Biography

Samuel Muhindo, better known by his stage name Yo Kuki, is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, and producer who has been making waves in the East African music scene. Born on November 23, 1993, Yo Kuki's musical journey began at a young age. By the age of seven, he was already playing the guitar and singing in Sunday school.

Yo Kuki's musical talents are deeply rooted in his family background. His mother, Rosemary Masika Nganza, a Congolese musician herself, instilled a love for music in him. He credits her with teaching him how to read and interpret music.

Music as Therapy

Yo Kuki's life took a difficult turn in 2014 when his father was tragically killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Devastated by this loss, he dropped out of school at Fountain of Hope High School in Kayunga. Music became a source of solace and healing during this challenging time. He began playing with different bands, finding comfort in expressing himself through music.

A Versatile Artist

Yo Kuki is known for his versatility, effortlessly blending musical styles from across Africa and beyond. From Afrobeat and Rhumba to Bongo Flava, his music offers a rich tapestry of sound. He cites Congolese singer-songwriter Lokua Kanza and Nigerian superstar Burna Boy as inspirations, particularly admiring Burna Boy's ability to fuse genres and modernize the music of Fela Kuti.

Sharing the Stage with Legends

Yo Kuki's talent has not gone unnoticed. He has had the opportunity to share the stage with some of music's biggest names, including Grammy Award winner Joss Stone, Nigerian musicians Patoranking and Skales, and Zambian singer Pompi.

Collaborations and Accomplishments

Yo Kuki's collaborative spirit has also fueled his success. He has worked with renowned Kenyan afro-pop band Sauti Sol, written and produced songs for Kenyan hip-hop artist Khaligraph Jones and singer Tanasha Donna. His guitar work can also be heard on tracks by Ugandan artists like Fik Fameica, Cindy, and Sheebah Karungi. Additionally, Yo Kuki produced the peace anthem "Amani," featuring a star-studded lineup of Ugandan musicians.

A Global Stage Awaits

Yo Kuki's impressive resume includes performances at prestigious festivals like the Bayimba International Festival of the Arts and the Nyege Nyege Festival. With his multilingual fluency (English, French, Luganda, Swahili, with an understanding of Lingala and Lusoga) and his global musical influences, Yo Kuki is a Ugandan artist poised to make a significant impact on the international music scene.