On The Cover: Uncle Austin

Meet the new King of music, Uncle Austin. The answer to the African Dancehall and Afrobeat fans –a stunning, 25-year-old firecracker on the local music scene. His name might not ring a bell yet - even though his first single, ‘Ubaane Nabo’, is never off the radio.But he is about to make a colourful mark on music in Rwanda after an incredible rags-to-riches beginning. Uncle Austin, originally from Uganda, spent most of his childhood wishing to become a pop star and radio presenter. And by the look of things, the singer is on the right track to his dream. He is a potential upcoming musician and well-known presenter on Radio 10. And just like his close pal and collaborator Ezra Kwizera, Uncle Austin has used the ordeal of his upbringing to become a strong-minded, independent and successful man. The gently spoken and impeccably polite singer told The SundayMag: “I started singing professionally in July 2009, though I had done a popular song Ubaane Nabo and started promoting local music and musicians on radio.” His stunning looks and obvious talent aside, there is no ordinary star about him at all. He is engaging, funny, intelligent and charming. But listen to his music and you will find no shortage of controversy. Like most artistes, Uncle Austin uses alter egos to deliver greatly charged tracks.With his success coming rapidly, he is still adjusting to his new life as a star.The singer has released various songs, including ‘Seven Days’, ‘Tugumane’, ‘Gapapu turi umuyaga’, ‘Gapapu’, ‘Forever’ and ‘Nzakwizirikaho’ with different collaborations. Uncle Austin’s social life is not different from that of other celebs. He is a party animal and enjoys hanging with pals. “I love hanging out and I am very much single and ready to mingle,” he noted.His greatest inspirations include R-Kelly, Shaggy and Wyclef Jean. Ends