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Flex D'Paper

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Flex D'Paper
Flex D'Paper photoshoot in Germany.
Flex D'Paper photoshoot in Germany.
Background information
Birth nameAlex Julius Kwesigabo
Born19 - January - 1990
Kampala, Uganda
GenresHip Hop / Trap
Occupation(s)Rapper, Producer
InstrumentVocals
Websitewww.flexdpaper.com

Alex Julius Kwesigabo (born 19 January 1990), better known by his stage name Flex D'Paper, is a Ugandan rapper and songwriter born and raised in Kampala.[1] Starting off his music career, Flex D'Paper was part of the high school rap group, The Rapaholix, which he started with friends, Dasper Cosine and later joined by Apass as an affiliate with whom the trio put out a mix tape, The Eviction Notice[2] that included chart topping singles like "Burning", "Party Life" and "Follow Me" (with Allan Toniks) which topped countdowns in Uganda such as NTV and Sanyu FM.[3][4] Flex D'Paper was part of the 2014 UG Cypher including the finest Ugandan rappers: Navio, Keko, Big Tril, Don MC, AirporTaxi rappers (Tucker and LLyboc) St. Nelly Sade, GNL Zamba, DJ Global, JB, The Mith, Ruyonga, and Atlas.[5][6]

Early life and education

Flex D’Paper was born on 19 January 1990 in Kampala. He comes from a family of eight children. He studied his primary school from Greenhill Academy and his secondary school from Seeta High School for Ordinary Level and St. Mary’s Kitende for Advanced level. He later enrolled to Makerere University for a degree in Information Technology.[7]

Career

2012–2016: Eviction Notice Mixtape and other recordings

During an interview with Hot 100.9 fm in Uganda, Flex D'Paper explained how he got his name from being flexible because of the different styles of music that he can write as well as ghostwrite for other artists, while Paper comes from being motivated to get the money, and change his environment for the better. It’s on the same interview that he says, he gets his influence from Jay Z, BIG, Nas and more.[8] Together with the group, they performed at many High school occasions and later went ahead to release a joint mixtape in 2013, with Ugandan chart topping singles like "Shutting Down Towns" featuring Martha Smallz produced by Aethan, a top hip hop producer in Uganda.[9] and "Follow Me" featuring Allan Toniks.[10][11] In 2013, Flex D’Paper went ahead to do solo music, and followed it up with the hit "More" featuring Kemishan. Produced by Baru.[12] He put out only one single as he completed work on his yet to be released album, The Kampala Boy.

In 2014, he released the single "Leader" with Sheila Wya[13] which premiered on Bryan Mckenzie's Weekly top twenty countdown, on Radiocity.[14] a popular radio and TV personality in Uganda.[15] It was also played and featured on Mister Deejay's SNMS show,[16] another popular radio personality in Uganda.[17] Flex D'Paper released the video to "Leader" in 2015, a song that went ahead to make it to most countdowns in Uganda and East Africa as well.[18][19]

In 2015, Flex D'Paper was invited by the United States Embassy in Kampala, Uganda to rap and perform alongside the Next Level group while in Kampala, An initiative of the US State Dept & UNC Music Department to send artists around the world to use hip-hop as a tool for cultural diplomacy & conflict resolution.[20][21] He has shared a stage and performed alongside artists like Navio, Maro, Megaloh, Ghanaian Stallion GNL Zamba, Allan Toniks, Keko, Chameleone Bebe Cool, Octopizzo from Kenya [22][23] Radio & Weasel among others and opened for international act, Ne-Yo.[24][25] In 2015, Flex D'Paper was once again among the top rappers/ emcees to be featured on the official Ugandan rap cypher (Ug Cypher 2) that included Navio, the mith, Ruyonga, and St. Nelly-Sade among others.[26][27][28] In 2016, Flex D'Paper put out a Ugandan remix to popular Kenyan song Ting Badi Malo, originally performed by Khaligraph Jones [29] and later Day Ones, featuring Navio and Martha Smallz. The song made it to number one on the biggest Urban radios in Uganda, like Sanyu Fm[30][31] and Radiocity's Top Twenty Countdown.[32][33] and later was listed among the top Hip Hop songs from Uganda for 2016, by Tribe.Ug.[34]

In October 2016, Flex D'Paper after releasing a compilation CD, with the different freestyles and singles he set off for a city tour in Europe performing at festivals and clubs starting with Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Berlin in Germany and later Brussels.[citation needed]

