Meet Staxxy, the Ugandan Singer Intent on Bringing Beijing Good Vibes

No matter how smoggy, windy or drab it is outside, it's always warm and sunny at Club Mix when Staxxy is on the mic. The rising dancehall singer, who was raised in Kampala city, Uganda, has been gaining traction with his regular performances at the Gongti nightclub and with his recently released single, “Young Boss.”

A news outlet in his hometown recently published a profile of the dancehall singer, saying: “With the Ugandan music market being clogged back home, there is enough air to breathe in China and fresh markets to explore for Staxxy.” The singer concurs, telling the Beijinger: “Dancehall music is growing here in Beijing. People love the beat and flow, it’s easy to sing along to, and the good vibes and good music are all good for parties in general.”

Being here in Beijing is an exciting prospect for the singer, although he does admit, “I sure miss Kampala a lot – its party scene, music, and the people in general.”

Despite that, Staxxy says, “l love Beijing's culture. It’s a new market for spreading good music, so it’s all good in general.”

Staxxy was first invited to China by his sister, a well-known musician in her own right who went by the stage name Black Rose. While she now lives in Australia with her husband and children, she performed regularly on CCTV variety shows and televised concerts. As her profile here in China began to rise, she invited her brother to come to try his hand at it. Flash forward five years, and Staxxy hasn’t yet snagged such high profile TV gigs yet. However, he is emboldened by being able to perform regularly as a freelancer at nightclubs, and by seeing his single “Young Boss” gain traction on Chinese streaming platforms.  

In fact, that sentiment inspired the lyrics on “Young Boss.” Or, as Staxxy describes the Afro dancehall style track: “It's a song that encourages the youth to work hard and become a boss when they are young and in their prime.”

You can listen to Staxxy song “Young Boss” here.

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Photos: Vita Martyno, mbu.ug