Meet The Stylists & Costume Designers Behind the Best Shows on Ugandan Television

With the burgeoning growth of the film industry in Uganda and the increasing exportation of films and talent from the country, a career in the industry has become increasingly viable.

In this exclusive glimpse behind the curtain, we delve into the artistry, challenges, and fashion triumphs of the brilliant minds of stylists and costume designers. Stylists and costume designers are the people tasked with purchasing, creating or tailoring costume pieces for characters for a production. They play a huge role in the final cohesive look of the production; they tell the story through the clothing.

Esther Nakaziba – The HONOURABLES

Esther Nakaziba, is the costume designer on ‘The Honourables’, a political satire-drama created by celebrated drama-actor John Ssegawa. Thanks to her work on the show, the talented film makeup artist, and fashion and costume designer, received the distinguished title of Best Costume Designer at the Janzi Awards in 2022.

Her foray into styling traces back to 2017, when she met John Ssegawa and worked on his production “Trials and Tribulations.” Initially contributing special effects makeup to the project, her creative talent extended beyond the designated role. Durinh post-production, her sketches backstage caught the discerning eye of John Ssegawa. This chance encounter led to a significant opportunity when Seggawa informed her about his then upcoming production, ‘The Honorablez’. She was entrusted with the crucial role of costume design, marking the commencement of her official venture into this dynamic field—a journey that has spanned from season one to the latest.

For Nakaziba, styling isn’t merely a profession; it’s a calling that echoes from her O’level days. Crafting outfits from bed sheets for school parties laid the initial foundation for her artistic expression. This love for fashion manifested in her university studies, where she majored in art, specializing in fashion. It’s a calling she tenaciously pursued, fueled by an unwavering passion for creating designs that transcend mere clothing.

Unlike a conventional 9-5 commitment, styling is not a full-time occupation for her. When not working costumes, she seamlessly transitions into the world of special effects makeup on set. This year, she added another dimension to her repertoire by sharing her expertise through teaching, imparting the art of costuming and special effects makeup to eager students.

Stepping onto a film set is where Nakaziba’s passion finds its fullest expression. The unpredictability of actors not knowing what they will wear creates a dynamic atmosphere. The thrill of showcasing her creations to actors and directors, witnessing their satisfaction, brings to life the essence of her craft. Amid this beauty lies a certain chaos—unforeseen new characters, actors deviating from the envisioned wardrobe, and the relentless ticking of tight schedules.

When it comes to styling characters, she thrives on the challenge. With a background in fashion design, she effortlessly navigates the intricacies of various situations and character-building. The real challenge, as she notes, lies in managing budgets—a testament to the practicalities that accompany the creative process.

For budding stylists, Nakaziba shares valuable advice: embrace confidence, cultivate a hunger for learning, welcome feedback, and let the untamed creativity within run wild. It’s this unbridled creativity that sets each stylist apart, forging a unique identity in the creative realm.

As for her dream, it extends beyond individual achievements. She envisions establishing a colossal costume shop—a one-stop destination boasting costumes from every era and theme imaginable. From the 1980s to 2023, futuristic, traditional, Africa-themed, and beyond, she aspires to create a haven where every costume needed for a production is readily available. Currently, for characters like nuns or policemen, she rummages through thrift stores in downtown Kampala for tailored costumes, which is a tough call.

Elton Gyaza – PRESTIGE & BELOVED

Gyaza Elton, also known as Elton Brasson, works as a co-costume designer on Pearl Magic Prime’s hit drama ‘Beloved’. An up and coming fashion designer, stylist, and seasoned film costume designer, Gyaza specializes in crafting fantastical, dance-inspired, and modern styles for films, and TV drama series. His forte lies not only in fashion but in the nuanced art of using costumes to elevate storytelling and enrich character development. He also boasts skills in personal styling, ensuring that actors and actresses make a lasting impact on red carpets with their fashion choices. One of his clients is rapper Recho Rey.

Gyaza’s journey into the business took off on the Prestige TV series, where he initially served as a costume assistant working alongside the talented Solomon Tazibone. Through unwavering dedication and hard work, he earned a well-deserved promotion. Prestige served as a launchpad, propelling him into several pilot film shootings, including notable projects like “Heart of a Dancer” produced by Ronnie Mulindwa and “Damalie” produced by Doreen Mirembe.

Despite holding a background in Engineering, he wholeheartedly embraces his identity as a stylist and designer. Currently juggling contractual obligations as a film costume designer, he navigates the dynamic landscape of the fashion and film industry with passion and purpose.

