The sound of waves hitting the white shores of Mauritius became a rhythm of inspiration for Mwanje Tonny, a Ugandan storyteller whose camera captures not just scenery, but the soul of people and places.
“Every sunrise here feels like a story waiting to be told,” he says. “Seeing such beauty every day pushes me to create content that reminds people how big and beautiful the world really is.”
Tonny’s passion for storytelling began long before his travels. Growing up in Kampala, he was the kind of child who saw meaning in simple things a conversation in a taxi, laughter in a crowded street, or a child playing in the rain. He recalls borrowing friends’ phones to capture moments that fascinated him. “I realised that I could use a simple video to make someone feel something,” he says. “That’s when I knew content creation wasn’t just a hobby for me it was a calling.”
That calling led him to pursue formal education in media and communication. Tonny graduated with a First-Class Honours degree in Advertising, Public Relations, and Branding from Middlesex University, a British university based in Mauritius. His years in Mauritius didn’t just give him academic training; they shaped his creative identity. “Mauritius taught me how to see beauty in simplicity,” he reflects. “It helped me understand how storytelling can connect hearts, cultures, and generations.”
While studying, Tonny started filming the vibrant life around him from colourful markets and tropical coastlines to stories of people he met. His ability to find emotion in everyday scenes soon became his creative signature.
After completing his studies, Tonny began traveling more intentionally, capturing diverse cultures, and exploring human experiences across borders. Together with his Latvian fiancée, Līga, he co-runs the YouTube channel “Tonny and Līga”, which has grown to over 6,500 subscribers and more than 70 videos. Their content combines travel, faith, and culture through an honest lens that celebrates love and adventure. “We want to share real stories the joys, the challenges, and the lessons we learn along the way,” Tonny explains.
His storytelling goes beyond travel visuals. Tonny is the host of the Truth and Light Podcast, a platform he uses to discuss mental health, faith, and personal growth. The podcast, though still in its early stages, is deeply rooted in his mission to bring light and hope to listeners navigating modern life’s challenges.
Tonny is also a musician, sharing his passion for the handpan, a rare instrument whose soothing, meditative sound has become a part of his creative expression. For him, music is another way to tell stories not through words, but through feeling. “When I play the handpan, I feel peace,” he says. “It reminds me that creativity is a gift meant to bring people closer together.”
What stands out most about Tonny’s journey is his sense of purpose. He doesn’t see himself as just another content creator but as a storyteller with a mission to inspire, to connect, and to spread light.
“Every story I tell is a reflection of something I’ve lived or learned,” he says. “My goal is to draw people into my world to help them see that what I do isn’t an everyday thing, but a calling to spread light.”
From his childhood in Kampala to his studies and creative breakthroughs in Mauritius, Tonny’s journey is proof that passion, faith, and authenticity can take you beyond borders. And as he continues to explore new horizons, one thing remains certain his camera and heart are set on telling stories that inspire hope.
