by Frank njugi
In the vibrant landscape of Ugandan music, a 26-year-old musician from Western Uganda, Bowman Aremwaki, stands out as a fast-rising musical act whose journey is as compelling as his artistry. This is an artiste at the forefront of an artistic evolution. His 2024 debut EP, ‘Public Notice,’ is a captivating fusion of diverse soundscapes, ranging from Dancehall and Afrobeats to RnB. Representing a new wave of Ugandan artists, Aremwaki’s unique musical blend fuels a growing belief that Western Ugandan music is both vibrant and on the rise. Since its release, ‘Public Notice‘ has garnered significant airplay, signalling the emergence of a promising artist making his mark in the industry.
Prior to his solo debut, he had been part of the music collective Shwento, which released two EPs and set the stage for his solo career. Bowman has been making waves as a solo artist this year, fusing various genres and languages, including his native Rukiga, to create a distinctive sound.
In an exclusive conversation, Aremwaki reflects on his debut project, his journey into the music world, and his views on the shifting musical landscape in Uganda and the broader region.
What’s Bowman Aremwaki’s backstory as an artist?
I hail from Western Uganda and belong to a family of seven siblings. My early years were quite modest, lacking modern amenities like television and electricity. I recall the shift from a time without electricity to the arrival of CRT televisions, which introduced me to the realm of music as a form of artistic expression.
My initial foray into performing music took place in a church around 2008, at the age of ten, which led me to become a member of the church choir. I continued my involvement in church music throughout my primary and secondary education, eventually taking on the role of choir leader by around 13.
However, I transitioned away from the church setting in my early teens to pursue my own musical interests. I began composing and performing music outside of the church with a group of friends. My debut professional song emerged in 2012, and by 2016, I had joined a band. I later departed from that group to form my own band in 2017.
You come from Western Uganda. How has being from this part of East Africa shaped your identity as an artiste?
My early musical inspirations were rooted in traditional and folk elements, largely influenced by my village environment and my mother. I see myself more as a language aficionado than a pan-Africanist, and I take pleasure in weaving my native Rukiga into my musical creations. My affection for Rukiga is profound, and I make a deliberate effort to feature it in my work. I’ve also ventured into incorporating various other languages, including Shona from Zimbabwe, Luganda from Uganda, and Swahili. Some of my pieces blend Rukiga with English, while others are solely in one language or the other. Additionally, I’ve dabbled in using Spanish and French, though these experiments have yet to be released.
You began your career as part of the music collective, Shwento, alongside other Western Ugandan artistes. Can you tell us a bit about the collective?
Indeed, my musical path started with my participation in a music collective known as Shwento, where we released EPs and a number of singles. In December 2022, I made the shift to pursuing music as a solo artist. Hailing from Western Uganda, our work was significantly shaped by traditional folklore and our native Rukiga language, which we integrated into our compositions. As well, we explored a range of languages, such as Swahili, Shona, and Spanish, with the intention of blending diverse cultural elements in our music while avoiding common stereotypes. The Shwento collective, with seven members, collaborated on various aspects like writing and producing. Our music embodied a fusion of genres and languages, reflecting both our cultural background and artistic development.
What was the inspiration behind the songs in your 2024 debut EP, Public Notice and the other singles you have released as a solo artiste? Basically what is the inspiration behind your sonic identity as a solo artiste?
When discussing my journey as a solo artist, I would highlight the significance of letting my music find its own path rather than imposing a fixed sound. My work draws from a broad spectrum of influences, including R&B, Afrobeats, and dancehall, reflecting my personal evolution and unique perspective. I also engage with various collaborators who play a pivotal role in shaping my music. The process of creating new music involves moving past previous influences to let the music emerge in its own way and convey my true self. Collaboration is a crucial part of this, as I often partner with poets and songwriters to develop distinctive pieces. I’m grateful for the team of skilled individuals who contribute to the richness and variety of my music.
What is Bowman’s artistic process? From initial production to release. How do you curate the songs you release?
My inspiration emerges from the surroundings, experiences, and music I encounter, steering clear of emulating any specific artist. I describe my creative process as instinctive—I often improvise melodies and follow the flow of the music. My work is shaped by a range of genres, such as R&B, Afrobeats, and Dancehall, and I engage with various producers and songwriters. I cherish the freedom to allow my music to develop organically, avoiding rigid plans or preconceived styles.
In the studio, I approach music creation with a spontaneous and intuitive mindset. Rather than setting a detailed plan in advance, I let the music lead, using instruments like the keyboard or guitar and improvising melodies. This approach may involve the spontaneous creation of entire songs or segments, focusing on letting the music naturally evolve rather than forcing it. My musical inspiration is a fundamental part of my process and isn’t easily defined.
Who are your biggest artistic influences? Where do you find musical inspiration from?
I believe that my creativity remains steady, even when I’m not actively engaged in singing. Music is a persistent presence in my thoughts, allowing me to effortlessly generate songs from this inner melody. I maintain that every piece I create should possess a certain beauty, but I don’t concern myself too much with the final result, trusting that it will inherently be appealing. Regarding artistic influences, I hold a deep appreciation for many gifted artists, with Chris Brown being notably influential for me, though my list of inspirations is quite extensive.
According to you, how is art, specifically music, important to society?
I view music as a fundamental element in society, influencing various facets of life, from professional settings to recreational activities. I would like to point out the broader effects of music, such as its role in events and public performances, as well as its contribution to social well-being. Music finds its way into diverse areas, including advertising, political messaging, and personal expression, making it a core component of the human experience. I usually tend to stress the significance of music in fostering cultural diversity and personal expression.
What do you think of the current state of Ugandan music?
I see the current landscape of Ugandan music as quite promising, with ongoing developments and a notable presence within the African music sphere. Right now, it is easy to recognize the progression of our Ugandan musical styles over time and the varied viewpoints of its audience. I have a favourable view of the future of Ugandan music, as I feel optimistic about its direction with the involvement of skilled artists and producers. I would advocate for an encouraging perspective on the industry, highlighting the current opportunities for advancement and creativity.
How do you define success as an artist?
I often view success as an ongoing way of living rather than a specific milestone, highlighting the importance of balancing expectations. To me, success involves acknowledging and valuing incremental progress, rather than solely aiming for major achievements. I suggest that artists concentrate on their present abilities and strategize for their future endeavours, finding a balance between effort and outcomes. Both talent and diligence play crucial roles in reaching success, alongside maintaining realistic expectations and preparing for what lies ahead.
What more can we expect from Bowman Aremwaki in regard to his musical output in the near future?
I’m quite enthusiastic about my forthcoming music, which feels quite fresh and intriguing. I think it’s crucial to produce innovative and distinct music, even with the challenges of maintaining originality. I intend to keep releasing music as a solo artist, further developing my earlier work and delving into new creative paths. I’m also thankful for the chance to share new music and eagerly anticipate what the future holds.
Stream Bowman Aremwaki music HERE
