THINKING BIG: Vyper Ranking a.ka Riddim Killer is an upcoming dancehall and reggae artiste. The 23-year old is an energetic performer who has hopes of making it big to the level of Peter Miles in the music industry.
Who is Vyper Ranking?
I am a dancehall reggae artiste.
What inspired your name?
Vyper means something dangerous; I am a dangerous musician that Ugandans need to look out for. Actually, I am a dancehall problem already. My Ranking name was inspired by Shaba Ranks.
What is your real name?
Saddam Ayire. I am from Karamoja but I grew up in Kireka. I am the fifth born of eight children and I studied from Standard Secondary School, Bweyogerere.
When did you join the music industry?
In October last year.
Have you released any music so far?
Yes, I have four songs and two videos. My first song was Come Close, then I did Nonudem, Chatty Mouth and Soma.
When was your breakthrough?
My breakthrough was when I released Soma. It took the airwaves by storm and it is getting quite some airplay. This has helped me gain some popularity and I am grateful.
Pallaso has a song titled Soma, were you inspired by it to have the same title?
I understand Pallaso has a song titled Soma but I was not inspired by him.
Did you copy Pallaso’s song?
No, my song is very different from Pallaso’s, from its content to the way it rhymes. Actually the audio for my song was released weeks before Pallaso released his, although Pallaso’s video came out before mine.
Have you worked on any big projects?
My work is a big project in itself and I am proud of it. I have classic videos done by Zyga Phix and I am sure they will push me to the top.
Have you held any concerts?
Not yet.
Have you performed at any big gig?
Yes, I performed at Jama Fest and I have also performed at Laftaz Lounge.
Have you faced any challenges in this industry?
Yes, there are many challenges but the most pressing is money. In Uganda you cannot get anything without money, to the extent that some DJs will demand for money to play your song.
What plans do you have for the future?
I want to have music that is appealing to all Ugandans. I also want to have hits that are appreciated such that people can sing along each time they are being played.
Among Ugandan female artistes, whom would you wish to collaborate with?
I think Irene Ntale and Sheebah Karungi are good. I would love to have collabos with them.
Who is your role model among Ugandan musicians?
I love Peter Miles.
Peter Miles is almost fading away from the music scene, do you also intend to be like him?
No, I will not fade away. Peter Miles inspired me as I was growing up. He had cool songs and I used to admire his performances. I want to be just like him back in the day when he was still shining.
What is your strategy to remain relevant on the scene?
I want to have music with energetic performances that will make my fans hooked all the time.
Do you have a manager?
Yes, I am being managed by Bantu Entertainment, and so far they are doing a tremendous job.
What else do you do apart from music?
I am a technician but these days I give much attention to my music.
Are your relatives supportive of the career path you have decided to take?
Yes, especially my mother Rehma Naigaga.
What is your message to upcoming artistes?
They should work hard and stick to their dreams.
editorial@ug.nationmedia.com