By James Paul and John Lewis
Nyanzi Martin Luther is a Ugandan student and media entrepreneur who founded Apex Media Services, a youth-focused media company operating radio and digital platforms alongside training initiatives in media and digital skills. His work has drawn attention due to his age and reported audience reach, with Listen Measures estimating daily radio listenership at approximately 400,000, though independent verification of this figure is limited. He has also been referenced in governance-related discussions, including by ICNL, in relation to youth participation in media and civic engagement.
Nyanzi was born on 5 December 2009 at Nsangi Hospital in Wakiso District, Uganda. He is the first-born child in a family of three siblings. He was raised by author Joan Vumilia and businessman Ssekaayi Simon. His parents separated in 2025. He has previously spoken about strained relations within his family, particularly with his father, stating: “The problem I have faced and which is long lasting is not having peace with the dad; we can never sit and agree ever, we have disputes.” Individuals familiar with his background say the separation contributed to his early independence and self-reliance.
He began his education at St. Anne Infant School before proceeding to Upendo Christian School and later MK International School. He is currently a student at Kisozi High School. He completed his Primary Leaving Examinations in 2023, scoring 13 aggregates. Teachers familiar with his academic background describe him as consistent academically while increasingly engaged in media-related work alongside his studies.
Nyanzi’s involvement in media began as a teenage deejay under the name “Deejay Blockboy,” performing at youth events before developing a small radio concept known as Block FM. The initiative later evolved into Apex Media Services, formally established in 2025. The company operates Block FM 103.2 and digital media platforms focused on youth-oriented content, and also runs Apex Digital Skills, a programme aimed at training young people in media production and basic digital entrepreneurship skills.
Investor Isaac Ssegawa, who became involved in the early development of the project, said he initially questioned its feasibility due to Nyanzi’s age. “When I joined Apex Media Services, I came as an investor interested in the work this boy was doing. I kept wondering how a 15-year-old could establish a station,” he said.
Community reactions to his early media work have been mixed. Mugerwa Andrew said there was initial skepticism regarding the project’s viability. “At first, people did not believe it was possible for someone his age to start a radio station. There were questions about where the money would come from,” he said. Other peers similarly expressed doubt at the early stages of the project, though it has since developed into a structured media operation.
