In a raw and emotional revelation, Ugandan singer Lil Pazo has opened up about the darkest chapter of his life, admitting that his struggle to make ends meet once landed him behind bars.
Speaking during an interview on NBS Kurt, hosted by Alfa Tymz, the artist peeled back the layers of his past, sharing a story of desperation, resilience, and survival — one that many young Ugandans can painfully relate to.
“I Tried Everything to Make Money”
Lil Pazo didn’t sugarcoat his past.
According to the singer, life before music success was brutal, uncertain, and unforgiving. As a young man trying to find his way in Kampala, opportunities were limited, money was scarce, and survival meant hustling — by any means necessary.
He confessed that he tried almost everything possible to make money, driven not by greed, but by the need to eat, survive, and stay afloat in the city.
That relentless hustle, however, eventually came at a heavy price.
How Shs25,000 Became a Lifeline
At the height of his struggle, Lil Pazo revealed that his brother managed to scrape together Shs25,000 — a small amount, but at the time, it meant everything.
With that money, they bought:
- Handkerchiefs
- Sweets
- Small street merchandise
Their plan was simple: sell on the streets of Kampala and survive one day at a time.
For many urban youths back then, street vending wasn’t just a hustle — it was a lifeline.
Street Hustle Turns Into a Nightmare
Lil Pazo explained that selling on the streets was once considered a reliable way for struggling youths to earn quick cash.
But things quickly took a turn when Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) intensified its crackdown on traders operating without valid licenses.
What started as an honest attempt to survive soon became a legal nightmare.
Operating without a trade license put him directly in the crosshairs of authorities — and before he could fully process what was happening, he was arrested.
A Week Behind Bars
The arrest was swift — and devastating.
Lil Pazo revealed that he was:
- Arrested while hustling on the streets
- Detained for an entire week
- Later dragged to City Hall Court
“I was arrested for a whole week while on the streets trying to figure out life,” he recalled.
For a young man already battling poverty and uncertainty, prison was more than punishment — it was a breaking point.

Jailed While Chasing a Music Dream
Perhaps the most heartbreaking detail of Lil Pazo’s story is when the arrest happened.
According to the singer, this dark moment came at the exact same time he was desperately trying to break into the music industry.
“That was also the same time I was struggling to break through onto the music scene by remixing Kadongo Kamu songs,” he revealed.
While others saw a street vendor, Lil Pazo saw himself as an artist in the making — using Kadongo Kamu remixes as his stepping stone into Uganda’s competitive music scene.
Kadongo Kamu Remixes: His Only Way In
With no industry connections, no money for studio time, and no backing, Lil Pazo turned to what he had — creativity and persistence.
Remixing Kadongo Kamu songs became his way of:
- Getting noticed
- Sharpening his musical skills
- Staying connected to his dream despite harsh realities
Even while struggling to survive, music never left his mind.
From Prison to Purpose
Lil Pazo’s story is a reminder that many artists’ success stories are built on pain, rejection, and sacrifice.
His brief time behind bars didn’t break him — it hardened his resolve.
Industry observers note that such experiences often shape artists into:
- More grounded individuals
- Storytellers with authenticity
- Voices that reflect real-life struggles
Lil Pazo’s journey mirrors that truth.
Why His Story Is Resonating Now
At a time when social media often glamorizes overnight success, Lil Pazo’s confession cuts through the illusion.
His story speaks directly to:
- Hustling youths in Kampala
- Street vendors fighting daily battles
- Artists grinding without recognition
- Young people criminalized for survival
It’s not just a music story — it’s a social reality.
Fans React: “This Is Real”
Following the interview, fans praised Lil Pazo for his honesty, with many saying his story reflects the harsh reality of city life.
Online reactions highlighted:
- Respect for his resilience
- Admiration for his transparency
- Inspiration for struggling youths
Many noted that knowing his past makes his current success even more meaningful.
Final Word: From Survival to Stardom
Lil Pazo’s journey proves that where you start does not define where you end.
From selling sweets on the streets…
To spending a week behind bars…
To chasing music through Kadongo Kamu remixes…
Every step — painful or not — shaped the artist he is today.
🔥 Do you believe struggles like Lil Pazo’s create stronger artists?
💬 Have you faced similar challenges chasing your dreams?
Drop your thoughts below and stay locked to E Page One for more raw, real, and exclusive entertainment stories.
