Biography

Jamal Wasswa Rafiki, the Ugandan musician known for his hit song "Obawuwo," embarked on a journey of musical discovery and success. Born as the youngest of five children to a single mother, Jamal faced the challenge of gaining recognition in his homeland. In 2006, he made a pivotal decision to leave Kampala for Kigali, where he found a steady gig singing karaoke at Nyiira Rock bar, thanks to a chance encounter with a man named Alex.

Winning a karaoke competition in 2005 did little to change his life in Kampala, and he struggled to secure opportunities. Jamal decided to return to Kigali, where he felt he had a better chance at musical success. He recorded much of his hit song "Obawuwo" in Kigali, praising the city's recording studios and producers for their commitment to live instrumentation and distinct creative processes.

One Ugandan producer, David Mwesigwa of DV Records, left a lasting impression on Jamal. Mwesigwa's dedication to artists' growth and guidance in songwriting inspired Jamal, highlighting the value of collaboration and mentorship in the music industry.

Jamal's approach to songwriting differed from many other artists, as he often composed in his head, jotting down lyrics just before entering the recording studio. He believed that a strong chorus would be impossible to forget, emphasizing the significance of meaningful songwriting.

Despite not being one to fill notebooks with countless songs, Jamal's method was successful, resulting in songs like "Anavawa" and "Abakyala Bazira" receiving radio airplay. His genuine vocal talent set him apart from others, making him one of Uganda's most promising artists in 2009