Alex Julius Kwesigabo, popularly known as Flex D’Paper, is a prominent Ugandan hip-hop artist and a trailblazer in East Africa’s rap scene. Hailing from Kampala, Uganda, he has earned numerous accolades as a rapper, producer, and entrepreneur. Flex D’Paper is renowned for his signature “Uga Flow” and is affectionately called “The Fresh Prince of Kampala.” He has collaborated with local and international artists while preserving his identity as “The Kampala Boy.”
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Alex Julius Kwesigabo |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1990 |
| Place of Birth | Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Rapper, Producer, Songwriter, Entrepreneur |
| Record Labels | Rapaholix Music, Konkrete Capital |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education
Born on January 19, 1990, in Kampala, Uganda, Flex D’Paper grew up in a family with eight siblings.
He attended Greenhill Academy for primary school, proceeded to Seeta High School for his O-Level studies, and completed his A-Levels at St. Mary’s Kitende. Later, he studied Information Technology at Makerere University.
His passion for music began in high school where, at age 14, he started rapping. During this time, he co-founded the rap group The Rapaholix with Dasper Cosine, which later included affiliate member A Pass. This group served as the foundation for his future musical career and eventually became the name of his record label and clothing brand.
Career
Flex D’Paper’s professional journey started in 2012 with The Rapaholix’s debut mixtape, The Eviction Notice, featuring hits like “Burning,” “Party Life,” and “Follow Me” (featuring Allan Toniks), which gained widespread airplay in Uganda. The track “Shutting Down Towns,” featuring Martha Smallz, further affirmed their presence in the hip-hop scene.
In 2013, he ventured into solo projects, releasing his debut single “More” featuring Kemishan, showcasing his versatility. A year later, the single “Leader” featuring Sheila Wya gained significant attention across Uganda and East Africa.
Flex gained greater exposure in 2014 through his participation in the UG Cypher alongside Uganda’s top rappers like Navio and Keko.
By 2015, he performed with the US Embassy’s Next Level group, a hip-hop diplomacy initiative. The following year, MTV Base recognized him as one of Uganda’s top MCs, and he embarked on a European tour, performing across Germany and Belgium.
In June 2017, Flex released his solo mixtape Not For Sale, a 12-track project featuring the hit “Yenze Aliko.” The mixtape won Mixtape of the Year at the UG Hip Hop Awards. Tracks like “Day Ones” earned nominations and further boosted his profile.
His song “Yenze Aliko” won Song of the Year at the 2019 MTN UG Hip Hop Awards, followed by “Level Up,” which secured Video of the Year in 2020.
In 2020, he released the inspirational track “Mbikwasagwe” featuring Shena Skies, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned multiple awards and a Janzi Awards nomination.
On December 10, 2021, Flex D’Paper released his debut album Kampala Boy, featuring 14 tracks and collaborations with artists such as Navio, Fik Fameica, A Pass, and Shena Skies. The album, blending hip-hop with Afrobeats, dancehall, and EDM, reached number 4 on the Uganda iTunes charts.
The track “Cheptegei,” honoring celebrated athlete Joshua Cheptegei, became a standout. In 2023, he won Album of the Year for Kampala Boy and Collaboration of the Year for “Cheptegei” at the UG Hip Hop Awards, cementing his influence in Ugandan music.
Personal Life
Flex D’Paper maintains a private personal life, focusing mainly on his music and businesses. He survived a non-fatal shooting incident in 2015 in Kampala resulting from a security misunderstanding. His stage name reflects his versatility (“Flex”) and motivation to succeed (“Paper”).
He is inspired by hip-hop legends like Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas. Flex is also active in charitable efforts, such as the One Million Campaign Against Cancer and initiatives promoting clean water and anti-tobacco awareness.
Flex D’Paper Net Worth
Based on Flex D’Paper’s career accomplishments, business ventures, and standing among East African artists, is estimated at between $500,000 and $1 million.
This range reflects his success in music, awards, performances, and entrepreneurial pursuits.
Discography
Albums
- Kampala Boy (2021)
Mixtapes
- The Eviction Notice (2012) – with The Rapaholix
- Not For Sale (2017) – Solo debut
Key Singles
- “Burning” (2012)
- “Party Life” (2012)
- “Follow Me” feat. Allan Toniks (2012)
- “Shutting Down Towns” feat. Martha Smallz (2012)
- “More” feat. Kemishan (2013)
- “Leader” feat. Sheila Wya (2014)
- “Day Ones” feat. Navio & Martha Smallz (2016)
- “Yenze Aliko” (2017)
- “Level Up” (2019)
- “Mbikwasagwe” feat. Shena Skies (2020)
- “Cheptegei” feat. Navio, Fik Fameica & Mozelo Kidz (2021)
- “Badmind” feat. Gaza, Tkon Preezy, Abamanyi, The Homie & Kvan (2023)
- “Mandem (Radio Edit)” (2023)
Awards and Nominations
- 2016 UG Hip Hop Awards – Best Inspirational Song (“Victory Song”)
- 2017 UG Hip Hop Awards – Mixtape of the Year (Not For Sale), Verse of the Year
- 2019 MTN UG Hip Hop Awards – Song of the Year (“Yenze Aliko”)
- 2019 HiPipo Music Awards – Rap Song of the Year (“Yenze Aliko”)
- 2020 MTN UG Hip Hop Awards – Video of the Year (“Level Up”)
- 2020 HiPipo Music Awards – Hip Hop Song of the Year (“Level Up”)
- 2021 MTN UG Hip Hop Awards – Inspirational Song of the Year (“Mbikwasagwe”)
- 2021 Janzi Awards – Outstanding Hip Hop Artist (“Mbikwasagwe”)
- 2022 Galaxy Zzina Awards – Hip Hop Artist of the Year (“Mbikwasagwe”)
- 2023 UG Hip Hop Awards – Album of the Year (Kampala Boy), Collaboration of the Year (“Cheptegei”)
