When Kwagala Joshua started producing music in 2014, he was still in school and had no idea how far the journey would take him.
Today, better known as Iam Jkayz , the Kasese-born creative has built a name for himself as a producer and artiste, working with some of Uganda’s established musicians while also pursuing his own music.
His first big break came in 2018 when he produced “Butabika” by T Paul 256. The song gave him the push he needed to take music seriously.
“That song made me continue with the career,” Jkayz says.
His journey has since expanded beyond production. In 2023, he made his own breakthrough as a singer with “Kuku”, followed by “Oije Ondarire,” a collaboration featuring Truth 256, DJ Mats and Rapa Camio.
Balancing production and singing has not always been easy. Jkayz says managing both talents have been one of the challenges he has had to deal with as he has grown in the industry.
Another major hurdle was not having his own studio. After years of working and saving, he eventually opened his own recording company, Studio 49 Africa.
For him, owning a studio is an important milestone because it gives him the space to develop his work while creating room for bigger plans.
A sound of his own
Jkayz describes his music as an Afro-pop fusion, with Runyakitara-based drums forming part of his sound.
He says this combination has helped give his production a different feel, while his ability to work across genres has also become one of his strengths.
Over the years, he has produced music for artists including Truth 256, Sir Kisoro, T Paul, Jose Chameleone, Allan Toniks and John Blaq, among others.
He does not single out one song as his favourite.
“All songs mean a lot to me, mostly to all artists who have worked with me. It has been my pleasure,” he says.
The man behind the beats
Away from the studio, Iam Jkayz is a reader, football lover and music enthusiast.
Born on March 10, 1999, and raised in Kasese, he attended Parental Care School, King Jesus Junior, Kasese Secondary School, St John’s Mukono and Welden High School.
There is also more to his musical ability than producing beats. Jkayz can play up to four musical instruments and says he can put together a good beat in less than three minutes.
That versatility has played a big part in his development as a producer and artiste.
A bigger dream
With Studio 49 Africa now in place, Jkayz is looking beyond producing hit songs.
He wants to build a record label that can grow into one of Africa’s biggest and also use his experience to help young musicians find their footing in the industry.
“I want to see myself be a better version of myself and, if God wishes, support young talent with my own God-given abilities,” he says.
For someone who started producing music while still at school, Jkayz has already come a long way. But his focus now is on what comes next growing his sound, developing young talent and turning Studio 49 Africa into something much bigger.
