By BigEyeUg Team
Kapeke, born Nsubuga Derrick, has finally addressed the long-standing claims that fellow musician Rickman Manrick is the man who kickstarted his music career — and he’s setting the record straight.
Speaking candidly, Kapeke made it clear that while Rickman played a supportive role in his journey, he did not create him as an artist. According to Kapeke, the success and growth he has achieved come from his own hard work and belief in his craft.
He acknowledged that Rickman embraced him at a time when he was still new and relatively unknown in the industry. However, he insists that recognition should not be confused with ownership of his journey.
“It’s hard to explain to everyone, but I know Rickman understands this. He didn’t make me who I am — he only embraced my art and pushed it further,” Kapeke said.
The singer also addressed their collaboration on the song Swiririri, which many people often point to as proof that Rickman shaped his career.
Kapeke clarified that the track was originally his idea and his project from the very beginning. Rickman, he explained, simply jumped on the song and helped amplify it, giving him more visibility as an emerging artist.
For Kapeke, there’s a clear difference between being supported and being made. While he appreciates Rickman for recognizing his potential early on, he maintains that his artistry, identity, and hustle have always been his own.