Gyaza’s career has been shaped by collaborations with remarkable talents, a roster that reads like a who’s who in the Ugandan film industry. Actors like Nana Kagga, Cleopatra Coheirwe, Evelyn Kironde, Simon Base Kalema, Sally Bwamipeke, Karolyn Kash, Ken Rukundo, Raymond Rushabiro, Judith Heard, Hellen Lukoma, Doreen Mirembe, Ronny Mulindwa, Pamela Keryeko, among others, have played pivotal roles in his growth.

His rise has been nothing short of captivating – beginning his styling journey during his first year at Kyambogo University, where he pursued Chemical and Process Engineering. Recognition followed a project with Akullo Jean Coprise, published by Satisfashion UG, marking a pivotal push that propelled him into full-time styling and design. His portfolio expanded, with projects ranging from music videos to collaborations with fellow creatives.

For Gyaza, the allure of his job lies in the creative freedom and self-expression it offers. Film costume designing becomes a medium through which he unleashes his creativity, using clothing and accessories as vehicles of artistic expression. Bringing characters to life involves experimenting with colors, textures, and styles to convey specific messages or evoke emotions—a process that he finds incredibly fulfilling.

Gyaza shares invaluable advice for those aspiring to carve a niche in the styling arena:

1. Gain Knowledge and Expertise: Acquire knowledge about different styles, fashion trends, fabrics, and body types. Enroll in courses or workshops to enhance your skills.

2. Build a Portfolio: Showcase your work through a comprehensive portfolio that reflects your creativity and versatility.

3. Network and Collaborate: Forge connections with professionals in the industry. Collaborate on projects to expand your portfolio and build lasting relationships.

4. Stay Up-to-Date: Keep abreast of fashion industry trends to remain relevant and innovative in your styling approaches.

5. Market Yourself: Establish an online presence through a website or social media platforms. Share your portfolio, behind-the-scenes content, and style tips to attract clients and position yourself as a professional stylist.

Solomon Tazibone – PRESTIGE & BELOVED

In the competitive world of fashion, Solomon Tazibone emerges as a compelling force when you speak about fashion in Uganda. His genius, which seamlessly combines design and styling, has landed him roles as a TV personality and brand influencer. His journey into the realm of aesthetics began as a design intern under celebrated fashion designer Sylvia Owori, a pivotal period where his innate flair for styling began to flourish.

Tazibone reflects on this period, stating, “I started out as a design intern under Sylvia Owori, and it was during that process that I realized that my strengths were mostly in styling.”He delved into research, sketching, and production supervision with tailors, cultivating his skills. The boutique environment, assisting clients in curating ensembles, became the fertile ground where his styling skills blossomed.

Transitioning from the intern’s role, Tazibone embarked on entrepreneurship, giving rise to his independent venture. Today, he not only owns Kredibility Uganda, specializing in fashion styling and custom-made wear, but also runs Kredibility Hair, offering specialized hairstyling for editorials and avant-garde clients. As a versatile artist, he extends his expertise as a costume designer for ‘Beloved,’ a DSTV commissioned show, which is his second project after the acclaimed ‘Prestige.’

‘Beloved’ is a captivating drama that follows the rags to riches life of a modest young woman and how she overcomes challenging circumstances, fueled by her unwavering hope and kind heart. It is produced and directed by prominent film producer Nathan Magoola and features renowned actors such as Hellen Lukoma and Andrew Benon Kibuuka.

Reflecting on the characters on the show, Tazibone doesn’t single out favorites but leans towards challenging roles that define his craft. “They’ve all been interesting to style, and I’m glad to have grown throughout the challenges,” he says. Navigating the intricacies of TV dramas, with the demanding shooting schedule from Monday to Friday, he delves into the nuances of costume design, maneuvering through the hectic workloads of the industry. His preparation for a new project involves immersing himself in scripts and character bibles, meticulously crafting mood boards that encapsulate the envisioned style for each character.

Networking is the cornerstone of his career path, facilitated by connections like Nana Kagga, a friend, and Nathan Magoola, the producer of ‘Beloved.’ Recounting his career highs, he takes pride in handling costume design for the UFF award-winning production ‘Prestige’ and the DSTV commissioned ‘Beloved.’

Tazibone’s dream is to transcend local boundaries. “It’s simple, to push my brand to a point where it’s not just local,” he shares. “I’d want it to grow and become international, taking on even more significant clients.”

For aspiring stylists, he underscores the importance of building networks within the industry and continual learning. “It’s very important to build networks within the industry because many gigs I’ve gotten have been based on recommendations,” he advises. “For anyone in the creative space, challenge yourself to learn something new regularly—we’re in a fast-paced world.”

In his parting shot, Tazibone introduces a spiritual dimension to the creative journey. “I think for a creative to be relevant, for anyone in the creative space, it’s essential to be spiritually grounded, to pray,” he asserts. “I involve God in everything I do, and it’s been life-changing for me.”

