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Kadongo Kamu legend Abdu Mulaasi made a stunning disclosure about his past dual identity as a musician and a former member of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
In an interview, Mulaasi revealed that at the time his music career peaked in the early 2000s, he was running a military career, which even followed him on stage.
From Soldier to Stage
Born in Masaka, Mulaasi says his early life was marked by his aspiration to serve in the military.
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He joined the UPDF at a young age, becoming a child soldier, or "Kadogo," and participated in active combat.
Simultaneously, he nurtured a passion for music, particularly the Kadongo Kamu genre, and began performing at local venues. However, his musical pursuits were not separate from his military duties.
"I loved the military because I admired their guns and combat attire. So I joined the army at a young age. I was a Kadogo (child soldier) and active in combat for some time,” he said.
“When I joined music, I was still serving in the army, but undercover. People just didn't know," Mulaasi revealed.
“That is why I moved around with soldiers at concerts. It was not showbiz, I was actually a soldier. I had real missions.
“I just had to call up the base, and they’d sent the squads to move with me. I had at least 5 armed men, some on stage and others in the audience.”
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Musical Milestones
Mulaasi says he later decided to discontinue his military career and requested to retire.
His musical career took off with hits like "Charging" and "Omusono Gwa Mungu," which he recorded at the age of six.
By 18, he had released "Farm," further solidifying his place in Uganda's music industry.
Due to his young age, he faced challenges with exploitation by managers and promoters, leading him to establish Light Production to gain independence and control over his career.