Self-proclaimed “baddest” musician dominates Uganda’s airwaves

BADGAL HEZO, 23, is a young talent that has emerged on the Ugandan music scene from Jinja city, boldly declaring herself the “baddest, hottest and most talented girl in the whole world”.

And she is not just living up to her audacious moniker, she is currently dominating airwaves with three hit songs, Owedde, Njoya and Owange. Recently, Quick Talk had an insightful chat over coffee with BadGal Hezo and her partner, Dr Cephcoh, to unpack the rising artiste’s story.

Hello, BadGal Hezo! How did you get such a fierce stage name?

Hello! [Sighs severally] I chose the name because I truly believe I’m the baddest, hottest and most talented girl in the whole world. So, it’s not just a stage name but a declaration.

This self-assuredness clearly translates into my music, which is currently dominating air waves.

Your songs like Njoya are blowing up. How does it feel to have Uganda vibing to your music on repeat?

[Screams] It feels absolutely incredible to have Uganda vibing to my music on repeat. It’s an honour and dream come true to see people connect with my art in such a powerful way.

It has also earned me several bookings due to my energetic stage performances.

What’s the vibe in the studio when BadGal Hezo is recording?

It’s a mix! Of course, there are moments of intense focus and seriousness. But then, there are definitely those spontaneous dance parties’ mid-session when a beat just hits right. It keeps the energy flowing and the creativity.

Take us back to little Hezo; what’s your background?

[She plays coy] I went to Victoria Nile school, Jinja Progressive Secondary School, and notably, Makerere University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Music, Dance and Drama.

Baby Hezo was always drawn to creativity. In fact, my craft of bangers isn’t a sudden spark. I have been cooking these bangers for a while now, because I truly knew that I wanted to make a music career.

I also realized that music can have a profound impact, not only on me but also my audience. Additionally, whereas my passion for music ignited early, my initial attempts to break into the industry under the name “Hezo Dboss Quin” didn’t yield widespread attention and recognition before 2021.

My songs remained largely unheard and didn’t gain significant traction in audiences.

Dr Cephcoh, your TikTok partner, is out here hyping you. How is it like dating someone who is also in the spotlight? Any funny moments?

[She looks excited to talk about this] Dr Cephcoh is my world. Our relationship extends far beyond romance. He is not only a boyfriend, but also a manager, an influencer, and promoter of my music.

Additionally, he is my editor, bouncer, back-up artiste and driver. He is such a nice person—so encouraging, so supportive, so real, and kind [clearly, Hezo is deep in love].

Additionally, Dr Cephcoh used to tell me that I’m the best artiste in the whole country, and many couldn’t believe it until my three songs started topping charts in Uganda. So, I owe much gratitude to him.

Dating someone else in the spotlight, like Dr Cephcoh, has its unique moments; there is a lot of mutual understanding and support, and yes, plenty of funny moments, especially with our combined online presence.

Your TikTok family, thanks to Dr Cephcoh, is growing fast. Has social media shaped your musical path?

Yeah. Undeniably, social media, especially TikTok, has been pivotal in my journey to becoming a star. Dr Cephcoh’s traction on TikTok introduced my music to a bigger audience, and, also, the platform itself allows direct engagement and organic virality.

Uganda’s music industry is wild. Have you encountered challenges as an upcoming artiste?

[Laughs] Whereas the Ugandan music industry is vibrant, it is also chaotic. For me, the biggest challenge has been the lack of support from fellow female artistes. It’s shocking and disappointing how some female artistes, even those I have consistently supported amidst challenges [financially] and by attending their concerts, cannot even offer a simple social media challenge for my songs.

It’s a sad and disheartening reality in the music industry. Also, Cephcoh and I don’t have a lot of money but God’s grace is sufficient.

Music can be really tough. Ever had a moment where you thought, ‘Maybe I should quit’? How did you push through?

Music is undeniably a tough ride. There are some moments where I thought, maybe I should quit. The challenges and lack of support can be draining.

But what pushes me through is the overwhelming love from my fans and the belief in my own talent. The passion for creating music usually wins out.

You are also an actress and content creator. How do you balance all these roles?

Balancing all these roles is definitely a hardcore skill. But it all comes down to meticulous planning, passion for each craft and also understanding when to shift gears. I think each role feeds into the other, hence allowing for a diverse creative outlet.

What is the funniest or most awkward fan encounter you have had so far?

[Bursts into laughter] You know, every artiste has their share of fan encounters. On my end, the funniest and most awkward fan encounter so far was when someone recognized me at a market, and instead of asking for a photo, they just started singing Owedde at the top of their lungs right there in the crowd! It was both flattering and surprising.

If you could have a collabo with any Ugandan or global artiste – dead or alive – who would it be, and why?

Globally, I would love to collaborate with Rihanna. I love her stage presence, artistry and her touch of business. And then, locally, I would pick Fik Fameica due to his unique style and lyrical prowess.

If BadGal Hezo wasn’t making music, what would she be doing?

I would definitely be immersed in the film and movie industry. I love the art of storytelling through visuals. And if not that, then modelling, because expressing myself through fashion is another passion I hold in high regard [an artist through and through, then!

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