Jamal Wasswa Rafiki, a Ugandan musician best known for his hit song Obawuwo, has navigated a journey of musical discovery and success. As the youngest of five children raised by a single mother, he faced challenges in gaining recognition within Uganda’s music industry.
In 2006, Jamal made a pivotal decision to leave Kampala for Kigali, where he secured a steady karaoke gig at Nyiira Rock Bar after a chance encounter with a man named Alex. Despite winning a karaoke competition in 2005, his career struggled to take off in Kampala, prompting his return to Kigali, where he saw better opportunities. It was there that he recorded much of Obawuwo, appreciating the city's recording studios and their commitment to live instrumentation.
One Ugandan producer, David Mwesigwa of DV Records, left a lasting impact on Jamal. Mwesigwa's dedication to nurturing artists and guiding them in songwriting deeply inspired him, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and collaboration in the music industry.
Jamal’s songwriting process was unique—he often composed in his head, only writing down lyrics just before entering the studio. He believed a strong chorus was unforgettable, placing great importance on meaningful songwriting. Unlike many artists who filled notebooks with lyrics, his method proved successful, leading to radio hits like Anavawa and Abakyala Bazira.
With his authentic vocal talent, Jamal stood out in Uganda’s music scene, emerging as one of the country’s most promising artists in 2009.
