Since 2014 when we put out our first ranking of the movers and shakers of the year, a lot has happened. Some consider it a definitive index of people that shook things up during the year, while to others, it is a subtle pat on the back for a stellar year.
However, our goal which is to spotlight individuals who are setting the tone of the fashion and entertainment industry in Uganda, has stayed intact.
From TV stars, designers, musicians and stylists to actors and content creators, meet everyone who has guided the trajectory of Uganda’s fashion and entertainment industry during 2019, according to the team at Satisfashion UG.
Vinka
It’s impossible to chart a list of the top entertainers of 2019 and leave out Vinka. If you don’t know her, she’s the girl the internet always refers to as ‘the girl who sings like a man’. Vinka has managed to put all her critics to shame, soaring high and higher. This year, though, can go in history as her best yet.
The 25-year-old star landed a buzzy record deal with Sony joining the ranks of African stars signed to the label like Davido and Wiz Kid. This came before announcing that she would release her new album in the most unconventional way possible. She has outed a new music video every month since January. For a singer everyone thought was only good enough to manage other artists, this is an incredible resume she has built in a space of just 12 months.
Kaijuka Abbas
There’s no doubt that Kaijuka Abbas has created some of the most buzzed about looks of the year. From Rema’s ‘LED light’ dress to Priscilla Ray’s voluminous tulle gown, and winning the hearts (and bodies) of everybody else. He went on to be named Designer of the year at Men’s Fashion Week in Nigeria and at the Abryanz Style & Fashion Awards.
Aliet Sarah
Aliet made her London Fashion Week debut early this year and was immediately recognized by British Vogue as one of the standout models to watch during 2019. Shortly after, she became one of the most booked models during the A/W season. The South Sudanese –Ugandan model went ahead to bag top tier campaigns from Versace, Miu Miu and more. And that’s not all, she’s now Celine Dion’s friend.
John Blaq
Armed with a unique sound, John Blaq has played against all the rules everyone thought Ugandan music lived by.
Fatumah Asha
Fatumah Asha isn’t just building a household name in African fashion, she’s nurturing a new generation of couturiers through Tesi Fashion School, her initiative.
Rema
With just a handful of songs and a big wedding, the singer has singlehandedly steered the entertainment industry this year.
Gloria Wavamunno
Through Kampala Fashion Week, Gloria Wavamunno took us to a temple where we were made to appreciate the power of symbolism, art and the positive elements of the spirit of our country.
Quinn Abenakyo
Through her nonprofit charity organization, The Quiin Abenakyo Foundation (QAF), the former Miss World Africa has had no time to rest championing campaigns raising awareness about issues facing the girl child, women and youth.
Brian Ahumuza
Brian Ahumuza, has transformed the Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards from being the biggest fashion event of the year to a cultural landmark that attracts people from across the world to celebrate the beauty of fashion and style in Kampala.
Big Tril
Big Tril is on his way to global stardom. His hit song ‘Parte After Parte’ had Cardi B, Offset and everyone in Nigeria and Kenya dancing and singing along.
Cindy
The singer has had one of the biggest song of the year.
Esther & Ezekiel Mutesasira
The siblings won the first edition of East Africa’s Got Talent Competition in October.
Anita Beryl
The couturier is not sitting on her laurels, she’s on a mission to take Africa’s fashion industry by storm, her first stop being Lagos, Nigeria. She was named East African designer of the year at Swahili Fashion Week Fashion Awards.
Santa Anzo
Santa Anzo, revived Uganda International Fashion Week, a platform with the mission to cause socio-economic change in Uganda by creating activations of partnerships that promote the fashion and textile industry.
Spice Diana
Spice Diana is showing no signs of slowing down.
Eleanor Nabwiso
Nabwiso produced and directed Uganda’s first all-female crew led film, Bed of Thrones. The production, which went on to win an award at the London Art House Film Festival in the African category, addresses issues of gender based and domestic violence.
Eman Agwet
The Ugandan model made her international debut walking for Thom Browne, Rick Owens and more during Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week
Mavo Kampala
The in-demand stylist continues to offer a style the industry is hungry for.
Nkakalukanyi Patriq
Nkakalukanyi was named ‘Best Actor in a Feature Film’ at the UCC organized Uganda Film Festival Awards for his role in Lailah.
Crystal Newman
Through her Youtube channel, Crystal Newman is using the internet to offer everything TV has failed to give us, and more.
Oliver Nakakande
Nakakande represented Uganda at the Miss World 2019 pageant in London.
Monica Kansiime
Monica Kansiime is the creative force behind Ipigogo Fashion House, a fashion brands that’s doing things differently.
Kemiyondo Coutinho
The filmmaker is using her voice, experience and talent to put Ugandan content on the global stage.
Patricia Akello
The model landed a buzzy Fendi campaign alongside Nicki Minaj.
Solomon Serwanjja
The investigative journalist won the 2019 BBC World News Komla Dumor Award.
Eddy Kenzo
Eddy Kenzo had every one talking for months dominating the showbiz business.
Solomon Tazibone
The innovative stylist, who is not afraid of thinking out of the box, continues to push the envelope.
MC Ibrah
The content creator runs the most popular Youtube channel with local Ugandan content on the platform.
Malaika
The fashion icon is proving that it’s possible to have it all with a successful career in media, film and fashion.
Joram Muzira
The model manager is quietly building a portfolio as the most revved scout and star maker in the region.
Bettinah Tianah
The TV star is one of the most followed people on Instagram in Uganda, a platform she uses to promote Ugandan fashion.
Evelyn Namatovu Kironde
Kironde represented Uganda at the Miss International beauty pageant where she scooped the third position, and the ‘Best Swimsuit’ title.
Aketch Joy Winnie
The former Literature teacher landed a global advertising campaign for BMW.
Grenade Official
He’s one of the breath through artistes of the year.
Doreen Faith Namutebi
Through Plus Fashion Week Fest, she’s creating a space where women with curves can freely have fun with fashion.
Dyna Vence Ruvuza
Aside from creating ‘editorial worthy’ gowns, Ruvuza is using her influence and experience to nurture new dress makers.
Anna Talia Oze & Zahara Totto
The duo hosts the most watched entertainment show on Ugandan television.
B2C
The group has had a stellar year, and shows no sign of stopping.
Claire Asiimwe
Asiimwe is the next big thing in Ugandan fashion. She’s one to watch.
Rehemah Nanfuka
The filmmaker is using her talent to bring social issues to the fore.
Happy New Year !
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