Celebrated Ugandan songwriter and producer Dokta Brain, popularly known by his stage name Doorkey, has announced a groundbreaking new music project titled “7/14”—an ambitious and heart-driven initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of vocal talent in Uganda.
In an exclusive interview with Kelele UG, Doorkey revealed that the project will consist of 98 songs, featuring 14 young vocalists, each recording 7 tracks under his guidance and creative direction. The “7/14” project is not only a major musical undertaking but also a mentorship program, with the goal of giving promising but overlooked artists a real chance to break into the mainstream music scene.
"I have friends between 25 to 30 years, but most importantly, I’m focusing on artists who are 25 and below," Doorkey said. "I want to help them record their seven tracks and show them how this thing works. Many of these guys don’t have the opportunities. But I believe they won’t leave this project the same. For those who’ll be successful, we’ll see how to continue working with them. We didn’t get these opportunities—but God has blessed us so we can help others."
Doorkey, known for his lyrical genius and powerful storytelling, has become one of Uganda’s most respected songwriters of this era. His recent studio album “VAT” showcased his range as both a producer and performer, earning him critical acclaim across East Africa. But it’s clear that his passion goes beyond his own spotlight.
The “7/14” project is Doorkey’s way of paying it forward—investing his experience, skills, and industry connections into the careers of emerging artists. According to sources close to the project, Doorkey will not only write and co-produce the tracks, but will also walk each artist through the process of studio recording, arrangement, branding, and release strategy.
The artists selected for “7/14” remain unnamed for now, adding mystery and anticipation to the project. However, Doorkey confirmed they are fresh voices, mostly unheard of, but full of potential.
"These guys are raw, but they’ve got something real. Some of them have never even been in a professional studio before. It’s about time someone gave them a serious chance."
Beyond producing music, “7/14” aims to build character, discipline, and a work ethic in young creatives. With the lack of structured artist development in Uganda’s fast-paced music scene, Doorkey’s initiative stands out as a rare and much-needed gesture of mentorship.
This project could potentially be a game-changer—creating room for new stars to rise while reshaping how talent is discovered and nurtured in the country.
Doorkey has not confirmed the release date yet, but hinted that the first set of songs will begin dropping before the end of the year, likely across major streaming platforms, radio, and curated listening sessions. Fans and music lovers across the region are encouraged to follow the journey as it unfolds.
As Uganda’s music industry grows, projects like “7/14” remind us that greatness isn’t just in the charts—it’s also in the willingness to uplift others.
