FROM THE STREETS TO PURPOSE: MY JOURNEY OF HOPE AND HEALING.
Mawanda Bashir is a Ugandan-Canadian musician and humanitarian based in Vancouver, Canada. Born in Kayunga, Uganda, he is known for his music, dramatic performances, and humanitarian work with street children. Having experienced life as a street child himself, Bashir combines his artistic talents with social activism to create positive change in his community.
EARLY LIFE:
Born in Kayunga, Uganda, Bashir was orphaned at the age of two when his mother passed away. After experiencing mistreatment from his stepmother while living with his father, he was forced to leave home and live on the streets. During his childhood, he never received formal education and survived through various means, including collecting scrap metal and relying on the generosity of strangers.
MUSICAL CAREER:
Bashir officially launched his music career on January 15, 2022. His artistic journey began during his time on the streets, where he would mime and perform popular songs to earn money. Since beginning his professional music career, he has released one album containing 16 songs. He combines both music and dramatic performance in his artistic expression. Personal Struggles and Transformation During his youth in Uganda, Bashir faced numerous challenges including homelessness, exposure to violence, and a period of substance abuse involving marijuana and cocaine. He survived by taking on various jobs, including: Selling clothes Washing dishes Making and selling food items (pancakes and chapatis) Street performance and music .
CURRENT LIFE AND LOCATION
Bashir currently resides in Vancouver, Canada, where he continues to develop his musical career and humanitarian work. The move from Uganda to Canada represents a significant transition in his life journey, allowing him to pursue his artistic ambitions while maintaining his commitment to social causes.
HUMANITARIAN WORK
Inspired by his own experiences, Bashir established a foundation dedicated to helping street children. His organization currently: Provides care and support for 10 children Operates a poultry project that helps sustain the children Focuses on providing shelter, food, and clothing to vulnerable youth Works to prevent children from experiencing the trauma of sexual abuse, violence, and despair that he witnessed during his time on the streets
MUSIC AND ACTIVISM
Since 2022, Bashir has been actively combining his musical talent with his humanitarian mission. His debut album, featuring 16 songs, represents his artistic vision and storytelling through music. Through his artistry in both music and drama, he brings attention to the plight of street children and uses his platform to advocate for social change.
MUSICAL CAREER
Bashir officially launched his music career on January 15, 2022. His artistic journey began during his time on the streets, where he would mime and perform popular songs to earn money. Since beginning his professional music career, he has released one album containing 16 songs and continues to release new music regularly.
Bashir's music showcases his versatility as an artist, with songs in both English and local Ugandan languages, demonstrating his commitment to maintaining his cultural roots while reaching an international audience from his base in Vancouver, Canada.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Bashir continues to pursue his musical career in Vancouver while leading his foundation's efforts to transform the lives of street children. He combines his personal experience and artistic platform with a mission to create positive change, focusing on providing not just physical necessities but also emotional support and opportunities for children who have been abandoned or forced to live on the streets.
PHILOSOPHY AND APPROACH
Bashir's approach to humanitarian work and music is deeply influenced by his personal experiences and religious faith. He emphasizes: The importance of providing both material and emotional support to street children The role of faith and perseverance in overcoming adversity The value of creating sustainable solutions through projects like poultry farming The significance of community involvement in supporting vulnerable youth.
The power of music and drama as tools for social change and healing Bashir's work represents a grassroots approach to addressing the challenges faced by street children, drawing from his firsthand understanding of their needs and struggles while using his musical and dramatic talents to amplify his message and mission. His transition from the streets of Uganda to becoming a recording artist in Vancouver, Canada, demonstrates his resilience and dedication to both his artistic pursuits and humanitarian goals.