Who is Edward Muligirwa
“Edward Rutaizibwa Muligirwa, known as XED256, is a multi-talented Ugandan artist who seamlessly balances his roles as a barista and a musician. His journey began with a deep-rooted love for music, instilled by his mother’s passion for good melodies. This love eventually led him to record his first song in S.5, a moment that ignited his music career.
Apart from music what else are you talented in
In addition to my musical talent, I’m also a talented dancer, a skill that not many people know about. Furthermore, I’m good at video editing and audio editing, mixology and cooking which adds to my creative abilities.
Your ideal better half ?
Hahaaaaa ok! my ideal better half is a natural, kind, well shaped of course but majorly with an amazing sense of humor.
How did you discover your love for both music and coffee, and what motivated you to pursue careers in both fields?
In the realm of music, my journey began with my mother’s deep passion for good music, which she instilled in me from a young age. This passion eventually ignited my own love for music, and I realized I had a knack for it. My motivation soared when I recorded my first track during my S.5 schooling, and winning the award for Best Original Composition with that song made me feel like a true music king.
As for my venture into the world of coffee, it was primarily motivated by the practical need for income. I had to hustle to put food on the table and pay my rent, and coffee became my avenue for doing so. After completing my S.6 education, I embarked on a job journey, progressing from a waiter to a head waiter, manager, and ultimately finding my calling as a barista. I found joy in being a barista because it allowed me to infuse artistry into my work.
Can you describe a typical day in your life, juggling your responsibilities as a barista and your musical endeavors?
Well, I’m a spiritual person who finds guidance in the Bible’s wisdom. One of its teachings that resonates with me is the idea that there’s a time for everything. This belief has been instrumental in helping me manage my dual roles. On weekdays, I’m dedicated to my café work, while I reserve evenings and weekends for my music endeavors. To ensure my schedules harmonize, I exclusively accept music bookings through appointments.
Any memorable day in your life that you would want to share with us
The significance of July 8th and 10th, 2023, in my life cannot be overstated. On July 8th, I had one of the most memorable and impactful performances of my career at KWEGONZA AVENUE. It was an evening where nearly all my cherished friends and family gathered to cheer me on, showering me with their love, enthusiasm, and unwavering support.
However, amidst the joy of that performance, July 10th brought a profound and heartbreaking moment as I lost my beloved mother, may her soul rest in peace. The contrast between these two days, the elation and the sorrow, is etched into my memory. The world bore witness to how profoundly special my mother was to me, and those days will forever remain etched in my heart.
Do you have an inspiration in your music career if yes , who and why
My mother, undoubtedly the cornerstone of my journey, played an immense role in shaping my passion for meaningful lyrics and musical excellence. It’s important to note that I’m not speaking of her influence merely because she’s no longer with us. Right from the beginning, she instilled in me a deep appreciation for quality music.
Intriguingly, my mother was an artist in her own right, having recorded and produced several songs. Through her, I developed an enduring love for iconic musicians like Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Michael Jackson, and others.
In a pivotal moment of my career, my mother even funded the production of my first song, “Marry You.” This unwavering support and encouragement profoundly impacted my path.
Additionally, I owe a debt of gratitude to a remarkable individual named Abaas Mpindi, who played a pivotal role in bringing me closer to my artistic vision through his unwavering support and guidance. Observing his dedication and approach to his craft is a constant source of inspiration for me, and I hold him in the highest regard.
What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in pursuing two distinct careers, and how do you overcome them?
One of the challenges I’ve encountered is that people often associate me with different aspects of my identity, causing some confusion. Some recognize me for my music, while others identify me as a barista. This dual recognition can occasionally blur the lines between these two distinct brands, which I admit can be a bit frustrating (though I certainly don’t hold it against them!).
To address this challenge, I’ve taken proactive steps to clarify my brand identity through various means.
Are there any specific songs or genres of music that you find particularly inspiring or comforting while working on
For starters, my music is a compilation of different genres, languages starting from the instrumentals to the written song itself for my music represents unity, not only in genres but also in nationalities and tribes and lastly tastes. I have songs in AFROBEATS,HIP HOP ,RNB,REGGAETON, AFROPOP ETC and the reason is that i get attached and inspired by different genres and instrumentals depending on the mood and situation or even the feel. So when you check out my music, you will realize that it has no limits in genres, I call it ALL IN ONE. Therefore I am never specific, it would make me totally limited in thought.
How do your customers react when they discover that their barista is also a talented musician? Any interesting stories to share?
Well…hahaha, when it comes to that, I try my best not to show any of my clients that I am an artist at that particular time, and When they get to know, the most common question is that(bulijjo XED oyimba bwoti?)with a very shocked face like they thought i couldn’t even open my mouth.. hahaha…so they followed me instantly.
Can you tell us about any projects or musical performances you’re currently working on or have planned for the future?
Woooohhhh… this is a nice one fosho. All I have to say is that I am working on alooootttt, and by God’s will, I pray that I accomplish them all. I am planning on a XED256 CHARITY CONCERT, I am working on a couple of amazing content and songs that I can’t wait to share with y’all. I have lots of unreleased songs in the studio and all I can say is that TULINA CONTENT though working on a foundation on how that music is going to be supplied to all three people and mainly my target audience that need it and most importantly distribution.oh..not forgetting an EP dedicated to my sweet late mother ADYEERI.
Do you find any similarities between the creativity required for making great coffee and creating beautiful music? If so, could you elaborate?
Yes….yes…yessssss…there truly are many similarities.
The DISCIPLINE
THE ART
THE DESIGN
THE FRESH START AND AMAZING END
THE EFFORT
AND THE VISIBLE OUTCOME AND FINISH
How do you manage to stay focused and passionate about both your music and your job at the cafe, even when you might be feeling tired or overwhelmed?
MUSIC is a passion meaning I will do it either way even when am tired or fresh and I will still be at the café for as long as I can finance my music so I WONT STOP but most importantly, I always feel like I would be letting my mom down if I ever gave up. I know how happy she would be if I made it in life and how much I promised to make her proud. So we can’t be tired.
In your opinion, what unique perspective or qualities do you bring to your barista job as a musician, and how does this enrich your interactions with customers and colleagues?
Well, my approach to both music and making coffee is all about breaking the mold and embracing creativity without limits. Just as I don’t confine myself to a specific musical genre, I don’t stick to specific coffee recipes either. I believe in offering customers a taste and experience that’s truly unique. Just like my music, my coffee creations aim to break records and defy conventions. I think this approach brings an element of surprise and excitement to the coffee shop. People won’t find my music or my coffee anywhere else, and I hope it inspires others to explore their own creative paths. It’s all about celebrating individuality and encouraging others to step outside the box.
Where do you see xed 256 in the next five years ?
Oh oh … .I actually saw this question coming.. hahaha en it’s a very common one.
Like I said, I am a religious and also a very spiritual person that believes that everything is all Gods plan and the bible says that do not say (I am going to this city and i will go invest and make money blah blah blah) we ought to actually start by saying(by God’s will before we make any plans. Meaning the question had to be(where would you want to see yourself in the next 5 years?)
So I would want to have made concerts and shows that would be feeding a number of people.
Also I am working on a brand that is seen as a charity brand that supports different positive motives and people that don’t have as much as we have.
A brand that uses music to (spread love and support to different people through charity, planting trees, conservation, changing stereotypes)
I would love to have worked and partnered with different organizations and groups that are fighting so hard on making the world a better place.
