For years, Ugandan music lovers knew him as one half of the duo Climax and Boskid, a partnership that produced memorable music and built a loyal following. Today, however, the singer is introducing himself to audiences under a new identity—Big Smoke After 7—marking the beginning of a solo journey he says is rooted in growth rather than separation.
The artist insists there was no dramatic fallout behind the decision to leave the duo. Instead, he describes it as a natural evolution that saw both musicians develop different creative ambitions.
“I’ve grown a lot, both as an artist and as a person. The duo was an important chapter in my journey, and I’m grateful for everything we achieved together. As time went on, we each wanted to pursue different creative paths,” he says.
His new stage name is equally intentional.
According to the singer, Big Smoke After 7 reflects the struggles and resilience that have defined his journey. He explains that smoke only exists where there has been fire, making it a metaphor for overcoming life’s challenges, while the number seven represents purpose born from hardship.
“The name comes from the idea that smoke only appears when there’s fire. It represents resilience, struggle and the work people don’t always see. The ‘7’ is symbolic. It reminds me that challenges are part of the journey, but they also shape your purpose. Big Smoke After 7 is about turning life’s struggles into something meaningful through music,” he explains.
Despite embarking on a solo career, the singer speaks warmly about his former musical partner, saying they simply reached a point where their artistic visions no longer aligned.
“We’ve gone our separate ways, but I appreciate the journey we shared and I’m focused on my future,” he says.
Now working independently, Big Smoke After 7 says the freedom to make his own creative decisions has allowed him to develop a sound that blends Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall and Hip-Hop with storytelling inspired by African experiences.
“My sound blends Afrobeat, Amapiano, Dancehall and Hip-Hop with African storytelling. I want people to dance, but I also want them to connect with the message behind the music. Every song reflects a different part of my journey.”
Unlike many artists who rely entirely on external producers and songwriters, Big Smoke After 7 plays a central role in creating his music. He writes all of his songs and produces most of his own instrumentals from his home studio before recording vocals with acclaimed audio engineer Samie Touch, whose work he credits for refining his sound.
“I write all of my songs, and I also produce most of my own beats. Being involved in both the writing and production allows me to create music that truly represents my vision,” he says.
Most of his production work begins in his home studio, where ideas are developed before being taken to Samie Touch’s studio for recording, mixing and mastering.
“I produce most of my music from my home studio, where I create the majority of my beats and develop my ideas. When it’s time to record vocals, I work from my friend Samie Touch’s studio. He’s an incredibly talented audio engineer who understands my sound and always helps bring the best out of my music.”
The singer also praised Samie Touch’s recently released promotional single, Bankrol, describing it as one of the exciting projects currently attracting attention within the industry.
Already, Big Smoke After 7 has built an extensive catalogue, revealing that he has completed more than 20 songs, with 15 self-produced instrumentals. Rather than rushing to release everything at once, he says he is focused on timing and quality.
“I believe collaboration brings fresh perspectives, but I also take pride in being able to write, produce and shape my own sound. Right now, my focus is on releasing the right songs at the right time rather than simply putting out a large number of records.”
Looking ahead, the singer hopes his music will resonate beyond Uganda’s borders as he establishes himself as a solo act.
For Big Smoke After 7, the end of one chapter is not a setback but an opportunity to reinvent himself—one song, one story and one beat at a time.
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