The STORY of Rickman Manrick to Music Stardom

We caught up with Rickman Manrick and now dive into the various aspects of his life, from playing football to his educational background. Read to the end to discover when to expect his next album and music collaborations.

Also Read: Meet Mildred Pedun of NTV Uganda

Who is Rickman Manrick?

Born on Christmas day, Rickman Manrick (real name Derrick Ddungu) is a multifaceted Ugandan entertainment crooner that has won the hearts of music lovers across East Africa. He also has a deep-rooted passion for football and a strong belief in God and karma.

Is it true that Rickman Manrick plays football?

Asking such a question was like giving the Ugandan contemporary singer a hot cup of coffee! “My love for football has been an integral part of my life since childhood,” said Rickman, “I have played the sport for as long as I can remember, and it has remained a constant companion throughout my journey.” Just for the record, Rickman has been affiliated with several teams, showcasing his skills and dedication on the field. Notably, he played for Sparta 09 Kampala (Watoto Wasoka) in Uganda and has also been a part of Dalen KFF Div 3, Gunnilse IS Div 3 & 2, and Sävedalens IF Div 2 in Sweden.

Where did he receive his education?

“I attended City Nursery, Mengo Primary School, Nakasero Primary School, Kampala City Center Primary School, Old Kampala SSS, Krokslätt Fabriker Gymnasiets, and Cybergymnasiet.” said the music icon. With such a dynamic academic journey, Rickman had a solid foundation for his future pursuits and honed his skills on and off the field.

The Plot Twist that unraveled the musician in Rickman that has given us back-to-back hits like Cinderella, Beautiful Mami, and many more to come.

Rickman Manrick’s foray into music began when a severe injury sidelined him from football. “After tearing my ACL and facing a year and a half without being able to play,” revealed Derrick, “I turned to music as an outlet. It was in late 2017 that I recorded my first song in Sweden.”  In case you don’t know, the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the two cruciate ligaments which stabilizes the knee joint by preventing excessive forward movements of the tibia or limiting rotational knee movements. Seeking to infuse a touch of his Ugandan roots, he took it to Artin in December 2017, releasing it in early 2018. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his musical journey, which has since grown and evolved.

What it is like to compose a song

When it comes to making music, Rickman Manrick finds it challenging to articulate a specific process. He says, “Sometimes, inspiration strikes in unexpected moments, whether through personal experiences, emotions, or snippets of conversation. The writing process can vary for each artist. It’s crucial to find a comfortable studio and either write your song or purchase one. Collaborations can occur through demos sent by other artists or by catching a vibe during a studio session. Each approach brings its unique creative energy.”

Which song does Rickman love most among his songs?

We then had to ask him about his favorite song and he surprisingly didn’t hesitate to answer such a question. “Among the songs I have sung, Ndi Muto holds a special place in my heart. This trap hip-hop track is part of my upcoming album and is scheduled for release in early 2024. The song narrates my childhood and should resonate with others in my age bracket and beyond.” While he cherishes the music he has already released, he also holds a treasure trove of unreleased music that he is eager to share with his fans.

How Rickman Manrick fell in love with Sheilah Gashumba

With a romantic smirk on his face, Manrick told Kampala ET, “My first encounter with Sheilah Gashumba occurred in the summer of 2018. Before our meeting, we had engaged in conversations through WhatsApp and other channels. During an interview at NTV Da Beat where she was a lead presenter, where my single Naki was the topic of discussion, we had the opportunity to connect further. We went on a couple of outings, fostering a growing friendship.” However, their communication dwindled for a few years until a serendipitous phone call from a friend prompted a reunion. This unexpected turn of events led to a performance request from Sheilah for one of her bar nights. Rickman seized the opportunity, booked his ticket, and embarked on a journey that would shape his life and that’s how they started to fall for each other.

Sheilah’s Impact on Rickman’s Career

“Sheilah Gashumba has had a profound impact on my life. Her presence has provided a fresh perspective and introduced me to a network of valuable individuals. This has enriched my social capital. Our connection has broadened my understanding of the music business. I certainly found more insight into the path to stardom and the meticulous process behind achieving it.” said Rickman Manrick. He speaks so highly of Sheilah’s character, highlighting her unwavering support for loved ones even from her team. Her loyalty and dedication are unwavering,” he adds.

What was it like collaborating with Eddy Kenzo?                                                         

Rickman and Ugandan BET nominee, Eddy Kenzo produced a song titled Enjoyment in 2020 that went viral all over East Africa. Being a new face on the scene, Rickman quickly became a household name, so we asked him about this entire experience. “Eddy Kenzo is a musical genius!” said Rickman, “All I can is say no one does it like Eddy. Music is in his blood; the rhythm, the melodies, the passion, and perfectionism. It was a pleasure and honor working with him. It was a smooth process when we recorded Enjoyment and the collaboration was his idea derived from my hit song Tunyumirwe.”

What other talents does Rickman have and do we expect a song with other Ugandan acts, for example, A Pass?

Apart from singing, Rickman can play Football and perform well at talent scouting as he said, “I can see a diamond in the rough.” Has he considered singing with A Pass?  “Yes, when the timing is right.” says Rickman Manrick, “I know A Pass, have been to his home and we have had music chats and football chats and played FIFA as well. So, when the time comes we will do something.

The toughest moment in the life of Rickman Manrick

Through the highs and lows of life, Rickman Manrick has faced his fair share of challenges. “The toughest time for me was when my beloved grandmother passed away. Worse for the record, I was unable to attend her burial. She remains the greatest love of my life, and her loss has profoundly impacted me.” Despite such trials, Rickman encourages young individuals striving for success or wealth to recognize that success manifests in various forms, not solely monetary. Building social capital, listening and learning, embracing uniqueness, self-belief, and respectful communication are vital components of personal and professional growth.

When will Rickman Manrick release his next album?

As you noticed, some of his favorite songs are still unreleased. However, Rickman couldn’t hold back his excitement to drop new music. “I have an album self-titled Ndi Muto coming up in early 2024. It has very beautiful pieces of music very sensational. Not the usual stuff but very unique and discreet. Strictly street and ground rap/trap!” said the star. With a focus on hip-hop, Rickman aims to captivate listeners. We see this coming with his artistry and leaving a mark on the music scene.

Many thanks to Rickman’s booking agent at Bryan Morel Publications (BMP) for making this possible.