Mental health and music have long been linked together. It’s evident how many musicians are using their art as a form of therapy to cope with their struggles. Xydan, born Kakooza Asiimwe Zaidan, is no exception. As a music artist from Kawempe, Uganda, Xydan has used his music as a way to express his experiences with anxiety and depression since he was a child. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Xydan’s journey as an artist and how he has used his music to cope with his mental health struggles. Follow him via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
Also Read: 20 Most famous musicians in Uganda
Who is Xydan Di Rapper?
Kakooza Asiimwe Zaidan, better known as Xydan, is a music artist from Uganda. Born on March 23rd, 1999 in Kawempe, he spent most of his childhood in Buddo with his family. Xydan had a different childhood from most kids, as he was self-isolative and preferred staying in his parents’ room listening to ’80s and 90’s pop, especially Michael Jackson‘s music. He dealt with anxiety and depression since he was a child. By the age of 9, he was experiencing suicidal thoughts and feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, which he, later on, was diagnosed in his early 20s by a therapist as G.A.D. (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) that involves worrying about a series of things in general life and depression.
What genres does he enjoy and which artists inspired him?
Despite his struggles with mental illness, Xydan Di Rapper pursued his love for music. He is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who has recorded over four projects. These include two EPs, two mixtapes, and various singles. He has worked with fellow underground artists like L_Steel, Hertz, Bavie Mujic, Sahal Abex, Universal, and Roman Magic, his music producer. Eminem inspired him to love hip-hop as art and rapping, while Michael Jackson inspired his singing and songwriting. Xydan’s favourite music genre is hip-hop because of how it allows one to express themselves and prove a point.
When did Xydan start doing music?
Kakooza Asiimwe Zaidan started writing and recording music at the age of 15. Fortunately, a friend named Gilbert Mwesigye heard him rap for the first time and introduced him to Roman, who recorded his first song with him. To this day, they never parted ways as their chemistry is great and grows stronger. Although Xydan Di Rapper works with Universal. He has also worked with Charch Beats at some point, he greatly honours Roman and produces the majority of his works. Di Rapper considers Roman to be more than just a music partner; he is a brother. Xydan’s hobbies are music and movies, and he considers rapping and singing to be a way of lifestyle and therapy. He expresses his thoughts and emotions in his lyrics and words verbatim.
How many albums has he released?
In terms of his discography, Xydan has released one mixtape called “A Block Away from Hell,” one album called “Sensitive,” and two EPs called “So Appalled” and “New Direction.” Xydan continues to make music and pursue his journalism degree. The youngster still battles his mental health struggles. However, his family remains his motivation for his hustle, and he loves them to death. Xydan’s journey reminds us that pursuing our dreams isn’t easy. That’s especially when those around us can’t see the value in them. However, it’s important to stay true to our passions and follow our hearts, even when it seems like a futile chase. Xydan’s dedication to his music career despite his mental health struggles serves as an inspiration for us all.
