When I was a kid, I liked Michael Jackson & Prince a lot, whenever my older cousins used to bring home tapes; i enjoyed listening to MJ and Prince. But when i came to UK, I bought my first album of LL Cool J (I need Love) which became my biggest influence followed by NWA, run DMC, Public Enemy , Mob Deep, Naughty by Nature, Buster Rhymes and many more. I went to see N.W.A live in Brixton academy (Dr Dre, Ice Cube, Easy E, Dj Yela ,MC Ren)when they were still a group, they blew me out with excitement. That is why I started as a rapper, am not a rapper now am an Entertainer, because I do lots of stuff.

Acholi Times: How did the Name Hyper Hype come about?

Hyper: It all started when I came to UK. I bought my first two turntable mixers and I started buying records and doing house parties all over London and I would also dance a lot. People then started saying I am too hyper. A lot of girls then started saying that I should be called Hyperman, by then I went to a East London studio to do my first demo in 1993, I then found that the studio engineer/producer was already called Hyperman. I had to tell my friends that I need to change it to MC Hype. Again I went to buy a Vinyl (Record) one day, and found that a top House/Garage Dj named Hype already existed, I said okay am now “MC Hyper Hype’’ because I do both Dj, dance an MCeeing. I cut out the MC later when I started to produce my own songs.

Hyper Hype: Patrick Ponen .People always known me as Hyper Hype or my nick name OGOLOMON which is along story.

Acholi Times: Describe how your upbringing/heritage has lent to your being who you are today

Hyper Hype: My Upbringing helped in alot of ways. I grew up with my Grand mother, the late Mrs Maria Lapura Oryem in Gulu (Mican). School was always first priority, you get caned if you don’t go to school. We were not allowed to touch alcohol or smoke. I was a very shy kid and very obedient; am still very obedient up to now but am now a man that’s the difference!

Acholi Times: How many languages do you speak / write?

Hyper Hype: Two languages; my mother tongue (Luo) and English, but am learning and writing songs in Swahili now.

Acholi Times: Tell us about your education

Hyper Hype: I started from Gulu Primary School then went to Gulu High. Mid-way through secondary, I left Uganda and came to the UK then I joined Oxford College where I attained my Diploma in Media studies i.e. Radio, photography, scrip writing. I moved to Birmingham in 1998 to pursue career in music. I did a diploma in Sound Engineering & Music technology at E.A.R.T.H studios i.e Electonic audio research technical house studios.

Acholi Times: To date, what has been your greatest moment when it comes to your career? Why?

Hyper Hype: Whaoh! Where should I start? Have so many, First, i was named young coming act to follow in the future by the voice news paper 1993 (Under 18 UK talent show ) held in Hackney park, seeing my pictures on a news paper, it was like……crazy. Second, I performed at the first ever Miss Uganda beauty pergent held in London, Hackney. Third, I performed at the annual Birmingham’s carnival in1998 on the main stage in front of 40,000 wide crowd.Forth, I performed at Meeting show with Ragga Dee ,Boxing day at Club Asiana ,Forest gate east London plus 18 of Africa’s UK most talented various artists. Lastly, I was part of the East African UK tour during the Easter festive season of 2009 with the best 17 award winning artists from E. Africa i.e. RADIO & WEASLE (UGANDA),RED SON (KENYA),Tanzani, Rwanda, Burundi, Zambia, plus guest appearances from Nigerian Ghanaian artists and many more.

Acholi Times: You were in a Nollywood movie; can you tell us more about it?

Hyper Hype: Yeah I played two roles in a Nollywood production movie; as the Club Dj and The PIMP, the movie was shot for the first time in Birmingham. The premier was in London at Planet Hollywood, it was a blessed with a walk on the red carpet. Distribution around the globe will begin in December 2010. Its has already been aired on BEN TV and it’s called ‘’Natasha de prodigal Daughter.”

Acholi Times: What would people be surprised to know about you?

Hyper Hype: They’ll be surprise to learn that I don’t do drugs at all, I only drink once in a while. People always judge me by my looks. They should stop judging the book by its cover. I am a better singer than I Rap too ,you have to find out from my new album which contains 25blazing tracks, its called “The PAIN & PLASURE”, I wrote and produced all tracks. Its RnB, reggae, hip-hop, basement, afro beatz slamz.

Acholi Times: What support have you received over your career? Who are your key supporters?

Hype Hype: I mostly have a female fan base and I relate more to the younger generation, but I am appealing the older and my peers are well. Those who understand me have always supported, advised and not just criticised.

Acholi Times: What advise would you give to anyone who wants to get to entertainment business?

Hype Hype: Keep your head up, be on the look-out, communicate, and keep knocking those doors. There are a lot of opportunities out there and always remember that not everybody has the same taste, one day a door will open up for you. MOST OF ALL –you have to be dedicated and “PASSIONATE’’

Acholi Times: What is in the pipeline now.

Hyper Hype: I have many shows lined up, I have been sent alot of of Nollywood Movie scripts, because some people see talent in me.

Acholi Times: Who is your hero?

Hyper Hype: My Uncle Engineer P. M. Onen. He taught me in alot in life, TRUSTS Me, he LOVES my songs, and always encourages me. I grew up admiring his work as The Chief Engineer of Kampala City Council; he was also the construction engineer during the construction of the KARUMBA bridge in Uganda. He’s now retired. Others are Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Malcom x and Martin Luther King

Acholi Times: finally what do you miss most from Uganda/acholiland

Hype Hype: Almost everything the food, the love especially my long lost families and home cooked meal.

Acholi Times: Thanks for talking to Acholi Times Mr Hyper Hype and we wish you the very best for the future.