The third season of Tusker Malt Conversessions kicked off with a bang, featuring none other than Ugandan rap sensation Keko.
Draped in an elegant white outfit, she commanded the stage with six electrifying performances.
From the club-banging Make You Dance to the deeply emotional Alwoo, and finally, the timeless This Is How We Do It, Keko reminded everyone why she remains an icon in Ugandan hip-hop.
But the real magic happened between the songs.
Keko got personal. She peeled back the curtain on her journey, sharing unfiltered reflections about life in Canada. It wasn’t always glamorous.
She spoke candidly about the challenges she faced abroad, including a frightening encounter with Canadian police during a welfare check. The experience shook her. But it also reshaped her resilience.
“I was happy, then I went into depression and abused [substances]. It’s been about eight years now, and I haven’t touched drugs,” she revealed. “I suffered acute depression and anxiety, which led to schizophrenia. I was scared.”
It was raw. It was real. And it was a testament to her strength.
Returning to Uganda: A Spark Reignited
Despite her struggles, Keko’s return to Uganda breathed new life into her music career.
She reminisced about last year’s high-energy concert with Azawi—a moment that reignited her passion for performing. The adrenaline, the connection with the crowd, the music—it was everything she had missed.
But not everything about Uganda’s music scene thrilled her.
She didn’t hold back when discussing the state of hip-hop in the country. Lack of unity among artistes, she lamented, was holding the industry back.
Still, she remained hopeful, pointing to the new generation of rappers who are bringing fresh energy and innovation to the game.
One of the standout moments of the episode was her reflection on collaborating with Afrigo Band legend Moses Matovu.
It was a fusion of old and new, a bridge between generations.
Reactions were mixed, she admitted, but she hinted at more bold projects on the horizon.
Growth, Healing, and a Touching Tribute
Keko’s session wasn’t just about music. It was about growth, healing, and paying it forward.
In an unexpected yet heartwarming moment, she sent a heartfelt message to fellow artiste Sheebah, wishing her well on her motherhood journey.
The gesture spoke volumes—growth, reconciliation, and mutual respect in an industry often defined by rivalry.
Related: Uganda’s Most Loved Beers: The Beer Bucket List
Tusker Malt Conversessions: More Than Just Music
The Tusker Malt Conversessions series continues to set itself apart by going beyond the music. It’s about the stories, the struggles, and the triumphs that shape artistes.
Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Head of Beer at Uganda Breweries Limited, put it best:
“Tusker Malt champions authenticity and craftsmanship. This series celebrates artistes who embody these values, connecting audiences with the heart of Ugandan music.”
And Keko? She’s not just a rapper. She’s a fighter. A storyteller. A legend still shaping her next chapter.