MTV Base in November 2016, named Flex among the top MCs from Uganda on the Base Top MCs Uganda list 2016.[35][36]

2017: Not For Sale mixtape release and other recordings

In 2017, he went on to put out his first solo mixtape Not For Sale (mixtape) in June, that featured the chart topping single Yenze Aliko produced by Mio Made.[37][38] The mixtape also includes Never Give Up a collaboration recorded with Germany rapper, Mako Loco.[39]

Day Ones featuring Navio and Martha Smallz, a single off the mixtape was nominated for The Buzz Teeniez Awards for Hip Hop Song of the year. The remix to the song was later put out featuring Mako Loco and P Bane both rappers from Germany.

On October 16, 2017, the Mixtape release party was held at the Uganda Germany Cultural Center a platform he used to introduce other various artists to show case as well.[40] [41]

In the Ug Hip Hop Awards 2017, the mixtape won Mixtape Of The Year award [42][43][44]

2019 - present

Yenze Aliko, a single by Flex won the song of the year award at MTN UG Hip Hop awards On 8 February 2019 at the annual MTN Ug HipHop awards, Flex D'Paper's single Yenze Aliko was announced as the Song Of The Year.[45][46] The awards are sponsored by MTN Uganda a leading telecom company in Uganda.

Musical style

Flex D'Paper describes his hip hop as Uga Flow (Ugandan flow) It is a blend of western rap and African traditional beats.

Discography

Singles

Day Ones 2016 (featuring Navio and Martha Smallz) Produced by The Aethan
Yenze Aliko 2017 Produced by Mio Made
Level Up 2019 Produced by Mio Made [47] [48]

Mixtapes

Not for Sale mixtape by Flex D'Paper [49]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Ceremony Prize Work/Recipient
2016
 UG Hip Hop Awards Best Inspirational Song [50][51][52] Victory Song ft. Ruyonga and Levixone
2017
 Buzz Teeniez Awards Hip Hop Song Of The Year [53][54][55] Day Ones ft. Navio and Martha Smallz
2017
 UG Hip Hop Awards Mix tape Of The Year [56][57][42] NOT FOR SALE
2017
 UG Hip Hop Awards Sweet 16 (Verse of the Year) [56] 6AM In Nairobi freestyle
2019
 MTN UG Hip Hop Awards Song Of The Year [45][58][46][59] Yenze Aliko
2019
 HiPipo Music Awards Rap Song Of The Year [60][61][62][63] Yenze Aliko
2020
 MTN UG Hip Hop Awards Video Of The Year [64] [65] [66] [67] [68] [69] [70] Level Up
2020
 Hipipo Music Awards Hip Hop Song Of The Year [71] [72] [73] [74] [75] Level Up

Rapaholix clothing line

In 2012, Flex D'Paper created his own clothing line, The Rapholix Wear[76] The brand has gained popularity over time especially among the youth and different public figures.[77][78][79]


Endorsements and Campaigns

One Million Campaign Against Cancer (1MC)

In 2015, Flex D'Paper together with other artists, Keko, Daisy Ejang, Nava Grey, comedian Pablo among others joined the One Million Campaign Against Cancer, a campaign by Uganda Child Cancer Foundation aimed at supporting children and young persons suffering from cancer in Uganda.

Ambition Mission

In 2015, Flex D'Paper was also among the young artists and public figures that represented the Ambition Mission. Some of the artists include Juliana Kanyomozi, Eddy Kenzo, Mun G among others. The non-government organization was behind campaigns like "I Am Ambition Mission, Sili Taaba'', an anti-tobacco campaign. Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli In March 2016, Flex D'Paper was part of the artists in Uganda that joined Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli a charity based organisation located in St. Pauli/Hamburg campaigning for fresh water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The organization held a concert where the artists including Flex D'Paper performed alongside some international acts like Octopizzo from Kenya, Ghanaian Stallion, Lady Slyke, Sylvester & Abramz among others.[22]

In 2017, at the World Water Day celebrations held in Moroto Uganda, he performed alongside other ambassadorsm keko, The Mith and Maro. He later performed on the We Love Youganda festival held on December 2 organized by Viva con Agua de Sankt Pauli Kampala office alongside various artists like Maro, Navio, Muthoni from Rwanda and more including Chef Boss from Germany.

