Interview with Maganda Shakul (Ugandan Creative Artist), by Eve Muyanja
- Can you please give us a brief introduction, who is Maganda Shakul?
Maganda Shakul is a multifaceted artist from rural Uganda, celebrated for his unique fusion of music production, percussion, and fashion design. Drawing inspiration from his diverse cultural heritage, which encompasses his mother’s lineage from the Baganda tribe and his father’s mixed ancestry from the Bahima and Luo people tribes, Shakul’s artistic journey is rooted in the rich tapestry of his upbringing.
From an early age, he expressed a passion for the arts, using traditional percussion as the foundation for his musical exploration. This early connection with the heartbeat of his communities laid the groundwork for the artist’s distinctive approach to music production, where he blends traditional elements with contemporary sounds, creating a harmonious synthesis of past and present. Beyond music, Shakul’s creative vision extends to the world of fashion, where he crafts designs that serve as visual expressions of cultural narratives and memories, utilizing vibrant colors, textures, and symbolism inherent in his heritage.
- When did your journey in percussion and music-making begin?
My journey with percussion began in Primary five at Kibuye Primary School, where I joined the school band and developed a passion for rhythmic sounds. However, this passion was put on hold during high school due to the lack of music, dance, and drama programs. After four years away from percussion, I was reintroduced to my craft when I encountered the Nilotika Cultural Ensemble (NCE) during their Ghetto to Ghetto Tour. Inspired by their performances, I reached out to the NCE CEO, who invited me to the Nilotika Cultural Center to resume rehearsals, marking the revival of my percussion journey.
In 2018, I expanded my musical exploration by starting music production at Kiyira Records, a nonprofit music label under NCE. As a percussionist, I was driven to create music that reflects my identity and cultural heritage. Over the years, I have honed my skills and explored innovative ways to fuse indigenous Ugandan instruments with traditional and contemporary rhythmic sounds.
In 2023, I released my first music EP, TUTABAALE, which showcases a harmonious blend of Uganda’s indigenous instruments and modern musical elements. My journey continues to evolve as I collaborate with artists and push the boundaries of cultural expression through music.
Image Source: Spotify
- What inspired you to start creating instruments from recycled materials?
I draw inspiration from the pressing social and environmental challenges facing Uganda. As an artist, my work is deeply rooted in addressing these issues, using my creative practice to advocate for sustainable solutions and raise awareness of the interconnectedness of society, culture, and the environment.
- Could you walk us through your process of turning recycled materials into musical instruments?
Living in communities impacted by waste has provided me with direct access to discarded materials, which I repurpose into creative works. As part of the Sounds of Renewal (is a music recycling project by the Nilotika Cultural Ensemble in Uganda that uses recycled materials to create instruments, rhythms, and performances. The project aims to transform tradition into eco-art by turning waste into music.) team, we collaborate by brainstorming and exchanging ideas, a process that consistently leads to innovative outcomes.
Our approach is influenced by the materials available and the rhythmic tones they produce. To source these materials, we explore streets and dumping sites within our communities, transforming waste into musical instruments capable of producing diverse rhythms. Through this initiative, we aim to address environmental challenges while fostering artistic expression.
- What are some of the most surprising or unconventional materials you’ve used?
Plastic, rubber, and metallic waste are abundant and easily accessible in the communities I work in, offering a consistent source of materials for my creative projects. These resources enable me to innovate and develop sustainable solutions through artistic transformation.
- How do these instruments compare to traditional ones in terms of sound quality and durability?
I often discover diverse and unique sounds from trashed plastic and metallic materials that cannot be replicated by traditional instruments. While traditional instruments offer beautiful, tuned tones often crafted by skilled drum facilitators, recycled instruments provide an opportunity to explore unconventional tones and textures. Additionally, recycled instruments tend to be more durable, as they can be repurposed into new instruments, extending their lifecycle and further enhancing sustainability.
- How does your work address environmental challenges in Uganda or beyond?
The musical instruments and costumes I craft from waste materials serve as powerful tools for raising awareness about climate change. Through performances that blend music with environmental activism, I use art as a medium to address pressing ecological challenges. By transforming recycled materials into functional instruments and costumes, I demonstrate how creativity can inspire meaningful action and foster a deeper connection to environmental sustainability.
- Have you collaborated with artists or designers in the fashion industry who share similar sustainability goals?
