This rapper, actor is using art to heal and inspire

Meet DERRICK MUHANGUZI, better known by his stage name WONDER J.R, a dynamic voice on Uganda’s creative scene.

More than just a rapper, he wears many hats: actor, podcast host, and outspoken advocate for mental wellness and social awareness. With a curious spirit and a hunger for growth, Wonder J.R. embraces every opportunity to evolve.

He told Quick Talk, for him, music is not just an art, it is a bridge to broader expression and impact.

Besides knowing you as a content creator and rapper, who exactly is Wonder JR?

Wonder J.R is a multidisciplinary artiste, actor, mental wellness advocate, podcaster, and public speaker. I am the visionary founder of Arts4Hearts. I use my voice, talent, and platform to uplift fellow creative and champion mental well-being through storytelling, performance, and advocacy.

You broke out as a rapper, during the Covid-19 period. Where does your love for hip-hop music stem from?

It stems from my time in the UK. I always had an interest in the music but I only got the chance to explore it during my time there.

You won Best Rap Fusion award in the MTN hip-hop awards last year, is that your biggest achievement in music thus far?

Yes, so far, that’s my best award. Party Yani is probably your biggest song so far, but we have not seen you move ahead of that yet.

Are you giving music a break?

I had given it a break so I could focus on the other plans. But I am working on a EP and album now [Wonder J.R, who is also a travel enthusiast, seems better known for his podcasts and TikTok posts these days…].

Last year, you intimated in an interview that your parents never initially approved of your involvement in the arts. How is that situation now?

Now it’s much better. My mum still does not understand the full scope of my work, but she sees the impact it’s creating and it makes her very proud.

Quick Talk has seen you acting with your mother in some of the skits. How is that playing out for you?

It’s amazing, to be honest. I am very humbled at how it’s connecting to a wider audience. Many resonate with it.

You and [actor/comedian] Cyrus Bugaba have become internet sensations lately, what’s the strategy behind this duo?

I am glad we met on a TV show set [Pearl Magic’s Prestige, where Wonder J.R’s acting career also took off]. I quickly identified his potential. And it’s been amazing working together since.

We have built a strong brotherhood and we align on many things, which include owning our narratives as Africans through storytelling.

Commercially speaking, between music and content creation, what makes more sense for you?

At the moment it is content creation that is making so much sense for me [and who would blame him? As influencers, content creators on social media make quite the haul].

English rap music in Uganda is still struggling to break through. Are you facing the same challenge as well? Yes I have faced a similar challenge.

That’s why I’ve been challenging myself to include more languages in my art while maintaining the cadence. To make it more inclusive and relatable [with the exception of Navio and to an extent The Mith, Ruyonga, Keko and Big Trill, Quick Talk would be hard- pressed to remember a Ugandan rapper who successfully delivers his/her lyrics in English].

What has been the highlight performance of your career so far?

Musicwise, connecting with some amazing artists for my upcoming projects has been the highlight. How important is image and branding to you as an artist? It is absolutely important, because it’s how you are a perceived, respected and appreciated. However, it’s important to know that it’s in you, not on you.

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