We all know Fabris as a bold soul with an even bolder voice. He is ALA’s very own Sani Prize winner who, today, stands at the intersection of art and impact, using creativity as an agent for change in Kyangwali, Uganda’s refugee settlement. His artistic journey is marked by a quiet rebellion and self-led growth that has flourished into his unique hybridity of youth emancipation, entrepreneurship and personal fulfilment. And from the get-go, he was unapologetic in all the creative disciplines he submerged himself in.
Creative Risk Taking
It’s not a surprise that the same old tale, where the Arts are deemed a career risk, tried to sound out over Fabris’ life. Within his family and society at large, the Arts were seen as second-class, mere hobbies, and STEM was the golden ticket to living. So when Fabris secretly took Drama as a core subject in school without telling his family, it was not just him picking an art form, but it was him picking a battle, which he won by way of his underlying passion and curiosity for creative expression.
His artistic journey did not end at drama class. Fabris moved on to experiment with singing, initially convinced that falsetto was his thing, only to later be advised by Ms. Louise Saunders, ALA’s Head of Creative Arts and Events at the time, that his voice would resonate in the rich, grounding depths of bass and tenor. He was daring and unapologetic in his newly discovered creative enquiry: recording videos and sending them to his family, embracing feedback, and attending every music concert he could at ALA. Fabris discovered that the key to artistic growth was not just passion, but also discipline in training. His time at ALA was a dynamic yet focused whirlwind of creative pursuits playing drums, performing a riveting rendition of The Lion King and a heart-stirring Evermore, and even showcasing his talents on an international stage at COP28 in the UAE.
“You have to be okay with trying new things, receiving feedback, and learning who you are in the process,” Fabris says. His journey was never about finding one artistic identity but rather about embracing the entire spectrum of creative expression. How inspiring.
SOLFA (Solve and Flourish Africa) – Bringing Art to the Kyangwali Refugee Settlement
Since his graduation in 2024, Fabris’ belief in art as a force for self-development has manifested in his admirable facilitation of Art Sessions at Uganda’s Kyangwali refugee settlement, where he partners with four schools to help students in the settlement explore peace, harmony and mental health through creative expression. Here, he doesn’t just teach. He also learns from the students’ boundless energy and unfiltered creativity, which constantly leave him in awe.
Fabris reflects on one of the Drawing sessions that he had with the students. “We actually went to the school expecting like 50 students,” he recalls, laughing. “We thought, okay, this will be a small group, we have just enough materials. And then boom. Over a hundred kids showed up. They were so excited, so eager to create.”
They painted, they danced, they told stories through drawings. One student sketched a child going to school, explaining that education brought them joy. Another depicted her sister, the only girl in her family, showing appreciation of community and support. To Fabris, and to anybody else witnessing these art forms come to life, these are not just drawings; they are glimpses into the students’ worlds of hope and protection in lieu of insecurity. The students display an inextinguishable streak of hope despite the struggles, and Fabris is there to guide them and to give them the space to express themselves.
“They have all these ideas, all this energy,” he says. “It’s amazing to just give them the platform and watch them create.”
What Fabris is doing is nothing short of that of his Artistic journey: revolutionary and contagious, facilitating a space for youth to explore their curiosities, and scaling it to massive topics like peace and harmony and translating them into deeply personal, tangible artistic experiences for children. In a world that so often silences the most vulnerable, Fabris is giving them a voice.
What Values Drive Fabris?
To Fabris, creativity is more than just self-expression. It’s a form of service, and a means of transformation and empowerment for the youth he tends to. Fabris used art to make sense of his own world, and now he has expanded that space to other students to author change in their communities.
But this path has not been without obstacles.
After graduating from the African Leadership Academy (ALA), Fabris quickly realised that passion alone isn’t enough. “Graduating from ALA was an incredible milestone, but stepping into the world was a reality check,” he shares. Fabris has struggled to find sustainable funding, partnerships, and tools to execute his vision in SOLFA and Kyangwali. He is honest about the unpredictability of entrepreneurship: failed partnerships, limited resources, and the pressure of expectations. He recalls a time when the art supplies were not enough for the students to fully engage in their artistic exercise. That moment highlighted how, at times, he can feel stretched thin. That’s a sentiment that many creators and entrepreneurs can relate to, where the silent but unignorable feelings of inadequacy and limitation often go unspoken. Yet, Fabris deeply believes that no challenge is insurmountable. He remains undeterred. His values of resilience, purpose and joy shine through when he says, “Impact takes time, and every challenge is part of the journey.”
Through it all, it is apparent that Fabris’ connection to Kyangwali remains as his moral compass. Having grown up in the refugee settlement, his bond with Kyangwali is both personal and profound. Today, the youth there continue to inspire him: “They’re hungry for change, and their resilience pushes me to keep going. The community’s strength fuels my determination.”
Fabris’ mindset of resilience has a ripple effect, as during that uncertain time without the art supplied, the students quickly picked up on Fabris’ positive energy. Their enthusiasm and creativity became infectious, and Fabris and the students still had a transformative learning session.
What’s Next for Fabris?
If you think Fabris is slowing down, think again. His creative journey is only accelerating. In May 2025, his documentary will be screened at the Kenya Film Festival, a monumental achievement that further cements his impact as a storyteller. Soon after, his work will be showcased at ALA, bringing his artistic and social mission full circle.
Fabris’ adventurous spirit extends beyond the arts, and his impactful work in sustainable agriculture through SOLFA has earned him recognition as an Anzisha Fellow, which is an honour that recognises exceptional and promising entrepreneurial young African leaders and connects revolutionary entrepreneurs tackling the continent’s most pressing challenges. Through mentorship, funding, and peer support, the Anzisha Fellowship has helped him sharpen SOLFA’s strategy, access support and expand its reach. More than anything, it’s reinforced a truth he holds dear: leadership doesn’t end when the applause fades or when you leave the classroom. The real work begins when the structure is gone.
And the biggest news yet? He has been accepted into Centre College as a Lincoln Scholar, where he will continue honing his artistic craft. An art school acceptance is more than just a next step, it’s a validation of everything he has fought for, a testament to his resilience and talent. He’s looking forward to meeting other like-minded creatives, pushing the boundaries of his work, and continuing to advocate for young artists across Africa.
Fabris Mulindi is not just making art; he’s making history, and revolutionising what it means to be an impactful artist.
Reach out to Fabris at mfabris24@anzishafellows.org and on LinkedIn. Please wish him a warm congratulations and well wishes for the next part of his journey. Expect to see more of his inspiring work as he advances in his creative journey.
If Fabris’ flow has taught us anything, it’s that creativity, when fuelled by boldness and determination, can pioneer new paths and change lives.
