VJ Shaolin Khan Lee talks evolution of translated movies

On a recent segment of Home of Our Stars, Flavia Tumusiime explored the Vjing scene with Kaija Ukasha, known in the industry as VJ Shaolin Khan Lee.

Reflecting on his roots in film, Ukasha shared how translated films influenced his initial movie encounters. His path in film began in the video halls (bibanda) of Kawempe, where, amidst a football-loving family, he discovered solace in the world of movies.

Ukasha developed his craft by immersing himself in his home environment, laying the foundation for his professional life. “The appeal of translations captivated me, and together with a like-minded brother, we delved into the world of Vjing,” he shared. Early networking in a local video hall was crucial, as kind individuals lent him their equipment, facilitating his educational journey.

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Ukasha emphasized that Vjing involves more than simple translation; it demands a broad knowledge base.

“Vjing transcends language; it tests the breadth of your knowledge. You might excel in medicine but be clueless about law. However, with Vjing, you must possess a wide-ranging understanding of general knowledge,” he explained.

“Beyond translation, you must offer insights and interpret the situations of the films you work with.”

As Vjing evolves from traditional video halls to various TV platforms, Ukasha discussed the historical roots of movie translations.

“The practice of translating movies precedes the arrival of Western films in Africa,” he noted. “When explorers first met African communities, language barriers posed a challenge. However, adept interpreters managed to communicate effectively through gestures, demonstrating exceptional skill.”

He highlighted the importance of making translated movies accessible and straightforward for all viewers. “Watching a translated movie streamlines understanding,” he stated. “After a long day’s work, viewers shouldn’t have to exert additional effort to decipher complicated plots, especially in genres like detective stories. Our role is to simplify the viewing experience for everyone.”

Ukasha’s significant break in Vjing and entertainment stemmed from a connection with a video library.

“I joined Romeo Video Library, where my friend Mufumba and I often debated who was the better VJ. One day, Mufumba was given 18 films to translate. He chose 4 and left me the rest to attempt. By the end of the day, only my four were returned for corrections.”

This event was a turning point for Ukasha, driving him to improve. “When Mufumba moved on to start another video library with his boss, I took the chance and never looked back,” he reflected.

Initially, TV broadcasters underestimated the value of translated films. However, with the shift from analog to digital, they began to track viewer ratings.

“I spent years in TV, and although translated movies weren’t initially respected, owners soon saw their high ratings. This acknowledgment encouraged us and led to our features being scheduled in prime-time slots, often before or after the news.”

Discussing his role with Urban Life, which airs on Pearl Magic channel 161 on DStv and 301 on GOtv, Ukasha observed, “Urban Life stands out among the Ugandan dramas I’ve worked on. Its production quality, storyline, and acting are exceptional. Previously, Ugandan movies were repetitive and resembled interviews with just one scene. The varied storylines in Urban Life add richness and complexity.”

This progression has yielded significant benefits for Ukasha. “My journey from video halls to TV, especially with MultiChoice’s Pearl Magic, is a significant milestone for me,” he remarked. He also emphasized the growth within the industry. “We’ve made significant strides as an industry. We’ve established the Uganda Video Jokers Guild, where I served as chairman for 15 years,” Ukasha stated.

“I’m confident that the young talents I’m mentoring will soon work with major industry players like MultiChoice Uganda. It’s only a matter of time.”