Biography:
Ykee Benda, born Wycliffe Tugume is a Ugandan singer and the CEO of Mpaka Records. He established Mpaka Records after having left Badi Music. Ykee is known for singing genres like dancehall and soul-pop. He became professionally involved in music in 2017 when he released his first album. Ykee was born in Naguru estates where they stayed for a short while with his parents and shifted to Kireka where he grew up and that’s why he always refer to himself as “Kireka Boy”.
Ykee attended his Nursery in Kireka at Profla Nursery School, then moved to Shimoni Demonstration School for his Primary level. When he completed his Primary level, he then joined Ndejje Secondary School. It is said that Ykee faced suspension in his early secondary life due to peer pressure. He then decided to focus when he joined St Lawrence Ssonde for his senior 4 as his parents were angry at him for poor performance in his senior three.
He passed highly and decided to stay at the same school for his A'level. Having completed, he wanted to go to MUBS for BCom but he got stranded when pursuing the course due to a lack of tuition and decided to terminate it. Luckily after some time, Ykee was told about a scholarship for studying Chemical Engineering in Algeria.
After his degree, contrary to what everyone expected, Ykee pursued a career in music rather than look for an office job. He is also known to have served as the President of the Uganda Musicians.
In 2017, when he released his “Kireka Boy” Album, Ykee Benda departed from “Badi Music” and focused on his “Mpaka Records” label that he had formed himself. In 2020, he landed on a juicy deal when he was chosen as Prudential Insurance Company ambassador.
AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
• AFRIMMA Best Newcomer 2018.
• Hi Skool Awards Marketing Team of the Year 2018 – Team Ykee Benda.
• Hi Skool Awards Song of the Year 2018 – Superman.
• Hi Skool Awards Album of the Year 2018 – Kireka Boy.
• Hi Skool Awards Music Video of the Year 2018 – Superman.
• Zzina Awards Best Male Artist 2018.
• Buzz Teeniez Male Artist 2017
• Buzz Teeniez Breakout Artist 2017.
• Buzz Teeniez Songwriter 2017.
• Zzina Breakthrough Artist 2017.
• Zzina Best Collaboration of the Year 2017 – Farmer (Remix) Ykee Benda & Sheebah
refresh page to see more
refresh page to see more musicians