Ninja C, otherwise known as Herninjaness, is Ugandan Rap royalty. Having began her career in 2012 and releasing her debut project, “Best Kept Secret”, in 2013, she is the definition of a boss lady. The multi-hyphenate successfully juggles being an artist, femcee, media personality, events host, content curator, mother and wife.

 We had the pleasure of catching up with Ninja C ahead of her Xpressions UG showcase.

Where are you from? Can you speak briefly about your upbringing and how you got into music? 

I’m from Uganda - my dad is from  Kiruhura District which is in Western Uganda. My mum is from Fort Portal, I have several siblings and loads of cousins and I grew up in a loving family, very creative and have been very supportive of my journey. 

When did you start putting music out? What was the first project you released?

My first project came out in 2013 titled Best Kept Secret which I recorded at Yego studio that was in Bukoto at the time.

What is your creative process?

Life inspires my work, a melody, a beat or a feeling. I could literally be in studio or somewhere doing something and if I hear a beautiful melody I’ll start writing to it. Or if I feel really happy or low I’ll be inspired to write.

Who or what inspires your work?

I usually listen to a beat then come up with a hook, then write my verses I like to fuse singing and rapping. Then I take it to my producer and we see how to spice it up.

What has been your experience navigating the creative industry in Uganda? How do you feel about the state of Ugandan music specifically?

My experience navigating the creative industry has been challenging. So much to learn but also I have gotten to meet very many talented and incredible people that make the journey all worth it. Ugandan music has evolved so much and seeing new talent come through each year and get more and more creative gives me life. 

Are you currently working on more music that we should look forward to?

I am currently working on an album The Return of The Ninja and basically everyone should look forward to a more grown, sexy, deep sound with some super cool features.

What is a song, album, or movie that elicits a strong sense of nostalgia for you?

An album that elicits a strong sense of nostalgia for me is Drake’s take care and the song is Nicki Minaj’s moment for life.

When you’re not making music, what are you up to?

When I’m not making music I’m at my business The Patio, or creating visual content, hosting an event, hanging out with my friends and family or sleeping.

What does the future look like for you?

My future is already playing out is to keep making more music inspiring more female rappers to come out and join the game while mentoring young and upcoming artists but specifically the young ladies because I didn’t really have that when I got started.