Ahebwa Agnes – KOJJA

Ahebwa Agnes’ story is quite extraordinary – she stands as a luminary, weaving her artistry through hair, makeup, and costume design. Coffee Shop, a show she worked on won 5 UFF awards. She’s also a winner of the Best Special Effects Makeup award at the 2023 Hair and Beauty Awards.

Her journey into the business started in her formative years with a passion for hairstyling, an affection she nurtured through self-expression during her days at University.

“I’ve always loved doing hair, makeup, and beauty things,” she shares, reminiscing about her early endeavors. “After campus, I worked in my mum’s friend’s salon and a friend’s salon. In 2014, I started my work in film, doing hair and makeup for ‘The Coffee Shop.’”

While many may juggle a 9-5 routine, she has fully embraced styling, makeup, special effects, and costume design as her life’s calling. For her, every stroke of the brush, every twist of the hair, and every choice of costume is a testament to her commitment to the craft.

So, how did she land ‘the job’ on ‘Kojja’? Initially hesitant due to the multifaceted demands—costume, makeup, and hairstyling—she eventually seized the opportunity. “They advertised, and I didn’t apply originally, “she recalls. “Later, I reached out to the production manager, asking for the job. He eventually replied and gave me the job. That’s how I started styling for Kojja. Clearly, the person they were looking for was me.”

Written and produced by award-winning filmmaker Dilman Dila, ‘Kojja’ is a sitcom that tells a story of a 35-year-old man running from his debtors.

Life on set is a dynamic journey for Ahebwa, dictated by the nature of the production—whether local or international. Reflecting on her experience with ‘Queen of Katwe,’ an international project that featured Lupita Nyongo and David Oyelowo, she acknowledges the hectic yet exhilarating atmosphere. “It’s very hectic, and very stressful, but I also find it fun. You get to learn from people and work with a lot of people,” she shares. “Many times you wake up at 5 am, and are supposed to get on set by 7 am, and then leave at 10 pm. However, it’s worth it. I’ve always loved my work, and because I love my work, it keeps me going.”

The characters Ahebwa styles are a canvas for her artistic expression. Each character on ‘Kojja’ presents its unique challenges, with the fortune teller played by Maureen Birwinyo, standing out in her memory. “I had to come up with a costume that would bring out his character,” she recounts. “When you’re styling someone, you have to get into the viewers’ perspective. That’s how to really represent the character well. Then, my favorite would be a girl from high school, with natural hair.

For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Ahebwa’s advice is grounded in passion and respect. “Dream big, love your work, and respect everybody,” she emphasizes. “Treat every character with dignity because every character matters.”

Guy Jairus Zziwa – DAMALIE

For Guy Jairus Zziwa, who is the costume designer on Pearl Magic Prime’s Damalie, his journey began on a theater production in 2016. “I happened to be part of a production that urgently needed a costume designer, and I was right there in the right place at the right time,” he recounts.

This and more of his past work led him to his current job on Damalie. “My work sometimes precedes me. I had previously worked on a feature film with one of the producers. So, when the opportunity to style for ‘Damalie’ arose, my name was recommended, and I was hired.”

Damalie is a thrilling drama about a woman who has to quickly cover up a web of lies and secrets when her husband returns to Uganda unexpectedly after years of medical residency in the UK. It features a star-studded cast of Denis Kinani, Ssewanyana Arthur, Phillip Luswata, and more.

Working on set, Zziwa acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the job, describing it as a “roller coaster of emotions.” From the highs of smooth sailing to the lows of running around like a headless chicken, each day brings its own set of challenges. However, he emphasizes the transformative experience when seeing the final result on the big screen as “incredibly wholesome.”

About his favorite and most challenging characters to style, humorously admits, “I can’t choose, haha!” Every character, portrayed by amazing individuals, presents captivating roles. The ability of actors to seamlessly shift between personas and return to themselves continually astonishes him. “Each character presents a new set of details, and that’s where the challenges come into play.”

Despite the captivating allure of costume design for TV, Zziwa maintains a balance between his 9-5 job and his passion for styling. “Yes, I do have a 9-5 job, but it’s flexible enough for me to engage in styling from time to time. I currently have no plans to become a full-time stylist unless circumstances dictate otherwise.”

For aspiring stylists, he offers straightforward advice: “Just do it—whatever it takes. The spark is in the details. Don’t hesitate to dive into all the necessary work that comes with styling. If it means running all over town with clothes, run, baby, run! Your ability to get the job done well is what keeps you hired.”

As for his dream, Zziwa succinctly expresses it: “TO BE ULTIMATE ALWAYS.”

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