Copyright bigeye
By Our Reporter In the heart of Kampala’s ghettos, one name has risen to represent the unfiltered creativity of Uganda’s urban youth. Shirtless Boss, real name Aziz Kayihura, is the 30-year-old artiste and content creator who has become a familiar face on social media known for building his brand around representing the common man. Shirtless Boss is a musician, content creator, producer, videographer, and graphic designer who has turned hardship into a mission: to uplift ghetto youth and prove that talent can come from anywhere, even from Kampala’s most forgotten corners. His bare chest has become a symbol. “Being shirtless means we have nothing to hide,” he explains. “It represents the ordinary people I stand for, the muntu wawansi. Many of us in the ghetto are good people, but life has been tough. I stay shirtless and move on a motorcycle to stay relatable with my community.” Before becoming a local name, Shirtless Boss worked as a cleaner, office messenger, and security guard in countries like Thailand, China, Turkey, and the UAE. He left Uganda in 2015 chasing survival, and returned seven years later chasing purpose. “All the money I made from those jobs, I saved to buy cameras, phones, laptops, and mics,” he says. “I wanted to come back home and create something that would help people like me.” That decision birthed his creative empire, producing freestyle content and music from the ghettos of Kampala that has since captured national attention. Life growing up wasn’t easy. Aziz started hustling at nine, hawking tomatoes and onions on Kampala’s streets to help feed his family. “There’s no childhood in the ghetto,” he says. “You grow up fast or you don’t make it.” Through his platform, Shirtless Boss has mentored and promoted countless young talents, from singers and rappers to voice-over artists, now earning from gigs. “I believe the ghetto has the best raw talent in Uganda,” he says. “They just need guidance and exposure. I use my platform to help them be seen.” He calls on established artists and brands to join the movement. “I can’t do this alone,” he adds. “If big names come and collaborate, we can change lives.” His growing influence has caught the attention of companies looking to tap into authentic grassroots voices. He has collaborated with several brands, including Riham, the Ministry of Health on the Monkeypox awareness campaign, and most recently, Premier Distilleries Uganda on their nationwide Bikole Masavu promotion. When asked about promoting alcohol among the youth, he’s quick to clarify. “We always remind people to drink responsibly. Premier Distilleries’ products are certified by UNBS, but the message we share is about responsibility and moderation.” Despite his rising fame, Shirtless Boss keeps his goals grounded. “I want everyone in Uganda to know my name, but I also want to buy land, do farming, and invest for my future,” he says. “And I want to stay fit, keep my body strong and confident.” In the end, Shirtless Boss is more than a ghetto celebrity. His final words carry the weight of experience. “To my fellow youth, stay away from crime and drugs. You have energy now, use it to build yourself. You can come from nothing and still win if you stay focused.”
