that in media today (especially in Europe and USA), 

I miss seeing more stories of and by people of color

If you weren’t a singer, what would you be?

If I wasn’t a singer, I would love to be an actress or director

What has been your best and worst moments in the industry?

Best moment in the industry for me was when I got to play ‘Solveig’ in the Norwegian 

play ‘Peer Gynt’ which made me the first black woman in Norway to play that part 

in hundred years. The worst moment was not remembering the lyrics to a song 

while singing on National TV.

Which would you prefer: Singing or acting?

Ah! Singing was my first love, but I’m falling more and more in love with acting

Ugandan or Norwegian: which do you better relate with?

I think I’m in the middle since I’ve grown up in Norway. But, thanks to my mom, 

I know and love where I’m from; I will always have my roots in Uganda.

What do you love best about Africa, and what would you improve about the continent?

What I love best about Africa is the people, the different cultures, food, rich history, 

how hard working, strong and kind hearted our people are. And what I would like 

to improve is the fact that some leaders think more about the money in their pocket, 

rather than the people.