Examiner Reporter: Welcome, Fyn Ekoz! Your music has recently gained significant attention. For those unfamiliar with your work, can you describe your musical style and the fusion of Afrobeat and soul in your music?
Fyn Ekoz: Thank you! My music is a dynamic blend of Afrobeat and soul. Afrobeat’s vibrant rhythms and infectious beats meld with the deep, emotional resonance of soul music. This fusion allows me to create tracks that are both uplifting and profoundly moving, aiming to provide an experience that’s both engaging and emotionally rich. While I can work across various genres, I primarily focus on Afrobeat and soul, as they resonate most deeply with my artistic vision.
Examiner Reporter: Your stage name, Fyn Ekoz, is quite distinctive. Can you share the story behind it?
Fyn Ekoz: Of course! “Fyn” is a stylized version of “fine,” representing the high quality and excellence I strive for in my music. It signifies my commitment to delivering top-notch artistry. “Ekoz” is derived from “echoes,” reflecting my desire for my music to have a lasting impact, much like echoes that resonate far and wide. Together, “Fyn Ekoz” symbolizes a blend of refined quality and enduring influence.
Examiner Reporter: We understand your full name is Tumwesige Ivan. Can you tell us more about your background?
Fyn Ekoz: Yes, that’s correct. My full name is Tumwesige Ivan. I was born in Kakumiro, a district in western Uganda. Currently, I live in Hoima City, which, along with Kakumiro, is part of the Bunyoro region. The cultural richness of Bunyoro has deeply influenced my music and artistic identity.
Examiner Reporter: How has Hoima City’s rich cultural heritage influenced your music?
Fyn Ekoz: Hoima’s cultural heritage has profoundly shaped my music. The traditional Afrobeat rhythms from our local scene play a crucial role in my sound, while the soulful storytelling aligns with how we share experiences in our community. By blending these elements, I aim to create music that honors my roots while offering something fresh and innovative.
Examiner Reporter: You’re currently working on your debut album. What can fans expect from it?
Fyn Ekoz: Fans can expect a diverse range of tracks on my debut album, showcasing a blend of Afrobeat and soul. The album will feature energetic, danceable songs as well as soulful, introspective tracks. It’s designed to highlight vibrant rhythms and deep melodies, with collaborations from talented producers and musicians to enhance the fusion of both genres.
Examiner Reporter: What challenges have you encountered in blending Afrobeat and soul, and how have you addressed them?
Fyn Ekoz: One challenge has been balancing the distinct elements of Afrobeat and soul to create a cohesive sound. This requires extensive experimentation and meticulous production. Additionally, being an emerging artist from a smaller city like Hoima presents its own set of difficulties, particularly in accessing resources and opportunities. I don’t have a manager, so I sustain myself in the industry through my own efforts. Support from both local and international collaborators has been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles. I also work with Safari Avenue, which helps me push forward where I might face limitations.
Examiner Reporter: How do you spend your earnings from music, considering the challenges you’ve mentioned?
Fyn Ekoz: Although I haven’t earned a lot from the industry yet, I dedicate my earnings to supporting vulnerable groups. I run a small charity organization called Meki Africa, which assists young orphans and other needy groups. It’s deeply fulfilling to use my resources to make a positive impact in the community. Additionally, my work with Safari Avenue helps me navigate the industry where I might face limitations.
Examiner Reporter: Can you tell us about your educational background and why you left university?
Fyn Ekoz: I excelled in senior six and initially pursued a degree in economics at university. However, financial constraints made it difficult to continue with my studies. Despite my passion for economics, the challenges with tuition fees led me to leave. This experience, while difficult, redirected my focus towards my music, which has always been a deep passion of mine.
Examiner Reporter: Tell us about your family. We understand you have a unique family dynamic.
Fyn Ekoz: I was raised by my mother after my father passed away when I was two years old. I have a twin brother, Busiinge Aggrey, who works in media and journalism, and two sisters, making us four siblings in total. My family has been incredibly supportive, and each of us is pursuing our own path while remaining close.
Examiner Reporter: Who are your musical inspirations, and how have they influenced your work?
Fyn Ekoz: I draw inspiration from artists like Pallaso, Eddy Kenzo, and Acidic Vokoz. Pallaso’s energetic Afrobeat style, Eddy Kenzo’s ability to blend Ugandan rhythms with global sounds, and Acidic Vokoz’s soulful approach all influence my music. Their work motivates me to push creative boundaries and explore new directions in my own music.
Examiner Reporter: Can you share a bit about your personal life? Is there anyone special in your life right now?
Fyn Ekoz: Yes, I do have a girlfriend who loves and supports me immensely. Although I can’t mention her name in this interview, her support has been a significant part of my journey. Having someone who believes in me and my dreams means a lot and has been a great source of motivation.
Examiner Reporter: What challenges do you think Ugandan talents, especially upcoming artists, face?
Fyn Ekoz: Upcoming Ugandan talents face several challenges, including limited access to resources and opportunities. The music industry here can be tough to navigate, with issues like inadequate funding, lack of proper platforms for exposure, and difficulties in accessing high-quality production facilities. Additionally, there’s often a lack of structured support systems for emerging artists. Despite these hurdles, the resilience and creativity of Ugandan artists continue to shine through.
Examiner Reporter: Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and what are your career aspirations?
Fyn Ekoz: In the coming years, I hope to expand my reach beyond Hoima and connect with international audiences. I want to perform in various cities, collaborate with other artists, and continue evolving my sound. My goal is to make a significant impact in the music industry while staying true to my Afrobeat and soul roots. I also aspire to inspire other artists from smaller cities to pursue their dreams.
Examiner Reporter: What message would you like to share with your fans and aspiring musicians?
Fyn Ekoz: To my fans, I am deeply grateful for your incredible support. Your enthusiasm is a constant source of motivation. To aspiring musicians, stay passionate and persistent. Don’t hesitate to experiment and blend different influences to discover your unique sound. Despite the challenges, with dedication and hard work, you can achieve your dreams.
Examiner Reporter: Thank you for your time, Fyn Ekoz. We’re excited to see what’s next for you and wish you all the best with your debut album.
Fyn Ekoz: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. I appreciate the support and look forward to sharing more of my music with everyone soon.
