Turn your talent into a career

Recently, I came across an interesting newspaper article titled, “discover yourself, stop the wild chase” written by Dennis Muhumuza.

The insightful piece was about people who wither and die with their unfulfilled potential.

One of the most remarkable points the author noted was that in Uganda, few parents and guardians have the insight and foresight to help their children discover their talents and gifts.

A child who loves to crack jokes is reprimanded for being cheeky and instead of watering his sense of humour to flourish, he is sent to the university to study Law or Medicine. In the end, his natural talent goes to waste.

The inability to discover one’s purpose is a huge problem in Africa, the article reported. This is unlike in the developed world where scouts of every profession are always on the look out for young talent.

A case in point is Justine Bieber, a renowned Canadian singer who was discovered by a talent manager through his YouTube videos. Today, at only 23 years of age, he is among the most popular and rich people of his age.

You need support
Olivia Nanfuka, a fashion designer and founder of NFKA clothing, says in order for one to turn their talent into a lucrative career, it is very important to have a great support system. “You need to have people who believe in your talent to cheer you on when others do not believe in you,” she says.

Nanfuka gives the example of her own parents who were her biggest fans after discovering that she had a passion for fashion and design. “Right from a tender age, I loved drawing and sewing clothes. After my parents discovered this obsession, they kept encouraging me to follow my dream,” she says.

Nanfuka later pursued a degree in Industrial Art and Design at St Lawrence University and graduated in 2015.

Passion is key
Growing up, John Ssemakula, 36, a gym instructor, was passionate about sports.
“I am a fitness fanatic who loved running, swimming and playing basketball,” he notes.

Little did Ssemakula know that he was laying a foundation for a gold mine. After graduating from university with a degree in Information Technology, Ssemakula failed to find employment. In 2010, he decided to start up a gym. “I based on the fact that my past sports background could enable me to do this work easily,” he says.

Ssemakula says he has no regrets about venturing into gym business. “You will always thrive at something you are passionate about,” he says.

Patricia Apolot, a 26-year-old woman, who has beaten the odds to excel at kick boxing shares the same thought. “Self-drive and willingness are often important aspects to growing your talent,” she says. Apolot won a world kickboxing federation international title in 2015, hence, becoming the first female kick boxer to win outside of Africa after beating Ivana Mirkov from Hungary.

Re-align your dreams
Emmanuel Otim a.k.a Prince Emma, a comedian, emphasises the need for individuals to always align their dreams towards their talents.
Growing up, Otim says he had different aspirations in life. There were times he wanted to become a president before diverting his thoughts towards becoming either a doctor or pilot.
It was while in Senior Five that Otim realised his talent for writing and making jokes.
At this point in time Otim dropped everything else and started creating a path for his comedy career. Today, he is into entertainment business as a comedian, playwright and actor.

Spotting, nurturing your talent

Natural ability. I understand talent to mean any natural ability that enables one accomplish tasks faster, easier and better. So even smiling is a talent. Having the sense of colours in fashion can be a talent. One can even have a talent in mathematics.

Everybody is talented. There is nobody who does not have a talent. If one thinks that he or she does not have a talent, it’s because he or she simply hasn’t discovered his or hers and that calls for urgent action.

Choose your school wisely. I discovered my own talent, which is writing, because in Senior One our school encouraged us to read books outside academics. That is how I fell in love with inspirational books and hence today I am a proud author and publisher.

Use it to earn. Some talents can be turned into a business (such as music, dance, drama, sports) while others can be used in another business. For instance, I use my writing talent in my publishing business.
Robert Bake Tumuhaise, author and publisher.

Ugandans making careers out of talents

Music. Some of the musicians include Juliana Kanyomozi, a local artiste known for songs such as Nabikoowa, Kalibatanya, Diana, among others and Joseph Mayanja a.k.a Jose Chameleone is known for a number of songs including Valu Valu, Wale Wale, Bayuda, among others. Other musicians include Bebe Cool, Sheeba and Cindy.

Acting. In the acting industry, some of the recognised actors and actresses include Sam Bagenda of Ebonies, Mathew Nabwiso and Abby Mukiibi.