In 2018, he was among the headliners for the WE LOVE YOUGANDA concert 2019 held at the square on 17 November 2018. The show included performances from Ugandan artists as well as top German rapper Samy Deluxe.

References

  1. ^ "Cultures-Uganda - Kwesigabo Alex (Flex D'Paper)". South Planet.
  2. ^ "Flex D'Paper". Myziki.
  3. ^ RAPAHOLIX TV (10 January 2014). "FLEX D'PAPER AND TONIKS TOP NTV T NATION COUNTDOWN WITH FOLLOW ME SONG" – via YouTube.
  4. ^ RAPAHOLIX TV (16 April 2012). "FLEX D'PAPER TOPS AFRICA'S FINEST COUNTDOWN ON SANYU FM WITH HIT "FOLLOW ME"" – via YouTube.
  5. ^ "Uganda's Finest Rappers on One Project". New Vision. Kampala. 13 February 2014. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015.
  6. ^ "UG Cypher Released". HiPipo. 11 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Admissions, 2010/2011 Academic Year: Faculty of Computing and Information Technology" (PDF). Makerere University Academic Registrar's Department.
  8. ^ Flex D'Paper. Interview with King Shovon Malcolm (11 April 2012). Flex D'Paper Talks About Girls, Being Single, Camp Mula, and New Music, on Interview with Shovon. K-Concept Filmz.
  9. ^ Emma Ikwap (24 October 2013). "Uganda's Hottest Young Music Producers". Sqoop. Kampala. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  10. ^ RAPAHOLIX TV (16 April 2012). "FLEX D'PAPER TOPS AFRICA'S FINEST COUNTDOWN ON SANYU FM WITH HIT "FOLLOW ME"" – via YouTube.
  11. ^ RAPAHOLIX TV (10 January 2014). "FLEX D'PAPER AND TONIKS TOP NTV T NATION COUNTDOWN WITH FOLLOW ME SONG" – via YouTube.
  12. ^ Flex D'Paper (30 March 2014). Studio Session, The Making Of More By Flex D'Paper.
  13. ^ Joash Yose (1 August 2014). "The Track >Leader – Flex D'Paper ft. Shiela Waya". Sqoop. Kampala.
  14. ^ Rudeboy McKenzie (25 August 2014). Flex D'Paper's New Song #Leader Exclusive Premier with Rudeboy McKenzie on Radiocity (Radio broadcast). Rapaholix.
  15. ^ "Radio City's RudeboyKella McKenzie Makes It to the Top Ten African On-Air Personalities List". Bigeye.ug. 28 July 2013.
  16. ^ Mister Deejay (4 August 2014). "New Music from Martha Smallz, Spirit Soul, Code, Aethan & Flex D'Paper". Mister Deejay (Blog).
  17. ^ Mister Deejay (31 July 2013). "I'm Number 3!!!!". Mister Deejay (Blog).
  18. ^ Julius Ogwu (29 January 2015). "Ugandan Hiphop Act Flex D'Paper ft Sheila – Leader (Video)". Music Nation. Lagos.
  19. ^ Nimusiima (29 January 2015). "Flex D'Paper Drops 'Leader' Video". Bigeye.ug.
  20. ^ Next Level USA (21 June 2015). "NL Freestyle Cypher on The Beat" – via YouTube.
  21. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 30 November 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  22. ^ a b "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 29 March 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
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  24. ^ Segawa Salim (4 October 2013). "Yego and Friends Night Second Edition Thrills Fans". Urban Hype (Blog).
  25. ^ Baranga, Samson. "Girls night out at Toniks' show".
  26. ^ BigEyeUg3 (15 September 2015). "Talent Africa releases UG CYPHER 2 video". BigEye.UG. Retrieved 24 May 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
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  28. ^ Steven. "TOP RAPPERS IMPRESS ON UG CYPHER 2 - Kampala Sun". kampalasun.co.ug.
  29. ^ "Rapper Flex D'Paper releases video with Kenyan Kaligraph".
  30. ^ "Flex D'Paper releases most personal song to date".
  31. ^ "Flex DPaper". www.facebook.com.
  32. ^ "Flex D'Paper - Day Ones (Recap #SNMS No. 271) - SNMSLive.com". 6 June 2016.
  33. ^ "Radiocity 97FM". www.facebook.com.
  34. ^ "UG HIP-HOP HOTTEST SONGS 2016. - The Tribe UG". 4 January 2017.
  35. ^ "have your say: are these uganda's #hottestmcs?". MTV Base (Africa). 24 November 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  36. ^ "MTVbase names Uganda's finest 10 Rappers. see list. - Enews Uganda". 25 November 2016.
  37. ^ "DOWNLOAD: Not For Sale (mixtape) - Flex D'Paper - Notjustok East Africa". 3 July 2017.