I have had the privilege of collaborating with various artists and organizations on impactful recycling and creative projects. This includes working with Kinact, a collective of recycling artists from Kinshasa, Congo, to explore innovative approaches to sustainable art.
I also partnered with IGC Fashion Uganda during the Street Cypher event, where my team and I conducted toy recycling workshops for the children in the Makerere Kikoni community. Additionally, I collaborated with Wakabi Arnold, a prominent Ugandan recycling artist, on initiatives that further highlight the potential of recycled materials in art and design. These collaborations have enriched my practice and strengthened my commitment to promoting sustainability through creativity.
- What role do you believe musicians and artists play in promoting sustainability?
Sustainability has become a cornerstone for many musicians and artists, who use their artistic practices to address pressing issues like climate change. By incorporating waste materials into their creations or using their voices to inspire action, artists play a vital role in raising awareness and driving change. I strongly believe that artists can do even more to inspire communities by embedding sustainability into their brands and leading impactful awareness campaigns. Through creativity and advocacy, they have the power to motivate communities to take meaningful steps toward a sustainable future.
- How does your work preserve traditional Ugandan music and inspire innovation at the same time?
We repurpose collected waste into innovative musical instruments, demonstrating our dedication to preserving cultural heritage and promoting environmental stewardship. These one-of-a-kind instruments, embodying the spirit of renewal, are brought to life in dynamic performances that transform discarded materials into sounds celebrating the resilience and creativity of Ugandan culture. Our performances are rooted in rhythms that reflect the rich traditions and cultural essence of Uganda, blending sustainability with artistic expression.
- Have you worked on any community initiatives to educate others about sustainability or music?
My experience as a facilitator of recycling workshops, where I have worked closely with various communities to equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary for managing and repurposing waste into creative new art forms and materials. My workshops have reached several communities in Kampala and surrounding areas, including Makerere Kikoni, Namuwongo, Salaama Road, and Masajja Kibira.
Throughout these sessions, I have empowered participants to not only engage in environmental sustainability but also to discover innovative ways of transforming waste into valuable artistic creations. The impact has been both inspiring and rewarding, and I remain committed to advancing these efforts through hands-on learning and collaboration.
- What is your vision for the future of recycled instruments in global music?
My goal is to create awareness among artists in marginalized communities globally, encouraging them to break free from the barriers of expensive music instruments. I believe that with the right skills and knowledge, artists can use waste materials around them to produce and create music, reducing the reliance on costly resources while also contributing to environmental sustainability. This approach not only empowers local communities but also helps address pressing climate and environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, I aspire to establish one of the largest sustainable green business ventures in Africa, focused on producing music instruments made from recycled materials. This initiative will create opportunities for musicians across the continent to access affordable and eco-friendly instruments, while also fostering a culture of sustainability within the music industry.
- Are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
I have been invited to the Kilele Summit in Kenya this February, where I will be joining my team to lead a recycling workshop in Kibera, one of the most affected areas by waste in Kenya. This workshop aims to equip the Kibera community with practical skills to manage and repurpose waste into new artistic materials, promoting both sustainability and creativity.
Additionally, I am honored to be part of the live music performance at the summit, where we will showcase our cultural rhythms and art. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to this important event and engage with the community, while also helping to raise awareness about environmental challenges and solutions.
- What advice would you give to aspiring musicians or artisans who want to incorporate sustainability into their work?
I firmly believe that every artist has the potential to contribute to sustainability. I encourage artists to believe in themselves, stay courageous, and persist with their creative practices, even when faced with challenges. It’s important to recognize that obstacles are part of the journey, but they shouldn’t hinder progress.
I also advise artists to utilize the materials available within their communities when creating their works, rather than waiting for new resources that may take time to acquire. By repurposing existing materials, artists can not only minimize waste but also embrace a more sustainable and resourceful approach to their craft.
- How do you hope your work influences the next generation of Ugandan artists and the global community?
My work is centered on addressing the social and environmental issues that affect both Uganda and the global community. Through the creative process of transforming discarded materials into outstanding art pieces, I believe I am not only raising awareness of these challenges but also providing a valuable lesson for the next generation.
By showing how art can be created from repurposed materials, I aim to influence others to contribute to the fight against climate change and build resilience through their creative practices. Art has the power to not only reflect society’s concerns but also drive positive environmental change, and I am passionate about using my platform to encourage this shift.
