Login to send a message

BIT BIO
NAME: Robert Kyagulanyi
GENDER: Male
AGE: 26
BIRTHDAY: 12th February 1982
SIGN: Aquarius
BIRTH PLACE: Kampala, Uganda
STAGE NAME: Bobi Wine
JOB: Ragga Artist
GENRE: Ragga
RECORD LABEL: Various Records
BASE: Kampala, Uganda


Biography
Born on the 12th of February in 1982 in Mpigi District south west of Kampala capital, Bobi Wine was christened Robert Kyagulanyi and joined nine other siblings into the harsh life of ghetto living in Kamwokya, one of the worst slums of Kampala.
His childhood life was characterized by moving from one school to another that he lost count.
"I could only study for a term before getting expelled for fees. So the only option was to move to another."
In secondary school he experienced set backs as his problems became more complicated.
"I used to have no money for uniforms and my mother was doing her best to cater for my fees and the family. So I had to go around doing odd jobs like collecting water for money, selling local fish fillet, laying bricks and things like that." If his problems taught him anything, definitely innovation was one of them.



Career
"Underground shows with a Walkman, a borrowed amplifier and a speaker was how I used to make ends meet. I would spread the word and after school charge students fifty shillings (less than quarter a dollar) per head and we would jam! I got into trouble with the school administration but that was the way I made my pocket money."
By the end of his 'O' levels he had composed many songs but had no money to record. It was one of the most disheartening things in his pursuit of his musical dream.
"We would listen to the local songs on radio and know we could do better, but the expensive rates would just keep us from recording our numbers. I know of many good artists, some better than I who gave up because it wasn't worth it. It was so frustrating………So frustrating."
In '98 after his 'A' levels, he finally saved some money over the years to record and managed to make four tracks; Kalyonso, Doreen, Namulembe but they were of very low quality. They therefore did not receive any credit or attention. That didn't faze him. He increased his intensity of odd jobs like collecting edible grasshoppers for sale in his vacation.
Then he tried his luck again in 2000, and recorded Abakyala, this didn't do well either. By then he was in his first year in Makerere University and made mud bricks during his free time. He also did painting, while he was a porter at a building site.
"I wasn't afraid of my friends disrespecting me because they understood my situation. Besides I am not after giving a false impression of myself so I could go work and perform at occasions like Karaoke in nightspots around the city."
Then finally, late last year the chance to record again came and Bobi managed to record his song "Akagoma" meaning 'the drum'.
" I had to do it within thirty minutes because I was in through backdoor connections. And when thirty minutes was up I was kicked out. I thank those guys." This song later became a hit and is now the latest radio and nightclub craze. Finally Bobi Wine has room to breathe.
With an album spanning six tracks like Angel featuring his long time musical friend, Parrot, the album is definitely a must hear. This album is the characteristic of Ugandan talent and definitely Bobi Wine is destined for greater heights.
" I love the reggae/dancehall style because I feel that's the best way I can express myself. And also it is the best medium to communicate content and message. It is because I have something to say and that's the best medium for it. It is music for my people, the poor where I come from. Artists like Buju Banton, Bennie Man, Sizzla, Dolly Paton to Kenny Rogers. Shabba and Bounty Killer are the major inspirations for my music. I chose music because I never had real happiness in life, it's the only thing that consoles me."
He is a holder of a bachelor’s degree in music dance and drama at the prestigious Makerere University, the biggest University in East and Central Africa. Bobi Wine’s repertoire includes four albums from ‘Kagoma, Namulime, Wendi, to his latest Bada.
From nothing in the late 90’s when he began his career to the biggest artist in Uganda today. Bobi Wine is the holder of 3 PAM Awards including Artist of the year 2006.
Bobi Wine has performed in Sweden, England, USA, South Africa and all over East Africa. He has also been featured on almost every major concert in Uganda including concerts featuring international artists like T.O.K, Shaggy, Chaka Demus & Pliers, Sean Paul, Buju Banton. With his crew, the Firebase, which includes himself the president, Buchaman the vice president, Nubian lee the prime minister, and the rest of the cabinet which includes Banjo Man, Micky Wine, Ceaser Man, Fantam Lovins, Boreman, and Shaka Selector, Bobi continues to rock with support of his elder brother, Eddie Yawe who owns Dream Studios where he produces most of his hits.
Bobi Wine is currently venturing into movies and recently starred in a movie carrying the same title as one of his latest hits ‘Ghetto’. As a socially responsible person, he supports his community whenever he has an opportunity and in his own words, he says “Bobi Wine is a good ghetto youth ready to help the ghetto people and I thank God for everything he has done for me, my wife and for giving me a beautiful son”.




Inspiration / Influences

"The world is looking for somebody to do something, not explain why he did not."

These words, uttered by none other than H. E. The Ghetto President Bobi Wine reveal one who has gone through it all. By that, I mean all the constant hardships and hopelessness third world musicians go through without any breakthrough to success. But Bobi Wine is one of the few exceptions to the rule. His story has been the most inspiring.


Awards / Recognitions

PAM Awards Uganda (2006) - Artist Of the Year



ALBUMS

Kagoma (2001)

Namulime (2002)

Wendi (2004)

Bada (2007)

Recent entries for Bobi Wine

You must be logged in to become a friend!