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Quick Facts
Born
1973
1973
From
Uganda
Uganda
Journey
Born Robert Baguma Baijukya in Kizibu in 1973, Shanks Gumaras has been a seminal figure in Ugandan dancehall, carving out a unique niche by merging Luganda with Jamaican patois, thus influencing a generation of artists. As the youngest of ten children, Shanks faced the trials of early loss with his father's passing in 1992. He left school, channeling his energy into music, where his innovative approach soon took hold. His 90s hits like "Bundu" and "Kakokolo" quickly made him a household name, earning respect for his ability to craft songs that resonate across cultural boundaries. Shanks's influence is prominent in the work of Bobi Wine and José Chameleone, and his stint as a Capital FM presenter broadened his reach. His relocation to the UK in 2000 for studies at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts marked both a professional and personal challenge, confronting cannabis dependence and undergoing spiritual rebirth in 2003. Returning to Uganda in 2008, Shanks launched Amashanka Music, mentoring artists and producing notable tracks like "Kisambi." His continued efforts in Urban Lyfe Productions underscore his commitment to nurturing talent across continents.
