Rabadaba - Africa's Lil' Wayne

If there is one person currently on the "Most wanted" list on Uganda's music scene, it's got to be Rabadaba. With many Ugandans wondering who this fella is, it is unbelievable that he has been in the musical game for over three years now. Famous for his hot-off-the-shelf hit, Bwekiri, Rabadaba, real names Faizal Sseguya seems bent on taking over Ugandan's radio and television stations.

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If Ugandans didn't know, Rabadaba has been in the industry for a while. He is a former member of the group called Spontaneous, comprised of Gatimo and Paragon, who had been working with Grace Nakimera,and himself as Phenomenon. Later, they all ventured into solo careers with the most prominent being Grace Nakimera.

However, the raga artist seems confident that with the way things are going for him, the sky is definitely the limit.

Rabadaba.

So... should I refer to you as Lil' Wayne of Uganda?

Rabadaba: (laughs) I am a dancehall guy, Wayne is a hip hopper. When I started plaiting my hair, Wayne was not that big and somehow, when it grew longer, everyone started telling me how I look so much like the guy. At first, I didn't really care but it became too much that I started to complain. Honestly, I think I am more handsome than the guy. It sucks when I am compared to him. No hard feelings here, Wayne.

Basically, who is Rabadaba?

Rabadaba.

Rabadaba: Ummm. He is a simple guy... ummm... Crazy about dancehall. I am very reserved, crazy at the same time... educated... yeah. (laughs)

So, when did you join the game?

Rabadaba: I have been singing since 2006. I started out 2006 with Gatimo and Paragon. Paragon later left so Spontaneous remained with only two people. Eventually, Gatimo and I went solo in 2009. The last show I did with Gatimo was in December 2008.

So, are you still in contact with the other guys?

Rabadaba: Well, Gatimo is in the United Kingdom pursuing a Master's degree whereas Paragon is in the United States. He has a white band he works with and does his raga thing. He is married too. Grace is here with me and she's doing quite well.

So are you comfortable with your solo project?

Rabadaba: Yeah, I am not complaining. There are always the more focused people in the group and I think that was Grace and I.

Your hit single, Bwekiri, is a favorite jam, especially on the radio stations and in the clubs. Tell me more about it?

Rabadaba: Well, there is this one night I went out and felt I had money to spend but no girl wanted to be with me. Most of them were like, 'As long as you have enough money, we will chill with you'. Through that, I ended up writing the song. I was really disturbed by the fact that I have to have money to have a good time. So there, that's how Bwekiri was born.

Apart from Bwekiri, any other hits?

Rabadaba: Mukyaamu is another of my songs and is currently receiving massive airplay. I think it's doing great. I am also working on some other hits with Olunyiriri as one of my latest projects. It will be out soon.

Uganda's music industry has evolved over the years and has become home for the hard hearted and aggressive. How do you manage to stay on top of your game?

Rabadaba.

Rabadaba: Well, one thing I do is have maximum respect for all artists. The beef factor seems to be catching up here but I do not put myself in the middle of any of their beef. I work with everyone. I work with Bebe Cool, GoodLyfe crew despite their rows. That's the only way you can survive in the industry. Keep away from the fights and stay focused.

Speaking of which, the latest beef between Bebe Cool and Goodlyfe crew saw one side get hurt. There are accusations here and there but do you think it is worth it when artists fight each other?

Rabadaba: Both groups are my friends but one thing, I did not get into the music industry to fight or get bullet wounds or stabs. I am focused and my pen stays on my paper. I keep writing because it is what keeps you in the game.

Word has it you have some 'beef' with Chameleone?

Rabadaba: I am really not into the beef thing but I do have a bone to pick with Chameleone. He tried to sabotage my collaboration with Jamaican artist, Beenie man. During Beenie man's performance in Uganda last year, he loved my style and asked that we do collaboration together. Chameleone was also promised collaboration but he worked hard that I do not get mine. That's how things went and well, I am an easy guy who does not thrive on beef.

So does that mean you gave up on working with Beenie Man?

Rabadaba: Well, we still communicate. I have his email address and personal manager's phone contacts. He may come back this year so I'll see what happens.

What's Rabadaba's style?

Rabadaba: My music is called Uga-ragga; basically Ugandan ragga. It is a fusion of all languages but to raga beats. I use Patois in my freestyle songs. How else do you think Beenie Man approached me? He loved my style and asked to work with me.

So, where do you derive your inspiration?

Sometimes, I could just wake up in the morning with the determination to write. Sometimes, I trash it but I know I have written down something. Sometimes it comes from listening to music. You may listen to a nice song and it may click something in my head. It comes from pretty much anything.

My kind of music does not come from the usual cliché- "They stepped on my shoe and then I sing a song about it, or they left me so they are traitors." That is not my kind of thing. I make feel-good music so it rarely has cries or that kind of stuff. It is never sad.

Being the most wanted man in Uganda; you must be hounded by top promoters in the industry. How many shows do you perform at?

Rabadaba: A weekend could have about five or six shows. A day can have more than two or three shows. It is quite hectic.

How do you do that?

Rabadaba: Well, I drive there (laughs). Actually, I believe it is all about time management. I make sure that I am at one show for a limited time, then head for another, also for a limited time. It is crazy but my managers have come in handy. They always schedule the shows for me.

Earlier, you told UGPulse that you are educated. Please tell us more about your other profession?

Rabadaba: I went through all levels of education but my mind was focused more on the music. I did Information Technology, graduated and handed over my degree to my father... (laughs) I told him, ' this is what you have always wanted so keep it' (laughs again). That is what he wanted. But I wanted to do music so whatever I want to do in future will have to be music-related. Nothing more, nothing less.

So what is your favorite song right now?

Rabadaba: Currently, it is Olunyiriri, one of my new tracks. I haven't released it yet but I really like it. Before it was Mukyamu.

How do you handle the media critics who sometimes "diss" your style?

Rabadaba: Well, I receive all sorts of that crap all the time. You can "diss" all you want; it will go through this ear and out of the other. It will not even be sieved by my brain. My brain has a certain recycle bin. It holds things but trust me; they do not get to the desktop or hard drive. So anyone can diss, I'll continue doing my thing.

Seems like you get a lot of this all the time

Rabadaba: Trust me, a lot of stuff has been said about me. Some say I am a one-hit wonder; others say I am a Lil' Wayne wannabe. That's all hog wash. You know how crazy this industry can be.

So when do we get to hear more of you?

Rabadaba: Well, I'm still working my magic in the studio so people should watch this space. Rabadaba is here to stay and I would like to tell Ugandans to keep it locked to Rabadaba's tunes. My album will be out probably before the year ends. My fans should keep the faith.

Thank you Rabadaba for your time.

Rabadaba: Always my pleasure.

Rabadaba.