Artists To Watch: Swagina
“My style is spiritually given….Everyday l am fashionable and that's my lifestyle.”
Swagina’s flare is an effortless one. His unique style tastefully fuses international streetwear cues with an authentic Kampala swagger. The 24 year-old stylist and musician was raised by a village of artists and hustlers that he met while dealing second hand clothes and shoes at Uganda’s largest market, Owino. Between 2016 and 2018, he made a name for himself styling for premiere artists like Mun G, Grenade, and Khalifa Aganaga, sourcing costumes for tours and music videos from various second hand dealers at Owino. After years of styling, living, and touring with this chosen family of creatives, Swagina has finally embarked on his own professional journey in music. Having delivered two memorable guest verses on Shaka Mao’s Believe Me and Go Down Low, earlier this year, the luganda lyricist has now dropped a heater of his own in the form of Ekibaala. His energetic debut single about causing a traffic jam in the club with his crew of unbridled revellers. The video gives colorful alte-vibes; a vintage Benz, small oval sunglasses, and stylish 20-somethings simply enjoying.
We caught up with the young trendsetter to get a glimpse into his roots and dreams.
Where are you from? Can you speak briefly about your upbringing and how you got into music?
Kampala raised me. I grew up with my grandmother and young brother in Mpererwe; a small town in Wakiso District. Unfortunately, my parents died when I was young. I grew up surrounded by a lot of artists and musicians. Because I had a unique sense of style, l would style most of them. I drew a lot of inspiration from that, hence my passion for music being ignited. I remember going to most of their shows with them upcountry and around Kampala and the fans would mistake me for the artist and jump on me thinking I was an artist going to perform too. That really inspired me into joining music.
When did you start putting music out? What was the first project you released?
l started recording music as early as 2014. Go Down Low ft Shaka Mao is my first official project that I released (2020) And I’ve just released my establishing single Ekibaala, meaning “the bar” earlier this week.
What artists have been essential to your creative development?
Muggaga Timothy has been really developmental to me as an artist in most of my craft, there is also Shaka Mao [and] Kifiirika, an amazing designer and creative director.
What has been your experience navigating the creative industry in Uganda? How do you feel about the state of Ugandan music specifically and how do you and your friends/collaborators fit in?
The creative industry in Uganda is for strong willed people. If you're not firm with your craft, you meet so many challenges. What really stands out is one's creativity and innovativeness. [For] me, it has been a journey of self discovery and a lifestyle.
The Uganda music industry is a fertile virgin land. It accommodates so many talents with new sounds, different but similar to the sound of our ancestors. [We] fit in because we are not ordinary, we are unique in all ways.
Your fashion is one of the things that stands out most about you. How would you describe your style?
My style is spiritually given. I cannot describe it. Everyday l am fashionable and that's my lifestyle.
Photo’s courtesy of: Martin Mwesigye
Photo’s courtesy of: Martin Mwesigye
How did you get into fashion?
I got into fashion the day I started working in the biggest and busiest markets in Uganda, Owino Market. At 10 years old, I was dealing in second hand clothes and shoes, so it has been a journey of fashion for me.
What is your favorite place to go out partying in Kampala?
I’m a ghost when it comes to partying in fact, I don't have a favorite place but l am always at the Five Horsemen rooftop bar.
Who are some young Ugandan artists that we should know about?
Shaka Mao, Focus Treasure, Black Bandana, Himkim.
What have you been listening to recently?
Alot of COVID 19 stories and news all over the world. [I] have been listening to a lot of music from Pop Smoke, UK rappers and some African vibes plus our local music kadongo kamu.
What is a song, album, or movie that elicits a strong sense of nostalgia for you?
12 years A Slave is a movie that makes me think a lot about my ancestors, and how life was really like for them. I actually cried when watching it. The album would be Big Conspiracy by J-Hus.
How have you or your community been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
l personally have been affected negatively in so many ways. For example I stopped working at my shop, have not been making money for a long time since most of my shows got cancelled due to COVID 19 and my community has reported so many cases of gender best violence. On a positive note, I have managed to record and shoot up a few music projects.
What does the future look like for you?
The future for me is basically digital. My work has to be digital (fashion shop). I need to organise digital concerts. The future is bright for sure. I see Grammy's coming through.
