My name is Kalyowa Michael Melan, and I am a 24 year old upcoming music producer, songwriter, and recording artist and also the founder of Youth Empowerment Programme Africa in Uganda.

Music has been my dream for as long as I can remember. It has given me purpose, hope, and a way to express myself even during difficult times.

I grew up in an underprivileged family, and things have not always been easy. My father, a retired teacher, has struggled with poor health, and because of our financial situation, many opportunities have felt out of reach. Still, I never gave up on music. I kept learning, creating, and pushing myself forward however I could.

I studied Music Production & Sound Engineering at Esom School of Music in Kampala and continued building my skills by producing for local artists and teaching myself through practice, online tutorials, and experience.

At one point, I received an unconditional offer to study at the world renowned Abbey Road Institute in London. It was one of the biggest moments of my life and proof that my talent and hard work were being recognized. Unfortunately, I could not raise the tuition fees in time, and I had to let the opportunity go.

That moment broke my heart, but it did not kill my dream.

Instead of giving up, I decided I would continue learning in any way I can through YouTube tutorials, practice, experience, and by staying committed to my craft every single day.

Today, I am asking for your support to help me build a small music studio setup that can change my life and the lives of many other young creatives around me.

Many talented artists in Uganda never get the chance to record their music properly because professional studios and equipment are expensive and inaccessible. My dream is to create a space where upcoming artists can record, create, learn, and express themselves freely.

The support raised will help me buy essential equipment such as:

• A computer for music production

• Studio monitors and headphones

• Microphones and an audio interface

• Music production software

• Software plugins

• Basic studio setup and acoustic treatment

• External storage & back up system

This is more than just equipment to me. It is a second chance.

I truly believe music can change lives, give young people hope, and create opportunities where there once were none. I also dream of one day building a bigger creative space that can help empower young people through music and creativity.

Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to me.

About the GoFundMe Beneficiary

I am based in Uganda, where GoFundMe currently does not support direct withdrawals for fundraisers. Because of this, I have partnered with a trusted person based in Amsterdam who is able to receive the funds through GoFundMe on behalf of this project.

The fundraiser is still my project, and the funds raised are intended solely to support the development of my music studio and the creative opportunities described above. Having a beneficiary in Amsterdam is simply a practical arrangement that allows supporters from around the world to contribute to the project.

I want to be completely transparent about this arrangement and grateful to everyone who chooses to support the vision.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for believing in independent artists, and for helping me keep this dream alive.

Below are some of the projects i have produced;

https://youtu.be/Bm-nVX9kBaE?si=mgaRGElDAtrgdeqQ

https://youtu.be/yHbTQ_Iz0tI?si=JWYBA95J6Gqaz0XA

https://youtu.be/Zjb9ifKuIEs?si=5Q69CoCellz4nquE

https://youtu.be/9ew7oJYIhHM?si=-kejU9-5rOUrV3Tr