Kapeke, real name Derrick Nsubuga, is a fast-rising Ugandan dancehall artist born on 25 November 2000. He broke out in 2020 with Okakasa Olubuto under the name Kapeke Destiny Boy. After rebranding to Bad Boy Kapeke, he pushed out several singles and a 2023 four-track EP, Vision2024. The EP featured Rickman Manrick on its third track Wenazifuna, which later received a music video.
Early 2024 brought another joint track with Rickman titled Swiriri. The song picked up strong momentum, carrying his music to new ears and stirring anticipation. Building on this energy, Shuu arrived in May, soon followed by a remix featuring Fik Fameica a month later.
With each release carrying him further into the spotlight, by August 2024, Kapeke had released Akasanyalazze, a track that earned its place among students, TikTokers and nightlife clubs in Kampala. As the year drew to a close, bad boy returned in November with Polokoto, a hit that crossed borders with its titillating music video, firmly cementing his place in the music industry.
By May 2025, when Kaba (Tema Ensingo) dropped, Kapeke had already become one of Uganda’s most recognisable young artists. Kaba became an anthem, with its ‘Tema Ensingo’ phrase and dance strokes spreading across schools, workplaces, and online spaces. Pepsi adapted the phrase as ‘Tema Enyota’ for their campaign, while TikTok users carry the original to new corners of the online world.
Kapeke’s Music Producer
Every Kapeke release so far has been produced by Trapex Boomin, one of the six producers credited with shaping Ugandan music in 2024 by Mugibson.
Derrick Nsubuga’s Family Background
Kapeke is the sixth-born child of his mother, Kulabako Betty. Details about his father and other siblings are still being confirmed.
In a local radio interview, he explained that his music, dances, and fashion fall under a style he calls Kimalufa. Meanwhile, the dark glasses he wears are more than an accessory; they’ve become part of his signature look. Kapeke works with his crew–Mpeke DJ and dancers led by his friend and official dancer Mullo Mazinna–under their own label, No Belt Gang (NBG).
Bad Boy Kapeke Coming to Kampala
Kapeke hails from Kawanda, 12 km north of Kampala, a hometown he quietly left in 2018 after completing S4 to move to Makindye and join the Wembly Foundation, run by renowned dancer Wembly Mo. He began as a dancer before transitioning to music, bringing along his close friend, now official dancer, Mullo Mazina.
Kapeke Education Background
During his time in Kawanda, Kapeke studied at St James Primary School, attended Gifted Hands Kawanda, and completed his UCE at St Paul Secondary School Kawanda before moving to Kampala.
In a country where youths make up a large part of the population, Kapeke’s music finds a ready audience—among students, on the streets, and in nightlife spots nationwide. The appeal extends to older listeners, who are drawn in by the dance moves popularised through Tema Ensingo.
Kapeke Numbers on Social Media
He has 60,000 YouTube subscribers and over 16 million views. His Instagram sits at 42,000 followers. TikTok is his strongest platform with 378,000 followers.
On 31 October 2025, Kapeke released his latest single, Simanyi, followed by the all-star track Nzalina on 23 November, featuring Feffe Bussi, Winnie Nwagi, Spice Diana, and Dax Vibes. Judging by social media buzz, Kapeke’s verse has carried the song, at times even seeming to overshadow his Simanyi single, but hey…it’s still too early to tell.
