Weazher Mayanja on the fire of art

Mayanja Weazher’s Liteside

Any three things that we don’t know about you?

I am aggressive and interested in being part of progress. I am interested in sharing what I know with others. I am a humble and loving man.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Breaking through after a long while trying out ideas; including challenges. There is not greater joy that supersedes turning out victorious on a tough task.

What is your greatest fear?

I fear being or appearing ignorant;especially among the informed.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Being honest and speaking the truth because sometimes it’s not necessary; especially basing on the expected outcomes. It also doesn’t go well with some people.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Looking down on other people’s ideas; I don’t like people who belittle other people’s ideas before putting them to test. I also don’t like people who criticise without giving alternatives that can be put to test.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire the character in Bobi Wine. I admire the way his life has been evolving from being a ghetto minor to what he has turned out today. I appreciate the man in him that has pushed him to realise his dreams. We share a lot in common basing on our background of being ghetto children and that also inspires me to work on my dreams.

I also admire Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his great understanding of science management of society.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Art is my life; I love spending on anything related to art because that has pushed me into buying very expensive brushes and musical instruments.

What is the greatest thing you have ever done?

I am still a work in progress.

What is your current state of mind?

I am not happy because our people are still lagging behind with the big knowledge gap. The media is a very good conveyor of information but at times, it focuses more on politics leaving a gap of knowledge in other areas like health and social aspects of life.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Failure and the whole blame game. We over politicise everything including failure even at personal levels that is attributed to politics. There is something that each one of us can do to better our lives. We shouldn’t forget that we are all human beings fighting for a better life.

What does being powerful mean to you?

Ability to impact positively on others; power should be felt by others through improved living standards and development.

On what occasion do you lie?

If it’s a matter of life and death.

What do you most dislike about your appearance?

I am contented with God’s creation.

Which living person do you most despise?

Anyone who is driven by selfish interests.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Ability to unite others.

What is the quality you most like in a man?

A good leader who is mindful of the emotions of those he leads.

When and where were you happiest?

The moment I was promoted from primary two to primary three. What happened in the lower classes was that we could only be given half an exercise book and half-pencil as writing material and would only be allowed to use the full books in primary three. It was a moment of fulfillment and achievement taking me to another level.

I am also happy every time I am at Tadooba because it’s a democratic space for artistes to express their ideas without limitations.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I am a musician and do music everyday through teaching others music instruments. I would love to continue doing music alongside the art and I am in the final stages of re-awakening Weazher and The Lighters music group;focusing on edutainment

Where would you most like to live?

I love Uganda; I feel there is a lot to do in Uganda to test my mind and abilities.

What is your most treasured possession?

The belief in God and His existence; He listens to my prayers.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Poverty at the level of failing to achieve or reach what he or she yearns to.

What is your favorite occupation?

Painting.

What do you most value in your friends?

Trust and loyalty.

Who are your favorite writers?

I love to read Ngugi was Thiong’o; I see myself in his stories as an African man.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

None because I don’t see my character in anyone.

What is your greatest regret?

None that I can recall.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

What is your motto?

Invent, articulate, inspire.

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