Gender: Male
Talent Area: Traditional dancer, instrumentalist

Family Background

Philip was born in Nakisenyi Village, Iganga District (Eastern Uganda). Before joining Rockies, he lived with both parents and his five siblings in a household that, while not extremely poor, often struggled to afford school fees and meet other educational needs. His father, a small-scale farmer, and his mother, a hairdresser, worked hard but still found it difficult to keep up with the demands of caring for the family. Their limited income made it challenging to provide consistent support for Philip’s and his siblings’ schooling, and as a result, his early education was often interrupted due to unpaid fees.

How Rockies Organization Stepped In

Philip joined Rockies Organization in January 2022 through a connection from his uncle. He became part of the troupe to develop his talents in music and dance, a goal he is pursuing with passion, while also advancing his education with the organization’s support. Philip is currently enrolled in Primary Three at St. Joseph’s School Nakawuka.

Talent, Uniqueness & Achievements

Philip is a gifted dancer and instrumentalist who began performing at the age of six. Now just 10 years old, he already excels at playing multiple traditional instruments, including the xylophone and various drums. He is skilled in traditional dances such as Ekizino and Runyege-Ntogoro (Western Uganda), Kadodi (Eastern Uganda), and Larakaraka (Northern Uganda).

Philip’s curiosity about the unique music and dances of Uganda’s diverse ethnic communities drives his remarkable ability to learn quickly, well beyond what one might expect for his age. His proudest moment so far was his first performance with the Rockies, which marked a significant milestone in his artistic journey.

Aspirations

Philip dreams of becoming a mechanical engineer and hopes to use his future success to support poor and vulnerable people in Uganda.

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