If someone had told me years ago that I’d be a filmmaker, I would have laughed. I was born and raised in West Nile, Uganda, in a small place called Padiga, Metu, Moyo District. My dad was in the military, and though he passed away when I was young, he left behind two things that unknowingly shaped my future: A love for photography and passion for music.
Looking back, my childhood was a mix of curiosity, adventure, and an early love for music and visuals. My father had a camera, the old-school kind that used film rolls, and he took pictures of everything—our family, outings, and random everyday moments. Our home was filled with photo albums, and I would spend hours flipping through them, holding the negatives up to the light, and reliving those moments. It felt like magic. He wasn’t just about cameras though—he was a music lover too. He had a cassette radio and a CD player, which played music almost all day. Whenever he wasn’t around, I’d sneak in, turn it on, and dance around the house. Little did I know that those moments were shaping my future.
Entertainment wasn’t just a hobby for me—it was an obsession. I wanted to be wherever there was music, cameras, or a screen. In our village, people gathered at video halls to watch movies, and I was determined to be a part of it. If I had 50 Ugandan shillings, I’d pay my way in. If I didn’t? I’d peep through the holes in the papyrus walls, just to watch a few scenes.
Then came my love for DJing. I was fascinated by how DJs controlled the mood of an event with their mixes. Whenever there was a music setup in the village, I’d run there—not to dance, but to watch the DJ work. I wanted to understand the machines, the cables, and how everything came together to create sound. At first, no one took me seriously. I was just a curious kid standing too close to the equipment. But over time, I taught myself how to mix. I got my first small gigs, and before I knew it, I was making a name for myself as DJ Lavy TheNiler.
I loved music, but something felt incomplete. I realized that a song without the right visuals sometimes lost its impact. I wanted to learn how to create visuals that truly connected with emotions. That’s when I decided to take a step further and study video production. I joined Swangz Creative Academy, investing time and money to learn filmmaking techniques. But there was a harsh reality—I needed experience to get noticed, and I didn’t have it yet.
For a moment, I felt stuck. Was I wasting my time? Had I made the wrong choice? But something inside me refused to give up. Then came a breakthrough—I heard about Sisi Film Lab Training and applied. Unfortunately, I was late, then later I was told to join Mbale, for the love of Film I left Moyo and travelled to Mbale, a place I didn’t know!
For ten months, I was invested in the world of filmmaking, learning scriptwriting, cinematography, sound design, and editing. For the first time, I wasn’t just watching from the sidelines, I was part of the process.
Of course, the journey wasn’t smooth. There were times when I felt lost, times when money was tight, when I had to choose between paying for training or handling basic needs. One of the biggest setbacks came when I was scammed during the lockdown. I was promised a high-paying job in Mbarara, only to arrive and realize it was a fake business scheme. They even tried to convince me to lie to my family for money. It was a painful lesson, but one that taught me to be careful and always do my research. Despite these, I kept pushing. I wasn’t going to let setbacks define me.
Today, I’m bringing together my two biggest passions: music and film. Whether it’s mixing beats, creating music videos, or telling stories through film, I’m constantly learning and improving. This isn’t just about me. My dream is bigger than personal success—I want to use my skills to preserve my culture, tell powerful stories, and inspire others.
I’ve realized that our traditions, languages, and histories are fading. The younger generation is losing touch with their roots, and if no one documents these stories, they’ll be lost forever. That’s why I want to use film, music, and storytelling to keep our culture alive. Help other creatives, those who, like me, have big dreams but don’t know where to start. If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that opportunity is created, not given. You must chase it, learn from every experience, and never stop improving.
To anyone out there who feels like their dreams are too big or too far away—I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to doubt yourself, to face obstacles that seem impossible to overcome. But here’s the truth: You don’t need a perfect start. You just need to start.
I didn’t have a fancy film school education. I didn’t grow up with access to expensive DJ equipment. But I had curiosity, determination, and a willingness to learn—and that has taken me further than I ever imagined. So, whatever your passion is—whether it’s music, film, art, or something entirely different—go for it. Start small, take risks, make mistakes, and learn along the way. The journey won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.
I am Manya Glory, aka DJ Lavy TheNiler, a proud Ma’di son, a lover of beats, visuals, and culture. My story is still being written. And trust me—you’ll want to keep watching.