“Maybe Yallah, But No One Else Comes Close,” Keko On Ugandan Female Rappers

Ugandan rapper Keko has made it clear that she does not see herself on the same level as other female artistes in the country’s hip-hop scene.

Speaking in a recent interview with Baboon Forest Entertainment, the “How We Do It” hitmaker emphasized that her work and impact stand apart.

I cannot be compared to any of them because I am in a different league. I am one of the founding mothers of hip-hop in Uganda. I took it to a different level, so you cannot compare me to any other artiste because they have done literally nothing locally or internationally. There are just levels to this.

She singled out MC Yallah for her international success but dismissed comparisons to the rest.

Maybe Yallah. I can say maybe Yallah. Yallah is dope with what she is doing internationally, but the rest of them? Nah. You cannot compare me to anybody, bro. It just does not make sense.

However, Keko acknowledged that the current generation of female rappers is making waves, just as she did during her time.

They are doing their thing, they are popping, they are popular, yeah. I had that time in my early 20s when I was like that too. It is their time. They are supposed to shine.

Keko began her music career in the mid-2000s, transitioning from a radio DJ at X-FM to rap.

She gained national attention in 2010 with “Fallen Heroes,” a tribute to victims of the Kampala bombings.

Her hit singles “How We Do It,” “Alwoo (Cry for Help),” and “Make You Dance” made her a household name, while her 2013 debut album “Phenomenal” earned critical acclaim.

After stepping away from music in 2014 due to personal struggles, Keko moved to Canada before making a comeback in 2024.

Despite ongoing comparisons from media and fans, Keko is firm about her place in the industry.

I am better than. Whoever it is they try to put me against, I am better than. I do not have to prove it.

You can’t compare me to these female rappers because they’ve done literally nothing… maybe MC Yallah, Yallah is dope, what she’s doing internationally. But the rest of them, it doesn’t make sense,” — @kekotown pic.twitter.com/KDz2rPCrap

— Baboon Forest Entertainment (@BaboonForestEnt) August 11, 2025