Boniface’s story doesn’t just begin in a classroom or behind a microphone, it begins at St Jude’s, where he graduated with the Class of 2016. From his earliest days at the school, he was encouraged to stay curious, to ask questions, and to imagine possibilities beyond what was obvious. The career sessions, leadership opportunities, and constant exposure to new ideas built in him the confidence to take risks something he now credits as one of the greatest gifts of his St Jude’s education.
He was born with a natural spirit for exploration not just of the world, but of people, sound, rhythm, and opportunity. At first, like many children, he dreamed of becoming a doctor, a vision his parents shared, seeing it as the highest form of success. It was during high school that Boniface began to discover something else; an irresistible pull towards entertainment. The energy, the creativity, and the way it moved people fascinated him in ways textbooks could not.
Right after completing Form 6, a door opened for him to teach drumming lessons to English kids. This opportunity came through a fellow student, Hashim, who introduced Boniface to Jody, an Australian woman who ran a tour company. That one gig, which paid $60 an hour, changed his perspective completely. He didn’t just learn how to teach; he learned how to communicate, connect, and sharpen his skills.
He then attended UDOM and enrolled in a geology course, not out of passion, but because his school combination led him there. He studied it for six months, then dropped out and he continued working with Jody. Jody became more than just an employer; she trained him to handle clients and gave him more gigs. During this time, she also opened a lounge called The Mulberry, one of the city’s trendiest spots. Although Boniface came from a Pentecostal Christian background and had never even tasted alcohol, he took a three-month training to learn everything about it how to serve, manage, and run a bar. This commitment showed how far he was willing to go to learn, even outside his comfort zone.
He started working full-time, saved money, and returned to Makumira to study Geography in Education. When he was in his second year, work called louder than lectures. Eventually, Boniface left school to focus on work. He didn’t regret dropping out because, to him, formal education didn’t align with his evolving identity. Juggling three jobs teaching primary students during the day, working behind the bar in the evenings, and serving as a barista made school impossible.
Boniface believes education is important, but not the only path. He values professional people, but he also sees how routine that life can be. His journey has taught him that everyone has their cards to play. Some are born to be scholars, others to be creators or entrepreneurs.
The turning point came when he returned to The Mulberry when Corona hit, and it closed. Later he helped launch 101 Lounge in 2019, an experience that sharpened his skills and connected him with a diverse range of entertainment artists. Then came The Hub, a restaurant that eventually evolved into a nightclub. It was at The Hub where Boniface built his greatest portfolio in entertainment. When asked what made him standout and marketable to getting such an opportunity, he said, “
Managing a team of over 58 staff, organizing some of the biggest events the city had ever seen, and connecting with countless industry professionals, he grew into a confident, capable leader.
Later, he was offered a role as General Manager at ACES in 2022, a billion-shilling entertainment investment. The stakes were high, and so was the pressure. He oversaw multiple departments, three accountants, creatives, HR, and admin, requiring him to upgrade fast. He spent three months studying management systems, digital operations, and HR structures just to rise to the challenge. ACES wasn’t just a job; it was a test of everything he had learned.
Boniface has now teamed up with Shedrack (Class of 2016), both St Jude’s alumni and former classmates at UDOM University, had a long-standing connection before entering the entertainment industry. Boniphace introduced Shedrack to the industry while working at The Hub. Later, once Boniface had established himself at ACES, he brought Shedrack on board, and together, they began building their own business dreams. They studied structures, explored ideas, and eventually launched Studio 54.
Today, Boniface and Shedrack are the driving forces behind Studio54, a space not just for fun, but for intentional entertainment and community. Though only a month old, it has already made waves with two full-house shows with over 600 people attending and an exciting food tasting event. Studio 54 isn’t trying to be loud or flashy. It’s built to be a consistent, quality hub, a place where people can unwind seven days a week, not just once a month.
Boniface is also behind Bent Craft, a kitchenware supply company in Karatu serving both retail and commercial clients. It’s a symbol of his growing interest in stable, structured businesses that go beyond nightlife. From barista to bar manager, drummer to director, Boniface's journey is not just one of hustle but of reinvention, vision, and resilience.
Boniface shared his excitement about hosting the Alumni Reunion at his venue, saying it felt truly special. “I never imagined the reunion would be held outside St Jude’s,” he said. Welcoming over 500 people in just five hours is not only a proud moment for him but also a major boost for his business and brand visibility.
To anyone wondering if dropping out or starting over is a failure, Boniface would say it’s not. Everyone has their path. And as long as you’re walking yours with intention, that’s what success looks like.
