Cyrus the Virus; at the community’s service

How did you get into photography?
Photography is not something I just jumped into. I studied it. I did Multi-media as a course at university and this incorporated film and photography.

So I am a professional at this But even before that, my passion has always been behind the lens. My very first job I worked as an Assistant to a Norwegian photographer called Andrea Ringen. He inspired me, made me more aware of the love I had for taking great pictures. And I learnt a lot from him.

So what are some of the works you are proud of as a photographer?
Together with Andrea we ran a popular Lifestyle magazine called Zenj. That was back in 2004 and it was a great success. Aside from that I have also worked with African Woman magazine, both in Uganda and in Kenya. And I have also shot for scores of modeling agencies in the region.

You had a remarkable music stint as a rapper back in 2003. Tell us about that.
Yes, like I said, I have always loved art, right from photography to music.

I did rap music for quite some time and actually I had a solid fan base. Cyrus the Virus was my stage name. Even up to this day, I still walk into a building and find a few people who refer to me as Virus. It is amazing. To me that is just a representation of how great I was at rap.

So why did you drop the microphone?
Back then, unlike today, rap was not something Ugandans truly embraced. For that reason we were only getting more popular, but not richer. We were not making money. So when my career in photography started picking up, I jumped ship. Photography paid better.

You run an organisation called Vision Eye. What is that about?
Vision Eye is a non-profit making organisation where we use film, photography and design as tools for social advocacy. For the so many years I worked as a fashion photographer, it was about making money.

But at some point the whole act of taking photos of models stopped bringing much fulfilment on my side. Suddenly I felt the urge to do more with my camera. That is how I started Vision Eye to try and change people’s lives through the tools I have. At Vision Eye, we basically profile young innovative people and share the means they have created with the larger masses so that they can all pick a leaf.

But you are also the president of YALI - Uganda. How so?
YALI stands for Young African Leaders Initiative. In early 2014, I and a few other youth who had organisations such as Vision Eye were lucky to be invited to the then Washington Fellowship (now Mandela fellowship) in the US. We were there to be trained and equipped with skills after we had been spotted as the young people trying to uplift our local communities. When we returned, we formed YALI-Uganda, an umbrella organisation for all Ugandan YALI fellows because we believe that together we could do more to serve our communities.

I hear while there, you had an opportunity of meeting Barack Obama, the US President.

Yes, I met him during the Washington Fellowship summit in DC. We even met his wife and the US secretary of state John Kerry.
From a humble background in Uganda to breathing the same air with the US president; do you feel accomplished?

To me, meeting Obama was a turning point. For God’s sake, he is the first black president of the United States.

Meeting him is historical. It is not something I planned on but just because I was helping our communities here at home, I got the opportunity. That gave me an inspirational boost to go ahead and serve those around me.
How would you describe yourself?

I am a people person. That is the most outstanding quality about me. I like to see those around me comfortable and happy. Also, I am fun-loving. I like to have fun, lots of fun.

You are a married man; where is your ring?
Oppss! (Looks at his finger.) Today I forgot to wear it. I rarely do. I should actually call my wife right now and tell her I forgot the ring. But I know she might have found it somewhere in the house already.

Sometimes men keep their rings not on their fingers but in their pockets. Why is that?
I am not that kind. Anyway, I think those are men that are not proud to be where they are.

But we need to understand that it is always good to cherish every moment in life because we don’t know how long we will live or what may happen tomorrow.

So when you take a decision, embrace and enjoy it. Wear your ring and celebrate being married.
How did you meet your wife.

I have known my wife almost all my life. We went together to Kampala Parents Primary School. So I always knew her though I didn’t know she was the person I would marry.

She is a lawyer, a nice person, hardworking, God fearing, very strict and very tough. I think those are the qualities that have kept me so madly in love with her. I love her, a lot.

How long have you been married?
It is now coming to two year. She contributes a lot to my life, for example, she has always been my elevation point spiritually. Her presence has built a responsible man within me and now I am also more engaged with family.

Would you still have married her if you had met her in a bar?
Well, I do not think where you meet matters. If it matters, then not significantly. Good people too hang out in bars, so, I would not dictate and say all women in bars are up to no good. But, at least I’m glad I didn’t meet her in a bar.

So right now, no children, no pets?
No children at home yet. But we are getting there. As for pets, I love dogs and so does my wife. We have been looking at getting a German Shepard. I like it.

Your hair cut is not what I’d expect from a former Rap King.

(Laughs….) Thank you. But just for the record I used to spot dreadlocks as a rap artiste. I even had Conrow’s at some point. I have gone through all sorts of hairstyles at various stages of my life. Now, I’m 32 and I keep my hair short, just the way guys my age should.

You are only 32 and you have made tremendous strides in uplifting people’s lives. What would you like to be remembered for eventually?

I want to be remembered as a guy who made an impact in his community. I don’t want to go down as a guy who just dreamt about a great future but also one who took part in creating it. After all is said and done, it will not matter how much money you made. What will count is the number of lives you touched and changed for better.