About Mulika Studios
MULIKA, meaning "to illuminate," embodies our mission to bring sound to life. At Mulika Studios, we believe in the transformative power of sound—sound was the first force that created light, and through it, all creativity and creation are made possible. Our studio specializes in crafting immersive audio experiences that blend traditional African roots with modern techniques, illuminating stories through music, sound design, and production. Whether in music, film, or education, we are passionate about creating with purpose, allowing sound to guide and light the way for every project we undertake.
Our Story
MULIKA Studios, founded by Barnabas Arinaitwe (professionally known as Joses Arins Emanzi), has become a beacon of high-quality sound production in Uganda’s music and film industries. Its journey began with a vision—to illuminate the Ugandan music industry with authentic and powerful sound production. Joses, a talented sound engineer and music producer, first conceived the idea of MULIKA Studios during long walks home after late-night recording sessions at Pearl Rhythm Production Studio, where he worked from 2018 to 2021. These walks were where Joses, along with his colleague Isima Ssemujju (SMO), would talk about their dreams of starting something new.
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In 2019, during a session at Pearl Rhythm, Joses met Noah Muhumuza (Infexious), a musician and songwriter with a background in Social Sciences and Business Administration. The two bonded over their shared passion for music, and Noah, with his business skills and creativity, would later become Managing Director of MULIKA Studios. Together with Isima, they shared the goal of creating a production house that would illuminate the path for Ugandan sound and music.
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MULIKA Studios officially took shape in March 2022, thanks to the generosity of Brenda Busingye, who offered them space in her fashion design shop. Brenda, the sister of Anitah Asaasira, a beloved lecturer who had been a key figure in Joses' life and helped set him on his production trajectory, played an instrumental role in providing a foundation for the studio. The team started with almost no funds, just after the COVID-19 pandemic, but they were determined to make an impact on the Ugandan music scene.
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Though the studio started with very little, they had big ideas and quickly made a name for themselves. Their first major projects were on some of Uganda’s biggest TV shows, including Prestige, The Anne Kansiime Reality Show, and Damalie. MULIKA Studios created iconic theme songs like "Sanyu Sanyu" by Kenneth Mugabi and the Damalie Theme Song performed by Afrie, as well as music libraries that changed the way music was used in Ugandan television. These early successes helped build MULIKA’s reputation and visibility in the industry.
Despite their growing reputation, MULIKA faced challenges in acquiring the high-end equipment needed for world-class production. To overcome this, they focused on investing in knowledge and expertise, training young engineers and bringing fresh talent into the studio. One such talent is Alawi Kalema, who started as an intern from Makerere University and is now a skilled dialogue editor and sound designer. MULIKA continues to mentor and empower young creators, providing a space for growth and learning.
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In 2024, MULIKA Studios reached a significant milestone with two prestigious award nominations. They were nominated for Best Sound Design at the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) 2024 for their work on the movie "Makula" by Nisha Kalema, and also received a nomination for Best Sound Production at the KILAF Awards 2024 in Nigeria. These nominations highlight the studio's growing influence, both in Uganda and internationally, and showcase their dedication to producing world-class sound.
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Today, MULIKA Studios stands as more than just a production house. It is a community dedicated to transforming storytelling in Uganda, committed to illuminating the soundscapes of film, television, and music. The founders are passionate about preserving Uganda’s cultural heritage while elevating the country’s sound industry to international standards. As MULIKA Studios continues to grow, it remains focused on its mission of illuminating Uganda’s creative landscape and empowering the next generation of audio professionals.
The founders invite supporters, donors, and investors to join them on this journey, helping to provide the resources needed to continue their work, train young engineers, and push the boundaries of Ugandan sound production. MULIKA Studios may have started from humble beginnings, but its future is bright, as it continues to illuminate the path for Ugandan sound, culture, and storytelling.