One of Uganda’s celebrated music producers, Rinex, has finally shared the real story behind his rise to fame, his struggles in the music industry, and what he believes makes a song a true hit. The respected audio genius opened up during an interview on Sanyuka TV, where he got personal about his music journey, giving credit where it’s due and exposing the dark side of the music business.
Rinex revealed that his big breakthrough came after being introduced to Mesach Semakula by a close friend.
“By then, I only knew how to play a few instruments,” Rinex said. “Mesach gave me access to his studio — the first modern studio I had ever entered. That was my training ground, and that’s where my real music journey started.”
He further revealed that his first professional project was producing “Abizayo” by Sweet Kid and Mr. Mosh, which also became the first time he earned a proper paycheck from music.
“Before that, I used to work for small money, helping other producers. But that project with Sweet Kid was a test for me. That’s when serious music began,” he shared.
However, Rinex didn’t shy away from highlighting the ongoing problems in Uganda’s music industry. According to him, many top artists do not pay producers, and this has affected the growth of the industry.
“About 80% of our established artists don’t pay. They think having hits means they deserve free services. This mindset is killing the industry and affecting upcoming and existing producers,” he said.
Rinex also took time to appreciate Bebe Cool, who he says played a big role in shaping his career.
“After I did Bogolako, Bebe Cool welcomed me. He took me around Kampala and even introduced me to TV for the first time. I honestly feel like he made me who I am. The love I had for him was natural.”
Over the years, Rinex has worked on some of the biggest tracks in Ugandan music history, including Bogolako (Bebe Cool), Kampala (Bobi Wine), Banana (Jose Chameleone), and Kasepiki (Bebe Cool), among others.
When asked what makes a song a hit, Rinex was clear:
“There are many things that go into making a hit — not just the beat. Timing, emotion, the story in the song, and how it’s produced all play a part. That’s the formula I understand.”
Rinex is not only a producer but also serves as the President of the Audio Producers Association of Uganda, where he continues to advocate for better treatment and recognition of producers in the music business.
