In July, at least 10 trainees of Swangz Creative Academy graduated from audio class and live broadcast production.

The students were the select few from the many that applied during the school’s first intake, which was in June.

They were extensively given hands-on skills and lessons from top production professionals.

At the graduation ceremony at the Swangz Avenue offices at The Square in Industrial Area, Kampala, the graduands were issued certificates, having fulfilled all the requirements of the course.

However, after graduation it was not clear what exactly they would change in the creative industry, especially the arts sector.

The expectations were high since Swangz Avenue is one of the leading audio and film production companies in Kampala.

The company manages a number of big-name musicians, including Azawi and Winnie Nwagi. Anything associated with it is expected to live up to the hype.

Immediately after graduation, some of the 10 graduates hit the industry, beginning to show off their skills with rather big music concerts.

“We saw some of our trainees work on various events like the recently-concluded MTN Momo Waaka campaign, Guinness Bright House launch at Motiv in Kampala, and the Live broadcast of Azawi’s maiden concert, recently held at the Lugogo Cricket Oval,” said Julius Kyazze, the business development manager at Swangz Avenue.

Alex Kakuru, who graduated in audio production, revealed that upon realisation that passion alone cannot take one far in the creative world, he quickly took the up the opportunity of acquiring more skills.

“During the training, I got to know about how far the creative industry is globally, hence the need to move faster as well. I now have both the passion for audio production and technical skills, which I believe will take me far. They are already are,” Kakuru added.

David Bakka, a graduate of live broadcast production, said he was given an assignment to work on the live broadcast of Azawi’s maiden concert, something that expectedly scared him, especially since it was his first big assignment.

“Despite the weight of the assignment, I was exposed to a professional way of doing things in the creative industry, which I believe our arts industry has lacked heavily for a very long time,” Bakka said.

Kyazze reiterated that the academy model is 80% practical and gives the students an opportunity to work on top-market assignments.

The trainees also got a mentorship session from production expert Benon Mugumbya of Swangz Avenue, and an opportunity to work with experienced music producers and video directors, which has given them an opportunity to network with respected creatives in the lifestyle and entertainment industry,” he said.

Kyazze concluded by saying Swangz Creative Academy seeks to skill students who are passionate about developing a career within the creative arts industry.