Lukwago Tonny, known professionally as Waya Boy, is a rising star in the African music scene whose story is both inspiring and relatable. Despite facing financial hardships in her early days, he never allowed his circumstances to hinder his passion for music.
Instead, he turned his challenges into motivation, proving that talent and perseverance can overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Born 2001 at Lubaga Hospital in Kampala, Waya Boy’s musical journey began with nothing more than a Nokia cell phone, which he used to record his vocals. He also relied on FL Studio, a digital audio workstation, to create and produce his own beats.
While his setup lacked the professional polish of high-end studios, his raw talent and creativity shone through, laying the foundation for his career.
Waya Boy’s journey took a turn when he met Kennedy Kumapeesa, a 17-year-old music producer from Kampala with an equal passion for music production. Kumapeesa had learned to play instruments like the guitar and piano in church and later taught himself music production using YouTube tutorials and FL Studio.
The two began working together in the sitting room of Kumapeesa’s mother’s house in Lungala, Mpigi district, Uganda. The space was untreated, and the equipment was basic, but their dedication was unwavering. After countless hours of refining their sound, Waya Boy had hir first songs produced in audio format. These included “Omusheshe,” “Party Time,” “For You,” and “Fire Girl.”
Journey to Prominence in Uganda’s Music Industry
After completing school in 2022, Waya Boy worked in a garage while honing skills in digital marketing, music production, and videography. When this proved financially unsustainable, he turned to street peddling before fully committing to music in 2024.
The gamble paid off – his YouTube channel now boasts 37,000 subscribers, while his TikTok following grows steadily at 11,000. Notably, Waya Boy became Uganda’s first artist verified on both Vero and Triller platforms.
A self-proclaimed perfectionist, Waya Boy is never satisfied with mediocrity. As a Virgo, he is driven by a relentless desire for excellence. Speaking to DailyExpress, he explained, “I always want the best. If I feel like something is missing, I will work on it until I am completely sure it’s perfect.”
Looking ahead, Waya Boy aims to leverage his success for broader impact: “I want my music to transform lives beyond my own,” he shares. His vision includes establishing initiatives for emerging artists, amplifying social causes through collaborations, and creating music that inspires lasting change.
“Music transcends boundaries,” Waya Boy reflects. “If my journey from peddling goods to performing can motivate others to pursue their dreams, then I’m fulfilling my purpose.”
While his early recordings were a stepping stone, Waya Boy is now focused on reproducing his songs with better equipment and techniques, striving to elevate his music to professional standards. His ultimate goal is to share his sound with the world and connect with listeners on a deeper level.
With his unique blend of resilience and creativity, Waya Boy continues carving a distinctive path in Uganda’s music scene while keeping community upliftment at the core of his artistic mission.
Check out Waya Boy‘s latest songs and video premieres on his social media handles @WayaBoyOfficial on X (Twitter) and Instagram, and @WayaBoy on Youtube
