For PATRICIA MUWANGUZI aka Patty Wangu, music has been part of her life from childhood.
The Mbale-born singer began singing in Sunday school at the age of six and later joined her church’s main choir. What started as a childhood passion has since grown into a professional career, with Wangu now preparing to release her debut EP, Kumwooyo.
Quick Talk caught up with her recently.
Who is Patty Wangu?
My name is Patricia Muwanguzi, popularly known as Patty Wangu. I am a singer, songwriter, actress, and beautician from Mbale, in Eastern Uganda.
Tell Quick Talk about your childhood
Being a firstborn to a single mother comes with its weight. However, it was nice stepping up to care for my siblings and experience life then, which made me who I am today.
I grew up in church, singing, from Sunday school to the youth church and later in the main church choir. At school, I was also involved in Scripture Union leadership and the school choir.
So, music and responsibility became part of my life from a very young age.
What inspired you to become an artiste?
I have always loved to sing. As I grew older, I realised that music was more than something I enjoyed. It was a talent and a profession I wanted to pursue seriously. I believe this is my profession, and my passion keeps pushing me to grow.
For how long have you been singing professionally?
Besides being in choirs, I officially started doing professional music and songwriting in 2023.
What is your kind of of music?
My music is rooted in Rumba, Afro Soul, and African folk traditions. I love creating music that carries our culture, tells stories, and connects with people.
I would describe my sound as having the heartbeat of Africa, but with a strong connection to where I come from.
What was your first song?
My first song was Oli Kigo Kyange. It was one of the songs that marked the beginning of my journey as a recording artiste.
What has been your biggest challenge as an upcoming artiste?
One of my biggest challenges has been connecting with people who can help me grow my vision.
Talent and passion are important, but having the right people around you who understand your vision and can help you develop it also matters. I am learning to build those relationships and remain focused on my journey.
What was the biggest stage you performed on, and how was the experience?
One of the biggest stages I have performed on was the Kadodi Carnival. It was a really good experience because I received a lot of love from the audience. Seeing people respond to my music and enjoying the performance gave me confidence and made me appreciate the experience even more.
Are you signed to any music label?
Yes, I am currently working with The Native Records. It is the music arm of Native Establishment Ltd, a Ugandan creative company involved in music, community projects, and other creative ventures.
I want to grow creatively, reach more people, and become more confident in the kind of artiste I am becoming. I also want to learn, build a strong team around my music, and create meaningful work that represents my culture and my generation.
What do you do besides music?
Besides music, I am an actress and a beautician. I enjoy being involved in different creative spaces because they allow me to express different sides of myself. Acting has also helped me understand storytelling, which is something I carry into my music.
Which movies have you starred in?
I have starred in Break Loose, Miracle, Ghost in the Mirror, The Spot, At the Cafe, Code, and Waiting, among others. I have also recorded soundtracks for some of the productions.
Between acting and music, which does Patty enjoy more?
I enjoy both because they give me different ways of expressing myself. But music is my mother job. It is where I feel most connected to myself, so I would always choose music.
Before the year ends, what should your fans expect?
My fans should expect my very first EP, Kumwooyo, which is coming out on October 15. This is a very important project for me, because it introduces people to the kind of artiste I am and the sound I want to create.
I want the EP to create a feeling of connection because these are songs that come from a real place. I hope people will listen, relate to the stories, and perhaps see parts of their own lives in the music.
What is the inspiration behind it?
Kumwooyo means heart, and the EP is a direct connection to the heart, speaking for the silent hearts and the things people often struggle to express. It was inspired by issues affecting our communities and Africa, including broken families, loss of identity, and people struggling with life.
Through this music, I want to give people a voice, empower them, while celebrating love, culture, and heritage through Rumba, Afro Soul, and Lumasaba.
Should we also expect a concert in the near future?
Of course. I believe togetherness is power, and I would love to have a concert where we can bring people closer through music. This concert would be a chance for us to come together, experience the music live, and share that moment.
Which Ugandan artistes would you wish to work with and why?
I would love to work with Maurice Kirya, because of his authenticity and the way he has stayed true to his sound. I would also love to work with Kenneth Mugabi because I love culture, Naava Grey, Irene Ntale, Iryn Namubiru. There are many other Ugandan artistes I would love to collaborate with as I continue growing.
What is one thing you want people to know about Patty Wangu that they probably won’t find in your music?
Patty Wangu loves her space. So, if you find me alone, don’t actually feel like I am bored or unhappy. Most of the time, I will be playing my Adungu. I enjoy my own company. I like having quiet time, thinking, creating, and simply being myself. Sometimes, being alone is when I am most comfortable.
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