Ykee Benda, real name Tugume Wycliff, is one of this year’s break out artistes. In just a space of one year, he’s managed to prove that he can be one of the biggest names in Uganda’s music business. His hit singles such as Munakampala, Farmer and Budumbu are topping charts and ruling airwaves. He had an interview with Satisfashionug.com where he talked about fame, music and fashion.
Here are few excerpts from the interview:
On staying humble
“I always tell myself that I’m not yet there, and will still do five years from now. It’s what helps me stay humble and down to earth.”
On whether he too thinks his lyrics are littered with sexual innuendos
“I do music you can listen to with your friends, have a laugh and a good time. That’s what I believe is good music. Life is too short to be taken too seriously. A good song is supposed to have intrigue. One should ask, what in the world did he mean by that?”
On working with Sheebah
“It’s not even something I saw coming, they all wanted to a part of the project (his management and Sheebah’s) and we went ahead to do it. Working with Sheebah was super amazing. She’s so positive and has a really impressive work ethic.”
He never thought he would be a singer
“I was singing in church and at school, but never thought I would forge a career out of it. After secondary school, I flew to Algeria to study Chemical engineering, and only started professional music this year after completing my degree.”
On his choice in fashion
“I love to wear skinny jeans, shorts, and sleeveless tops. I like African and tribal prints. My most favourite outfit I wore in a music video was a suit in African print I wore in the ‘Budumbu’ music video. The suit was custom made by Paple Rayn.”