In an exclusive sit-down with Pulse Uganda, media personality and “Vibe Queen” Viana Indi opened up about her journey in the Ugandan entertainment industry, her resilience through hardships, and her take on fashion and women’s empowerment. She also recently wrapped up her contract at Next Media, as we wait for her next move.
Here is the full interview as she shared her story.
Who is Viana Indi, the Vibe Queen?
My name is Viana Indi, the Vibe Queen. If we ever met and we don’t vibe, it’s not my problem—you must be the problem. Just in case you didn’t know, I’m a global media personality. I do both TV and radio. I am a digital influencer, a voice actor, and a dancer as well. I’m also an MC for both corporate events and festivals. I’ve got you covered because I’m the Vibe Queen. I bring the vibes. If you’re not enjoying, the problem is with you, not me.
What does “Balance the Scales” mean to you during Women’s Day?
For starters, I want to wish every woman out there a Happy Women’s Day. This is the day when we feel special. I know we feel special every single day, but this hits different because it’s a worldwide celebration. To me, balancing the scales means balancing your life. As a woman, I feel like that is a gift we have. Men can’t multitask like women can. A woman can be breastfeeding while washing utensils or doing something else at the same time. You need to be able to balance your personal life, your relationships, and your work life, along with your friends and family. You need to have control over it, because if you don’t, it might drive you on a rollercoaster.
How do you handle failure and rebranding yourself in the industry?
I know what I want, and I’m a go-getter. If I want something, I’ll definitely work towards it. I am somebody who doesn’t give up. I’ve had so many hardships in life, but I make sure they don’t put me down. We all have those moments where we’re down, but it depends on how you come back. That is where most people fail. How you come back is what defines who you are. Regardless of what happens, I’ll cry about it, then sit myself down and say, “Viana, you got this, go for it.”
How long does it take for you to bounce back from a low moment?
It probably takes like two hours. In most cases, after crying, I’ll sit down and tell myself, “Viana, did you have to? I know this happened, but you can get over it.” It’s part of life. After I cry, I might just sleep or take a very long shower. I also drive—I’m a fast driver, sorry—and listen to music. Gospel music calms me down, and I pray about it. If it’s during a workday, I’ll make sure I’m back in 30 minutes. If you spend time mourning things that have already happened, nothing changes. The best way is to think about how to make yourself better.
Why is it important for Ugandan women to support each other?
When I see a fellow lady winning, it’s a win for me. It’s like seeing an African on a worldwide stage. It’s breathtaking joy. However, I think it is 100% true that Ugandans don’t always support their own. When it comes to support, we are often the opposite. To see a fellow Ugandan winning—like Joshua Cheptegei doing amazing things—is something we should all celebrate. But you’ll find a Ugandan saying something negative about it. We need to work on this as a country because it’s a vice eating us up. Look at how Nigerians are always behind their own. If one Ugandan makes it, there’s a chance all of us can make it.
How do you stay focused when the industry pulls you in different directions?
I’m a true hustler. If you know what you want and you’re ready to fight for it, you’ll find a way. I remember having a chat with Douglas Lwanga, and he told me that even though I’m soft, he likes that I have a fighting spirit. I might cry, but I won’t stop. I also don’t look at others as competition. I am my own competition. I am competing with the Viana from last year. I need to make sure I am a step ahead of who I was two years ago.
How did you get the nickname “Vibe Queen”?
I remember when I was still at Galaxy FM, they were training me and told me I needed a nickname. A friend of mine just randomly said, “But girl, your vibes. Every room you enter, you light it up. You’re the Vibe Queen.” I liked it, and the Vibe Queen was born.
How do you protect your mental health and peace while working?
I’ve mastered how to separate my personal life and my work life. There are many days I show up at work while going through it, but I make sure I deliver 100%. After delivering, I get into my car and cry about it. If you master how to separate both, it will save you a lot. When I go home, work stays at work. Prayer also keeps me going; you need to pray for direction.
Does your fashion sense help you step into bigger rooms?
A big shout-out to Nakato Elcy at Illyana Creations and Eesen Jewelry. I am a fashionista; I breathe fashion. How you dress up gives you confidence. When you dress up nicely, there’s a force that comes with it. You feel like the “it girl.” Dressing up is something ladies need to embrace because when your makeup, hair, and outfit are on point, you step into rooms feeling like, “What do you want to say? Talk to me.”
Do you ever repeat outfits or use a stylist?
For every event, I’m always thinking of a new outfit. In my day-to-day life, I’ll put different pieces together, and you might not even notice I’ve worn them before. I am very picky when it comes to styling because I always have a specific picture in my head. I’ve worked with stylists like Handsome Top Stylist and Gash Luxe, but even then, I’ll often fix something myself. I’m very specific with the pieces I want.