  38. ^ "DOWNLOAD: Not For Sale (mixtape) - Flex D'Paper - The Tribe UG". 27 June 2017.
  39. ^ "The track: Never Give UP- Flex D'Paper ft Mako Loco - Sqoop - Its deep". www.sqoop.co.ug.
  40. ^ "Flex D'Paper set for album release party". bigeye.ug.
  41. ^ "Flex D'Paper To Host Fans At His Mixtape Listeners' Party - UrbanHype". 13 October 2017.
  42. ^ a b https://www.thetribeug.com/full-list-ug-hip-hop-winners-2017/
  43. ^ "2017 UG Hip Hop Awards Winners full list « NuveyLive.org". 15 December 2017.
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  46. ^ a b https://www.thetribeug.com/exclusive-full-list-mtn-ug-hip-hop-award-winners-2019/
  47. ^ https://www.thetribeug.com/flex-dpaper-level-up/
  48. ^ Ayella (18 May 2019). "New Music: 'Level Up' – Flex D'Paper (prod. Mio Made)". NuveyLive. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  49. ^ "Rapper Flex D'Paper is not for sale".
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  52. ^ "Ruyonga, DJ Twonjex earn top nominee spots for inaugural Uganda Hip Hop Awards". 22 October 2016.
  53. ^ "FULL LIST: 2017 BUZZ Teeniez Awards Nominees Unveiled - BigEye.UG". bigeye.ug.
  54. ^ "Buzz Teeniez Awards 2017: Full List of Nominees – TowerPostNews". thetowerpost.com.
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  57. ^ "UG Hip-Hop Awards 2017: Full List of Winners – TowerPostNews". thetowerpost.com.
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  59. ^ "MTN Uganda". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  60. ^ "Hipipo Music Awards Releases Full List Of Nominees". ChimpReports. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
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  62. ^ Businge, Solomon (7 January 2019). "HiPipo Music Awards 2019 Nominees Announced | Full List". Telesqop. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  63. ^ https://lifestyleug.com/full-list-of-2019-hipipo-music-awards-nominees/
  64. ^ "MTN Hip Hop Awards Nominees announced". MTN Pulse. 17 January 2019. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  65. ^ "MTN UG Hip-Hop Awards 2020: All the nominees". Music In Africa. 16 January 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  66. ^ "MTN UG Hip Hop Awards | TheLead™". www.thelead.ug. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  67. ^ Reporter, Our. "Navio, Big Tril, Recho Rey top MTN hip hop awards | edge". Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  68. ^ fuseMag (17 January 2020). "MTN UG Hip-Hop Awards 2020: All the nominees | fuseMag". Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  69. ^ "Here Are The MTN UG Hip-Hop Awards 2020 Nominees". Notjustok East Africa. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  70. ^ "MTN UG Hip-Hop Awards - Nominees". UrbanHype. 15 January 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  71. ^ Uganda, Flash (10 January 2020). "Full List: Kenzo leads nominations at 2020 HiPipo Music Awards". Flash Uganda Media. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  72. ^ "Nominees | HiPipo Music Awards | #WeTheBest #Africa". Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  73. ^ "See Full List: 9th HiPipo Music Awards 2020 nominations announced". Lifestyle UG. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  74. ^ Lawrence, Kalema (10 January 2020). "Full Nominee List of HiPipo 2020 Awards". Ugandan Buzz. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  75. ^ "Uganda: Voting opens for 2020 HiPipo Music Awards". Music In Africa. 10 January 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
  76. ^ Isaac Ssejjombwe (25 March 2016). "Hustler: Ronald Aguta". Sqoop.co.ug. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  77. ^ "How Much Do You Know About The Rapaholix Wear? Founder - Flex D'Paper Speaks Up". FashionRepublique.net. 4 July 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  78. ^ "Flex D'Paper Official". www.flexdpaper.com.
  79. ^ https://www.thetribeug.com/cover-story-flex-dpaper-the-hustler/#comment-52391
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