In the tapestry of life, the role of a writer often mirrors that of a prophet. It’s as if the universe whispers its truths into our ears, compelling us to unveil them to the world, regardless of our own fears or doubts. Like Jonah, we may try to evade our calling, but the storm inevitably arrives, urging us to embark on our own journey to Nineveh.
My own odyssey began long before the hallowed halls of kindergarten. “School,” “Ramble in the Jungle,” “Mummy and Daddy” – these were the title cards for my earliest productions. With a cast comprising Umoja slippers and bottle tops, I brought epic tales to life, my heart ablaze with the magic of moving pictures.
The spark of destiny ignited one fateful Sunday morning when WBS television failed to air my favorite show, Power Rangers. Frustration bubbled within me, birthing a declaration to my siblings: one day, I would create a television station where Power Rangers is aired every day. That moment marked the genesis of my journey.
Disney’s Lion King captured my imagination at a tender age, its vibrant world of talking animals and sprawling landscapes fueling my daydreams. I vividly recall reenacting Mufasa’s tragic fall, each stroke of my pencil unlocking infinite possibilities. With juvenile zeal, I stormed into my elder sister’s bedroom on a quest for drawing aid, “First learn how to draw,” she teased. Thus, began my descent into the enchanting realm of art.
Fast forward six years, and my childhood dreams began to materialize as I ventured into the realm of comics. Amidst the chaos of primary school, my creations ignited fervor amongst my peers, serving as both escape and inspiration. A science fiction world where one could travel between galaxies in a couple of hours. A drama about the life of three teenage astronauts exploring deep space against the advice of their strict parents. I would like to think that these replaced the- who-is-crushing-on-who-talks, but my audience was not as diverse as I would have wished. Yet, fame proved fleeting as the heavy hand of authority deemed my comics a distraction to conventional education and tore all my beloved art work. Igniting a fire within me to create anew.
High school ushered in a fantasy adventure set in the mythical kingdom of Fun-dad, where four intrepid youths embarked on a quest to restore balance to their world. For three years, the saga unfolded, bestowing upon me a fleeting taste of celebrity and igniting a passion for storytelling that would shape my future.
University beckoned, leading me down the path of graphic design and webtoons. My foray into the world of my comic, “Brain Bro”, though short-lived, marked the first official declaration to the world as a creator. A little piece that makes me cringe every time I read the lines of dialogue.
Yet, it was my stint at Campus Cam that truly tested my mettle, thrusting me into the chaotic world of front line journalism. Amidst the tumult of strikes and political rallies, I found solace in my camera lens, capturing moments that spoke volumes beyond words. Yet, the call of creativity could not be stifled, leading me to pen imaginative tales that pushed the boundaries of convention. I drifted into writing smutty escapades of an abnormally horny guy going through wild scenarios to get his prey.
And then in 2020, came The Muchwezi blog – a collaborative endeavor that breathed life into Ugandan folklore. Through the eyes of an immortal narrator, we wove tales of ancient legends, challenging the very fabric of history itself. The gist of why Walumbe was obsessed with his sister depended on the Muchwezi’s memory and the separation between Gipiri and Labongo was not always authentic with the Muchwezi. It is always a question of how he remembered it.
Yet, amidst it all this, the desire to become a producer burned bright, fueled by a sense of indignation at the butchery of marvelous concepts on screen. It was a dream realized amidst the hustle and bustle of the Youth Arts Movement Uganda, where the magic of filmmaking enraptured my soul.
Each chapter of my journey, from the whimsical imaginings of childhood to the gritty reality of front line journalism, has shaped me into the creator I am today. Though the road has been fraught with challenges and setbacks, each obstacle has only fueled my determination to forge ahead.
As I stand on the precipice of the unknown, I am reminded of the tale of Jonah, reluctantly embracing his destiny. In the end, the life of a writer is not merely a solitary pursuit, but a sacred calling to illuminate the world with the light of our imagination, my fate collided with Sisifilmcollective. And so, I continue to journey onward, guided by the whispers of the universe, ever eager to unveil the truths that lie within.
Written by Victor. follow him on Instagram @ mugabevictor180
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