Ugandan Rapper Keko Moves to Canada & Comes Out As Gay

Ugandan rapper Keko finally confirmed her alleged Canadian citizenship on Twitter last week. With the news of the big move comes an even bigger announcement--Keko has come out as gay.

The artist took to Twitter at the tail end of October to confirm the news, writing, "My gay ass is free, yes free, and there will be a wedding you best believe."

She continued, "Thank you Canada for giving me a new home... I feel free like a new person. It was a burden to live in a box and walk on eggshells."

Keko has slowly risen to prominence over the last few years with her 2011 breakthrough single "How We Do It" and endorsements with Mountain Dew and Pepsi, in addition to winning Female Artist of the Year at the 2016 UG Hip Hop Awards.

Though Keko is considered a household name by many in East Africa, her prolonged ascent to fame in the U.S. and abroad can most likely be attributed to the harsh, anti-LGBTQ legislation in Uganda and her open battle with drug addiction.

Related | Uganda Pride Canceled After Police Raid

Keko spoke on the topic of drugs in a recent interview with a Ugandan radio station. "Fame can be horrible when it gets to your head," she said. "For now I want to lead a private life and lend a hand to those who are struggling with drugs."

As far Uganda's reception of the LGBTQ community, Keko's move to Canada could not be more timely. Earlier this fall, a queer Ugandan man was arrested for his "unnatural offences," while Ugandan Pride events were canceled due to threats of arrest and physical harm from the government and police, most notably State Minister of Ethics & Integrity Simon Lokodo.