It’s Etania’s World, and We’re Just Living in It!

Kampala's It-girl...

When I think of Etania Mutoni, the term ‘It-girl’ immediately comes to mind. Her rapid ascent in the Ugandan entertainment scene is undeniable proof of this. For some reason she’s trending on Twitter every other weekend, she’s the DJ that headlines big concerts and festivals, and her role on the captivating reality TV show Kampala Crème has gained her some sort of cult of following – she’s has become ‘that girl’!.

On the day we met for the photo shoot accompanying this story, the 24-year-old star was in between a press conference in the afternoon and Davido’s Timeless Concert later that evening, where she was set to entertain. It makes you wonder if she ever takes a break, as being in constant interaction with people can quickly become exhausting.

“Back in high school, my friends nicknamed me ‘Life of the Party’ because whenever the energy was low, they relied on me to liven things up,” she tells me. This title seemed particularly apt when she made her debut on NTV Mix Show, an entertainment show that kept us alive during lockdown. How could she have so much energy on a set that had no audience? We wondered! “The person you see now is who I’ve always been,” she says. “I was a troublemaker in school and a constant source of worry for my mom, but I’ve always stayed true to myself.”

As soon as the camera lights flickered on, she transformed into a fashion star, showcasing yet another facet of her versatile personality. She confidently sported her first look: a denim jumpsuit paired with snake print pointy-toe boots, moving with ease from the get-go. It’s uncommon for people to feel at ease in front of the camera immediately, as most need a moment to adjust. However, Etania is clearly an exception!

“I would describe my style as a blend of chic and tomboy. When I wear a dress, I really go for it. And when it’s pants, they’re oversized and bold. It’s very street, loud, and colorful—impossible to miss,” she explains. “I dress according to my mood. Some days, my outfit signals ‘don’t talk to me, stay away.’ Other days, it’s like, ‘I’m in a peaceful mood, come say hi—I’m a ray of sunshine.’ And then there are days when I just throw on whatever because I can’t be bothered. But I have a deep appreciation for street fashion and quirky outfits. Making my friends excited about what I wear brings me joy.”

One aspect of Etania that I find intriguing is her comfort level with both herself and her style. While other celebrities appear to be wearing a facade, projecting an alter ego meant to propel them forward, she effortlessly embodies the bold looks she often flaunts. It’s as if these daring ensembles are simply an extension of her true self. Browsing through her Instagram, one can see some of these eye-catching outfits, and from the expression on her face, it’s clear she’s not second-guessing her choices. They align so seamlessly with her personality that you can’t help but think, “Of course, this is her!” During the photoshoot, Troy Elimu from Denim Cartel dropped by to deliver a custom outfit for her Davido concert performance—a two-piece denim ensemble adorned with a belt made of colorful toy cars encircling the waistline. It was an unexpected yet strangely appropriate choice.

Speaking of the concert, we delved into her journey into the realm of DJing, where she not only spins tracks but also engages the crowd with dance routines and theatrical flair. “It’s a routine. When I know I have a big performance coming up, I meticulously plan my music and sets. I consult with the promoters to understand their expectations, and I rehearse with the dancers. It’s a comprehensive process to create a performance of that caliber,” she explains. According to the “Life of the Party,” the key ingredients for a memorable event include “a lively DJ. I didn’t come to the bar to see a DJ who looks stern and serious. Why so serious? Please, be joyful, show me some moves; it’ll get me moving too… Being in sync with the crowd and the vibe of the music you’re playing is crucial.”

“I enjoy a wide range of music genres, but at the moment, I’m particularly obsessed with amapiano, house, afrotech, and techno music. That’s where my focus lies,” she tells me, adding with a coy smile, “Joshua Baraka, too…” Of course, she couldn’t resist mentioning her beau, who made a brief appearance at the start of the photoshoot to offer support.

There’s no denying that her current flagship project is being a part of Kampala Crème, arguably one of the most buzzed-about TV shows in Uganda. Kampala Crème is a dramatic reality TV series on Pearl Magic Prime (DSTV), offering an exhilarating glimpse into the lives of Uganda’s self-made influencers and celebrities, with Etania being one quarter of it. After each episode, she dominates the trends on all social platforms. “Etania’s authenticity shines through, giving me a reason to tune in every weekend,” reads one review on Instagram. “I’m thoroughly enjoying every aspect of our work on the show. I’ve embraced my true self, and I believe that has contributed to the show’s success,” she tells me.

However, there’s a downside—exposing her entire life for the world to scrutinize has brought its own challenges. “Social media isn’t reality. Don’t take everything you see here at face value. We often make the mistake of desiring what we see on social media without understanding the efforts people put in to achieve the life the live,” she reflects. “You don’t need to rush or try to keep up with others. You’re unique. Be yourself, for yourself, and don’t seek validation from the world. The world truly doesn’t care. You could die today, and they wouldn’t bat an eye—those are the people you’re seeking validation from? So, take things at your own pace and trust in divine timing.”