Enygma
| Enygma | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | I-Am Enygma |
| Also known as | I-Am Enygma |
| Born |
1 February 1980 Kampala, Uganda |
| Genres | Hip-Hop |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, producer, songwriter |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Labels | Klarity Records |
| Associated acts | Ruyonga, The mith, Keko, Navio, St. Nelly-Sade, Benny Black, Lyrikal Proof, Lyrical G, Maurice Kirya |
| Website | iamenygma |
I-Am Enygma (born 1 February 1980), better known by his stage name Enygma, is a Ugandan rapper, record producer, executive producer and entrepreneur known for his wordplay laced rhymes and always wearing a mask on his face so as to conceal his identity. He rose to fame in December 2010 following the runaway success of his single, Hustler's Night featuring The mith, Keko and Navio. This was followed up by even more celebrated hits in 2011, namely F.U.M.E.M.E. and Ten Reasons. He also represents one third of occasional rap group Klarity alongside The Mith and Lyrikal Proof. Also frequently collaborates with other artists such as Ruyonga, Maurice Kirya and Lyrical G. As an entrepreneur, Enygma conducts private business, mostly outside of the entertainment industry.
Enygma developed an interest in hip hop after hearing it on popular radio and TV channels as a child from popular rap songs that had cracked the mainstream. He was impressed that he had found a musical genre that matched his love for creative poetry developed in school. Enygma eventually began to memorise all of his favourite rap verses and by the time he completed secondary school had developed a reputation amongst his peers as a fierce and competitive battle MC and regularly performed at school parties. He teamed up with his cousin, producer Vince Vaider, to put together an album in 2001, but technical difficulties got in the way and Enygma promptly retired from rapping to focus on University education.
Several years later, Enygma began writing again which in June 2011 culminated in the critically acclaimed Enygma of the State mixtape. This resulted in Enygma receiving two Buzz Teeniez Awards Nominations (Top Hood Rapper and Breakthrough Artist) in 2012. This was followed by two more mixtapes, namely, Maskerade in December 2012 (with another Buzz Teeniez Awards Nomination for Top Hood Rapper) and The Enygma Machine in December 2014.
Enygma is also noted for his trademark mask, which he wears whenever he makes a public appearance, including performances and music videos.
Enygma was born in Kampala, Uganda but spent his childhood in London, England. He was raised on African and Islamic values which contributed to his teetotal lifestyle. His parents also valued education very much and encouraged Enygma's proclivity for reading books from as young as 4 years old. As soon as he started school, he became a champion at spelling bees and had excellent relationships with his English teachers who recognised his natural affinity for the written word. This opened the doors to Enygma's love for poetry reading and writing. He also joined music clubs and at various points played piano, xylophone, steel drums, trumpet and double bass. He played these instruments at school assemblies and also performed poetry recitals and acted in plays.
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