2020 has been a year of immense strife, tumult, uncertainty, loss, pain and so much more. But, it has also been a great learning curve for everyone; a time to reflect upon our purpose on this planet, and how we can make our lives more meaningful.
Satisfashion UG’s annual list of the ’40 Movers & Shakers of the year’ is here; a celebration of Ugandans who have been extraordinarily inspirational, as chosen by the Satisfashion UG team. Regardless of the tumult that hovered all over, these individuals kept it going, and won!
Cindy Sanyu
Sanyu could be one of the few Ugandans who’ll gladly say that 2020 has had more wins for them than losses. The singer had the biggest concert of year, held without the backing of a promoter or a label, she found love, and continued to live her truth, even when it got her in trouble very many times. Sanyu is also launching her own a makeup line, an idea that finally got all her of her attention thanks to lockdown. She talks to us here.
Robert Kyagulanyi
Since making his big jump into politics, the 38-year-old music star hasn’t stopped soaring, but it is 2020 that has tested his growth the most. He’s just a few weeks to becoming Uganda’s 10th president. Whether this happens or not, his story won’t cease being a source of inspiration to young people.
Santa Lucy Fungaro
20-year-old Santa Lucy Fungaro has dealt with dermatomyositis, a skin condition which presents with muscle weakness and skin rash, and one that invited a a swam of bullies her way. She responded with activism creating awareness around the condition, and raising funds for her treatment. She later landed on the August cover of Satisfashion UG.
Nancy Kalembe
40-year-old Kalembe is the only woman running for the big office. Against all the odds and prejudices (a young woman, who is divorced, a former beauty queen, reality TV star, actress and who is standing on an independent ticket), she’s determined to become Uganda’s 10th president.
Samson Kasumba
The 46-year-old newsanchor is one of the reasons we still watch TV news; whether you love or hate him, he does his job so well. But if you have any doubts, take the battle to his twitter, where his youthfulness comes in full force.
Anita Beryl
The couturier has carved a career out of making women look beautiful! Beryl Qouture, her brand, has recorded so much success this year; from getting named one of the top fashion brands on the continent, to outing a buzzy ‘Futuristic Africa’ collection.
Monalisa Umutoni
The ace-makeup artist continues to prove that you can build a multi-million business out of art and passion.
Crysto Panda
The TV star-turned music star has a lot to thank 2020 for. His music, a unique style that’s probably his own, has topped charts almost all through the year.
Etania
The TV star/ influencer’s star is only starting to shine, and we already are obsessed with her.
Martin Larry Mukooza
Mukooza runs Larry Casual, a bespoke menswear brand that’s heavy on opulence and excellence.
Raphael Kasule
The eccentric fashion designer finally found a way to put his art to use. While designers were rushing to put physical fashion shows on hold, they were running back to him to create virtual shows them.
Raymond Kahuma
The 23-year-old Youtuber is disrupting the business of content creation.
Joram Muzira
Muzira’s Joram Model Management is giving Ugandan fashion a glossy look! After building one of the most sought after modeling agencies in the region, he’s creating even more opportunities for people in the business through masterclasses and incubators.
Patsy Mugabi
Mugabi uses Instagram to influence you “make your money meet purpose”!
Bettinah Tianah
The content creator is now leveraging her influence to build a beauty brand that caters to our needs.
Aketch Joy Winnie
Aketch quit her job as a Literature teacher to become a model in New York City. After working her way up; landing gigs with BMW and Gucci, she’s giving back to the community that raised her. Little Hands of Grace, her organisation, is providing food, safe water and education to disadvantaged children.
Akello Patricia
After dominating runways and fashion editorials for top tier fashion publications, Akello launched Pakello, a swimwear brand that produces “pieces with a mix of bold colours, in asymmetrical shapes.”
Sheebah Karungi
When she wasn’t making music (which happened quit a lot this year), she was focused on her steadily growing business empire; Holic Pads, The Red Terrance, Sheebah Establishment and so much more.
Abbas Kaijuka
Kaijuka’s star continues to shine; the man behind many of Rema, Spice Diana and Sheebah Karungi’s outfits. But, it was his post-lockdown collection ‘Hope’ and virtual show, which restored hope in our hearts, that the end of the pandemic was near.
Doreen Faith
The UK-based Ugandan designer has created a platform where plus-size women can thrive under their curves.
Kemiyondo Coutinho
Leveraging her success, influence and contacts, The Los Angeles-based Ugandan filmmaker & actress is incubating a new breed of Ugandan filmmakers.
Zex Bilangilangi
The dancehall artist, who was raised in the slums of kamwokya, is turning his own story on its feet. His new take on the dancehall genre is both refreshing and exciting, and the industry is taking notice.
Valentino Richard Kabenge
The Latino & ballroom dancer is giving the genre of dance a new face with a unique TV of his own.
Eezy
Arguably the one music artiste who has benefited the most from lockdown! His hit song ‘Tumbiza Sound’ had everyone dancing, giving his career a bright new direction.
Spice Diana
No artiste has recorded more success more than this young and talented music star. Not even a pandemic impeded her steady rise to the top.
Sheilah Gashumba
The influencer is using her voice and influence to spark off conversations. She was vocal about the #50k saga, which advocated for better pay for journalists.
Eunice Tess
The Youtuber, whose focus is food, travel and fashion, is grabbing the attention of brands, and slowly becoming the Youtube star to watch.
Walter Kabuye
Walter Kabuye of Walter Photography is using his unique take on photography to showcase Ugandan beauty in its rawest form.
Karole Kasita
The dancehall star ruled airwaves, and is one of the artistes whose stars continued to shine despite the pandemic.
Baby Gloria
The now 19-year-old star has blossomed into a powerful content creator, whose niche is fashion, beauty and everything in between.
Lucy Bunyeyezi
The New York Film Academy – educated content creator is one of the reasons we didn’t, and haven’t lost hope. Her content; whether video or photos, is carefully curated to spark conversations and soothe hearts. Fashion brands are already tapping her expertise to push their businesses forward.
Aamito Lagum
Even when fashion suffered the most from the pandemic, Lagum landed an advertising campaign for Ivy Park, Beyonce’ active-wear brand.
Covid-19 Response team
It has been a taxing period for our doctors and health workers. We appreciate their effort to combat the deadly virus.
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