From Kabale to Kampala to Germany and back: The inspiring story of singer Fenrico

As the saying goes, good things will always find you as long as you live. With his latest hit Walayila picking up in airplay, we tracked down Fenrico the man behind the song. 

The singer and songwriter shared his inspiring music journey that’s reproduced in this interview.

At first sight, you bear a striking resemblance to singer Ykee Benda. Are you twins?

Oh no, I get that a lot, but we are not related at all. Maybe music will make us brothers. Lol.

Well, good to have you. Briefly, tell us who Fenrico is.

Fenrico is a songwriter, singer, and music producer. I was born in Kabale District but raised in Kampala.

Where exactly were you born?

I was born in Kabale District (Maziba Subcounty), and I attended the following schools:

Auntie Claire Kindergarten

St. Donozio Ssebugwawo Primary School, Kisubi

Buganda Road Primary School

St. Mary’s Secondary School

Alliance High School, Nansana

Lutembe International Secondary School

Makerere University

Where does your musical journey come from? Are your parents musicians?

I got inspired by school choirs, which I joined. I have loved music since childhood. Of course, the usual big three (Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool, and Jose Chameleone) influenced me, but over time, I feel like music chose me.

What childhood memory made you believe you could be a music star?

I tattooed myself on my arm with a compass, calling myself DJ Felix. Lol. I also gave myself the name Fenrico in Primary Four, out of nowhere.

When was the first time you stepped into a music studio, and how did it feel?

That was around 2009 when I was in Senior Two. It felt like heaven! The song made me a celebrity at school and in my community.

What was the title of that first song?

I don’t even remember. It could be somewhere on a CD at my dad’s house, but trust me, I don’t even want to listen to it. It must be terrible! Haha.

You’re an excellent songwriter. Where did this talent come from?

God. I can’t even take credit for it because I dream about some of the songs I write. It’s a gift.

Did you start as a singer or a rapper?

I started as a rapper in hip-hop.

Why did you choose hip-hop?

I have always been a singer, but I chose hip-hop because it was cool at the time, trendy, and I was young. What do you expect? I took it up as a hobby and realised I was good at it.

Who inspired you to do hip-hop?

GNL Zamba, the greatest of all time!

You lived abroad for some time. How did you balance music and work?

I was in Germany with my fiancée and my son, helping to raise him as a responsible child and being there as a father. Of course, I had to work to cover the bills.

I was still recording music and releasing some songs online, but I wasn’t promoting them. However, I never stopped researching and observing how the music scene works in Uganda and internationally.

What other songs have you written and recorded?

Traveller, I Wanna Be Loved, Onyiiga, I Will Heal, Bakujukize. All these songs are available on music streaming platforms.

So far, what has been your breakthrough song?

Walayila.

Upon returning to Uganda, how did you find the music industry?

It was just as I expected. But I’m a positive guy; I see opportunities in everything instead of focusing on challenges or negativity. So, yes! I see my space in the industry.

Can you compete with the new generation of musicians?

First of all, I am no longer doing hip-hop. I rebranded three years ago. I am now a singer and vocalist, and yes, I can compete with anyone in the industry.

What has been your biggest challenge in the Ugandan music scene?

Finances. Promoting music is expensive. It doesn’t matter how good your song is; you still need money to get it played.

What advice do you have for upcoming musicians?

I don’t think anyone looks up to me yet, but if there is someone, my advice is to be persistent and keep learning.

Are you married?

I am single for now.

How prepared are you to handle the excitement that comes with fame?

You can’t control it, especially if you want to live an authentic life. You just let things play out naturally.

Your song Walayila is doing very well. What is it about?

It is about reminding my partner or girlfriend that we both swore never to let each other down. Our love is forever, so she shouldn’t mess up.