Catching up with Toniks

You went by Toniks for a stage name. Why did you decid to add Allan?
Toniks was a nickname I was given back in school and I kind of liked it When my first newspaper story came out in 2009, the name became popular but I decided to also include Allan just to give it a personal reality.

Who inspired you into music?
I grew up listening to great artists like R. Kelly, Tyresse, Craig David, I didn’t think Ugandan music would reach to a kind of level that an artist would survive on only music but when Blu 3, Michael Ross, Juliana, Ngoni, got their breakthrough, I decided to also take my chances. So those artists inspired me to join the game.

How different is Toniks from other Ugandan artists?
Toniks is so different from other artists because he writes his own music, sings it, produces it and most recently directs his own videos. I’m also one of the few artists in Uganda who plays the guitar.

You joined the music industry at a time when there were many other talented artistes. How was the beginning for you?

True. The industry had a lot of talent then but luckily enough, my break through song “Beera Nange” was the first I released. But my biggest challenge was that it was released during my Senior Six vacation. When it picked up, I was in First year at campus so I had to balance books and a career that I had always wanted. When that song became a hit, I risked being called a one hit wonder if I did not relneeded to do more tracks not to be considered a ‘one hit wonder’.

Besides music, what else is Toniks involved in?
I’m a music producer and some of the songs I’ve personally produced include “That gal”, “Ningyenda Yoona”, “Tukyekole”, “Itano” and “Regular” in which I feature Navio are some of the songs I’ve personally produced.

But all those are your own songs?
Yes. I had to first convince other artistes that I’m so good not only in singing but production as well. All those songs are hits. That was a strategy I used to promote myself as a producer.

Among the things you mentioned earlier was that you are also a writer. What do you look at when penning down songs?
I think music is an expression of moods, emotions and feelings. It’s an abstract art. I’m driven by the vibe of the idea I have in my head and then the beat.

You have done so many songs. But what is that track that you feel is your best and why?

My best track is “That gal” because it’s a song I did for me. I didn’t consider what the people want. I did what I wanted and surprisingly everyone liked the song. The other reason why it’s my best is because it’s the first song I produced myself.

Every artiste strives at getting international recognition at some point in their career. Have you achieved that so far?

Yes of course. Although I haven’t really expanded as much as I would want to but I have been nominated in some of the prestigious awards like channel O music video awards, Sound city music video awards, MTV music video awards and PAM awards. Besides that, I’ve performed in countries like Zambia, Namibia, UK, Nairobi as well as Kigali.

Are you married?
No I’m not married. But you never know; lightening strikes. The right woman could be just around the corner.

Who is the lucky woman in your life?
Ummm. She’s very shapely, I like to hold her most of the times in the evenings and I usually pluck her strings. Her name is a guitar. (Laughs out loud). Anyway, I have a girlfriend.

Why don’t u like fronting her in the public eye?
I like keeping my private life as private as possible. As the saying goes. “The most health relationships are those that aren’t on face book” which simply means, not every part of your life should be available for public scrutiny.

What do you love about her and for how long have u been together?
Like I said, some parts of my life are better left private.

What strikes you on a woman?
Beauty; everybody likes a pretty face, including me. I also like it to come with curves though. But what is beauty without brains? So my second quality is intelligence. And then of course if u going to spend your life with someone, I think manners/discipline are important.

As an artiste, all eyes are on you. How do you shake off secret admirers without offending them?

I just be friendly but give as limited time as possible to those admirers. That way their feelings don’t get shattered.
What are the sweetest words a woman has ever told you?
“My heart says yes to anything you want”

Who is that one female artiste that you feel attracted?

No female artiste is attractive.at least not here in Uganda.

What are your hobbies?
I like watching movies, doing dishes and I’m an internet addict especially on my phone.
What’s your favorite color and why?

Black because it’s quite universal.
What’s your favorite line in a movie?
“You hear that Neyo? That’s the sound of inevitability” said by Mr Anderson in Matrix.
What is the weirdest thing a female fan has done to you?
I can’t say it.

Talking about school, which schools did you attend?

I went to Mbarara preparatory school for my Primary, and then joined Kings College Buddo for my O. Level and then Ntare high school for my A. Level. I graduated from MUBS with a bachelor in International Business studies in 2011.

Most people know you as an RnB artiste, are you?
Yes I do RnB but mine is urban. Reason is because during the time I joined the music industry, it was the genre of music that was popular and besides that, most of my inspirations are RnB artistes.