Yesse Oman Rafiki — the musical genius behind some of Uganda’s biggest chart-toppers — is getting real about his past. The hitmaker and songwriter has finally opened up about the darkest chapter of his life, one filled with drug abuse, depression, and betrayal — and how it all shaped the man he is today.
In a deeply personal revelation, Rafiki described his earlier years in the music industry as a “childish stage”, saying it was a period of confusion, poor decisions, and misplaced trust.
“The drugs and depression matters were childish,” Rafiki admitted, reflecting on a time when he says he lacked both maturity and purpose.
Known for penning major hits and mentoring young talent, Rafiki says he’s now a grown, focused businessman — one who has learned from pain, profit, and the price of generosity.
💔 From Struggles to Strategy
Once celebrated for his raw artistry and emotional songwriting, Rafiki revealed that behind the fame was a storm of mental health struggles and substance use. But today, he calls that past version of himself “immature” — and says he’s grown far beyond it.
“Now, we are grown-ups and businessmen who have made deals and experienced both losses and profits simultaneously,” he explained. “So, the drugs and depression issues were childish.”
According to the singer, those experiences — as painful as they were — gave him the insight to rebuild his brand and career with a business mindset.
💸 Betrayal & Lessons in Generosity
Addressing rumors that his career had stalled, Rafiki dismissed the claims, clarifying that he wasn’t “stuck” — just too generous for his own good.
“I have never been stuck in life; it’s just that I always had a generous heart,” he said. “And when you show it to people, they often use it for their own selfish benefit.”
That generosity, he says, made him vulnerable to exploitation — especially by people in the industry who took advantage of his kindness and creativity. But those days are gone.
“We got an antidote for that matter,” Rafiki revealed. “We increased the rate charges for our songs. Now we only want able clients to link up with us and work.”
🚀 Reinvention & Redemption
Rafiki’s story is one of redemption through resilience — a transformation from a struggling artist to a man who understands his worth, his art, and his boundaries.
He’s now focused on business growth and creative ownership, ensuring that every collaboration he takes part in benefits both parties fairly. His rise from emotional turmoil to entrepreneurial control serves as a reminder that behind every great artist is a story of survival and self-mastery.
❤️ A Life Reclaimed
Rafiki’s evolution has not only redefined his approach to music but also his approach to life. He now prioritizes mental stability, self-respect, and financial discipline — pillars that keep him grounded amid fame and pressure.
In his own words, “The childish stage is over.”
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