“My music is becoming more thoughtful, more meaningful, and I’m communicating more through my music.”

In this series, we’re highlighting our VERSIONS Alumni. You’ll learn about their transformative journeys with and through the VERSIONS Youth Fellowship.

Emmanuel

The Early Years

Drillz, a talented artist born in Tororo, Uganda, now living in Berlin, Germany, began his musical journey in high school. Growing up, he spent a lot of time in boarding schools and had a childhood filled with music both at home and at school, heintroduced himself as songs or artists he admired and early on, and he started writing his own songs.

“I started writing and rapping in high school. We were exposed to African and international music. But the biggest artists we would listen to weren’t really saying anything important. There was a lot of objectification and sexualization in their music. And I was influenced by that, so my early art would take their lead,” he recalls.

Today, Drillz’s music is real and raw, tackling important issues like addiction and mental health. “Whenever someone would talk about therapy, I would laugh. People in Uganda thought therapy was for white people. Now, my songs create awareness for those who can’t talk about these issues because they fear being judged,” he says. His upcoming album is a testimony to his struggles and growth.

Despite his passion, recording music professionally was initially out of reach due to high costs. It wasn’t until he discovered BandLab, an online music platform and VERSIONS’ partner, that he could start producing his own music. “BandLab became my baby,” Drillz says. He began recording using just his phone and earphones, quietly releasing a steady stream of music. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he released his first EP, which received great feedback.

Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Technology

Drillz’s recording setup was far from professional. He often recorded with his brother in a closet, using a panty hanger as the phone stand and a towel, sometimes a handkerchief to improve acoustics. His persistence and commitment to his craft paid off, leading to a popular project in honour of his friend Graham Mubanda, who was tragically killed by security guards. This project marked a turning point, where Drillz used his music to convey meaningful messages.

“I want to be remembered as the artist who actually talked about something and impacted people’s lives positively. Because I am also a Christian, I know that when God gives you a talent, you have to use it well.”

 

Most Memorable Part

For Drillz, the most impactful part of VERSIONS was hard to pin down. “I came into VERSIONS because it offered opportunities to grow as an artist when there weren’t many for people in Uganda. But now, I can’t really say which was most impactful because I feel like each part was equally important.”

But when he thinks hard, Drillz says the history aspect of the program stood out to him. “Learning about my history, like the history of hair, was something we’d never really discussed in school. We were forced to cut off our hair, and we saw that as a normal thing. VERSIONS was good because it exposed the roots of colonization.”

Convincing his father, a teacher with a reputation to uphold, to accept his musical aspirations was challenging. Being an artist was often associated with negative stereotypes such as drug abuse and sexual immorality. “I remember the first time my dad saw when I plaited my hair; it was a problem. But through VERSIONS and learning about our history, I could explain the significance of our cultural roots,” Drillz shares.

Social Impact Project

As part of the Fellowship, Drillz was tasked with designing and implementing a social impact project. For his project, Drillz partnered with Miss Uganda East, Rianne Lelia Bateeze, to host skill development workshops to mentor youth in arts, sports, entrepreneurship, and technology, empowering them to develop their talents and acquire valuable skills for personal and professional growth.

“I used to talk about racism a lot, but I was just sharing what had been done to us. Now, I know we need to provide solutions,” he says.

This perspective on social change and community action was a shift from the beginning of the program. Drillz now knows it’s not enough just to identify an issue—he needs to also help with the solution. “When you share a problem, you need to also share a solution, or you leave people with a lot of bitterness, which keeps spreading.”

Advice to Future Applicants and Fellows

Drillz encourages future applicants and Fellows to stay open to learning. “There’s so much we do not know. Good discussions involve sharing and understanding different viewpoints. We learn through difficult conversations and by being open to others’ opinions and ways of doing things,” he says. “And be open to learning. There is so much we don’t know, that has been hidden from us, and that we need to unlearn. Do not let your ego be the reason you fail to learn. Kill your ego, kill your pride, and do not be too proud to learn and undergo ego death in order to grow.”

Life Changed Because of VERSIONS

The content creation kit provided by VERSIONS which included microphones, recording gear, a new smartphone, and other items needed to be successful in the program, helped Drillz create high quality content. “The equipment helped me connect with the right technology and it was also a boost in my art and creative process ,” he says.

During the time of the Fellowship his relationship with his parents and his ability to have difficult yet productive conversations about his career and history also improved

“Just getting to know all of the VERSIONS team has greatly impacted my life. The things we learned were so insightful that I shared the learnings with everyone around me. VERSIONS greatly impacted my life.”