From dancer to Swangz’s biggest investment: Vinka finally gets her moment

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda reports that Ugandan singer Vinka, born Veronica Nakiyingi Lugya and signed to Swangz Avenue, is preparing for her first major concert at the Cricket Oval on Friday, August 21. The story says the show comes after months of fan pressure, including an online petition and a reported visit by Makerere University students to the label’s offices asking for a concert. Vinka said the surprise visit moved her and reinforced how much support she has built over the years.

The article frames the concert as a milestone in an unusual career path. Before becoming a recording artiste, Vinka worked as a dancer and later moved into artiste management at Swangz Avenue, where she worked with performers including Irene Ntale while learning from executives Julius Kyazze and Benon Mugumbya. Kyazze has described her as Swangz Avenue’s biggest investment, a remark the article links to the label’s long-term backing, early backlash and the effort it took to develop her career.

According to Sqoop Uganda, Vinka’s public debut in 2017 drew criticism and speculation, but she says the backlash pushed her to work harder and improve her vocals. She now says she can carry a full concert with more than 30 songs and wants the audience to see her as a dancer, performer and creative. The piece presents the Cricket Oval booking as a deliberate choice for a large fan base and notes that, for now, she does not expect the concert to become an annual event.