We recently connected with Josh The Bricklayer and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Josh thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

One significant risk I’ve taken is pursuing a career in the arts in a country where the government doesn’t recognize artists. This decision wasn’t easy, as it meant venturing into an uncharted territory with limited resources and uncertain prospects.

The journey has been challenging, requiring immense hard work and sacrifice. There have been times when I’ve had to put my happiness on hold, struggling to make ends meet while pouring my heart and soul into my craft. The financial rewards have often been minimal, and there have been moments when I’ve questioned my decision.

Despite these obstacles, I’ve persevered, driven by my passion for art and my determination to succeed. And slowly but surely, I’ve started to see glimmers of hope. My work is gaining recognition, and I’m beginning to build a reputation in the industry.

While the road ahead is still uncertain, I’m committed to continuing to push forward, using my art to express myself and bring value to others. This risk has been life-changing, teaching me the importance of resilience, adaptability, and staying true to my vision.

Josh, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello everyone! I’m Kiyegga Joshua, professionally known as Josh The Bricklayer, a Ugandan artist and entrepreneur. My journey in entertainment began in 2002, during my primary school days at Kikondo Primary School in Mpigi, Uganda. I started performing on stage, singing about important issues like HIV/AIDS awareness, and participating in church choir and Sunday school programs.

As I progressed to secondary school at St. Theresa Secondary School Katende, I met a professional trainer, Ankle Tom, who helped me hone my skills in various aspects of entertainment. This exposure led me to join Pearl Films Uganda, a professional entertainment company, where I started acting in movies like “Linda My Daughter” and stage plays like “Tokiiya ]]Onge Nto,” a famous Luganda book.

My passion for entertainment only grew stronger, and by 2014, I founded Litefact, a dance group and entertainment company that continues to thrive. Through Litefact, I provide a range of services, including dance performances, acting, and entertainment consulting.

What sets me apart is my dedication to my craft and my ability to connect with audiences through my work. I’m proud to have come a long way from my humble beginnings, and I’m committed to continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the entertainment industry.

As an artist, I solve problems for my clients by bringing their vision to life through my performances and creative work. I’m most proud of my ability to inspire and entertain audiences, and I’m excited to continue growing and evolving as an artist.

If you’re looking for a talented and dedicated artist who can bring your event or project to life, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s work together to create something amazing!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One significant challenge I faced was building Litefact from scratch. I had a vision, but I lacked resources, support, and recognition. There were times when I doubted myself and wondered if I was crazy for pursuing this dream.

Despite these doubts, I persevered, pouring my heart and soul into Litefact. I faced setbacks, rejections, and disappointments, but I refused to give up. I learned from my mistakes, adapted to new situations, and kept pushing forward.

Through hard work, determination, and resilience, Litefact started to gain traction. We began to get bookings, build a reputation, and attract a loyal audience. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it.

This experience taught me that resilience is not just about bouncing back from adversity but also about staying committed to my vision, even when the journey gets tough. It reminded me that success is often a result of persistence, creativity, and a willingness to learn and adapt.

This story illustrates my resilience in the face of challenges and demonstrates my ability to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem, society can take several steps:

Financial Support
1. *Funding and Grants*: Provide accessible funding opportunities, grants, and scholarships to support artists and creative projects.
2. *Fair Compensation*: Ensure fair pay for artists’ work, including royalties, commissions, and other forms of compensation.

Infrastructure and Resources
1. *Creative Spaces*: Establish and maintain affordable studios, rehearsal spaces, and performance venues for artists to work and showcase their talents.
2. *Arts Education*: Integrate arts education into school curricula and provide opportunities for artists to develop their skills.
3. *Networking Opportunities*: Facilitate networking events, workshops, and conferences to connect artists with industry professionals, potential collaborators, and audiences.

Policy and Advocacy
1. *Arts-Friendly Policies*: Develop and implement policies that support the arts, such as tax incentives for arts organizations and artists.
2. *Intellectual Property Protection*: Strengthen intellectual property laws to protect artists’ rights and ensure fair compensation for their work.
3. *Advocacy*: Promote the value of arts and culture in society, highlighting their contributions to economic growth, social cohesion, and individual well-being.

Community Engagement
1. *Public Art Initiatives*: Support public art projects that bring art to diverse audiences and foster community engagement.
2. *Arts Festivals and Events*: Organize festivals, exhibitions, and events that celebrate local and international art, music, and culture.
3. *Audience Development*: Encourage audience development programs that promote arts appreciation and accessibility.

Cultural Preservation
1. *Cultural Heritage Preservation*: Support the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, including traditional arts, music, and crafts.
2. *Diversity and Inclusion*: Foster diversity and inclusion in the arts, celebrating diverse perspectives, experiences, and artistic expressions.

By taking these steps, society can create a supportive ecosystem that allows artists and creatives to thrive, contributing to a vibrant cultural landscape.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshthebricklayerug?igsh=ZXo1MHVlamIxZHhx
• Twitter: https://x.com/JoshdBreeklayer?t=Vl8doUffvI13B6XSwZ2HsA&s=09
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@joshthebricklayer?si=PxJh7r6wu-fBrYTZ
• Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@josh.thebricklayer?_t=ZM-8wFXyNwtMoA&_r=1