TAKEAWAYS

• Ykee Benda holds a degree in chemical engineering from Algeria.
• He says he studied mainly to fulfill his father’s expectations.
• The singer chose music, becoming one of Uganda’s top artists.

Ugandan singer Wycliffe Tugume, popularly known as Ykee Benda, has revealed that despite earning a degree in chemical engineering, he has no intention of ever practicing in that field.

Speaking during an interview on Let It Play Loud with Prim Asiimwe, the “Singa” hitmaker explained that his academic journey was largely driven by a desire to make his father proud. According to the singer, completing his education was more about fulfilling a parental dream than pursuing a lifelong career.

Ykee Benda shared that from a young age, he always felt drawn to a more creative and expressive path. By the time he reached Senior Four, his passion for music had already taken root, influenced in part by the rise of Mowzey Radio, whose impact on Uganda’s music scene inspired many young talents at the time.

“I did education to give my father that fulfillment that his son completed school, but it was never my dream career,” Ykee Benda said.

“I can’t imagine myself in a suit, in boardrooms, doing a 9 to 5. Music is what I’ve always wanted,” he added.

Despite his strong academic background and a degree earned in Algeria, Ykee Benda made a conscious decision to follow his passion. Over the years, that decision has paid off, as he has grown into one of the most recognizable and influential artists of his generation.

His journey highlights a common dilemma faced by many young people—balancing societal expectations with personal ambition. For Ykee Benda, choosing music over engineering was a risk worth taking, and one that ultimately defined his success.