Christian musician, producer and philanthropist Emmanuel Edwin Kusaasira better known as Coopy Bly has released his latest album, Action Talk, and hopes it reaches vast audiences across numerous countries who wrestle living out the Gospel in both Word and deed in their homes, workplaces and community.
The 12-truck album includes songs like ‘Champion’, ‘Empeera’, ‘Gwe Abikola’, and ”Tuuja Kuwoona,” in which the father of two features renown Pastor Wilson bugembe.
As millions continue to grapple with the diverse effects of the pandemic, Coopy Bly explained during an exclusive interview with Uganda Christian News that he believes a Christian’s way of life must promote the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that one should be supremely motivated to be diligent in their work, since he or she is ultimately serving the Lord.
“The album speaks to the current situation,” he said.
Follow his full interview with our correspondent Karen Alecho below:
1. How have you been Coopy Bly?
Coopy Bly: I have been good, thanking God, bearing the lockdown just like everyone but, as well as working on the Action Talk album which has kept me occupied.
2. Tell us about this new album?
Coopy Bly: The Action Talk album has 12 songs. Most of them were produced at Back Yard studios except 4 songs. ‘Gwe Abikola’ was recorded at Nessim studios. ‘Welaage’ was recorded by Slim beats. ‘Mbuutu’ was recorded at producer Diggy Baur’s studio, and then ‘No Way-Nah’ was recorded at Unusual beats studio.
The inspiration for this album comes from James 1:22 which encourages us to be doers of the Word. Looking into our lives, we often talk a lot about things we wish could happen or that we should do. If we put all this in action, maybe our message will be believed faster and people will watch more what we do than what we say.
It is easier for people to believe how you act than how you say you act. As Christians I believe this album should help us in our way of life, and how to preach and spread the good news faster through actions than talking.
3. Why release your new album now?
Coopy Bly: I decided to release the album now because we couldn’t keep postponing it. I should have released it before the concert at Lugogo Cricket oval in 2019, but because of COVID-19, I kept postponing it, and the more I did this, the more music I produced hence editing the album and exchanging songs as the Holy Spirit led us.
The album speaks to the current situation. I would also like to refer to one of my songs titled, ‘Right now.’ There is no need for more procrastination, so we had to do it now.
4. Is the album targeted to a specific audience?
Coopy Bly: Not really. This album is broad and it addresses different issues. When we do this music, the Holy Spirit puts messages on our heart and its unexplainable. I many not fully understand – 100% – who the target audience is but the Holy Spirit knows who He was trying to address through the music. Every body that listens to the album will be impacted by a song or the whole album.
5. What’s the album’s theme message?
Coopy Bly: It is about being doers of the Word, and not to forget that we were saved by the Grace that is sufficient. We need to talk less and do more.
6. Has the pandemic shaped your music ministry these past two years?
Coopy Bly: Definitely the pandemic has re-directed us as artists all over the world. In Uganda, we are going more digital. I thank God I had already started, however the impact is now seen a hundred percent as physical shows are halted. Now, it is more of online shows, and selling music online. Altogether, we thank God because everything works out well for those that love the Lord. We believe something good will come out of this.
Additionally, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this album to this magnitude if it wasn’t for the pandemic. We had a lot of time to concentrate on this work to bless people out there.
7. That is very profound. Moving on, do you have any collabos on the album?
Coopy Bly: Just one, with Pastor Wilson Bugembe. The song is titled ”Tuuja Kuwoona”. I really appreciate his input and thank God for the opportunity to have worked with him as he is the biggest artists I look up to from back in the day. He really inspires me in this music industry. I bless the Lord for his humility and I am grateful to have worked with him.
8. One of the tunes is ”Gwe abikola”. Tell me about that song?
Coopy Bly: ‘Gwe abikola’ was produced by Nessim .The song talks about giving all the glory to God for all the accomplishments we have in our lives. It is inspired by a true story. Everybody knows my humble background, form where I have grown up, and my name is Kusaasira because everything I have is because of the Grace of God. Sometimes people put you to task to explain some of your accomplishments yet you can’t since there is someone bigger doing all this hence I point you to God so you too can have your accomplishments through Him. This song elaborates on His greatness and how His able to do so much that is unexplainable and the easiest is to look up to Him. I really love this song.
9. That is very profound Coopy Bly. So, how can people in and out of Uganda access your album?
For those in Uganda, we are a call away. A physical copy can be delivered to you. Currently, we are working around the clock to have a one stop selling centre. Then, those in the diaspora can get the music on all digital platforms, spotify, itunes, tidal and also through the flutterwave website. The links are up on on my official social media platforms including instagram and facebook.
10. On this platform, we always like to give artists the opportunity to deliver any kind of personal message their audience. Was just wondering if there’s anything you would like to say ,wrapping things up?
Try and listen the whole album and allow God to speak to you through it. You can enjoy the beats but if you concentrate on the lyrics, I am sure you will feel God speak to you.
I encourage the Christian community in Uganda to make it a habit to support artists more so when we do albums. It helps enable us to do more work. For now in Uganda an album is going at Ush25,000 for a hard and soft copy which is not a lot compared to what we put in to produce it. If we do not get sales from the album it will be hard for us to do another piece of work just because of the huge expense we spent, so I encourage any body who feels touched by the album – also to every other artist – please try and learn to support so that we can do bigger work.
I should point out, I am overwhelmed by the sales so far. We appreciate God for the grace for finding us worthy to pass this message through us.
