Radio was my role model - Viper Ray

Raymond Ssebulime, known as Viper Ray, came to the limelight after the demise of Mowzey Radio in 2018.

When the other performing half of Goolyfe, Weasel, resumed performing after the mourning period, he called on Viper Ray to sing Radio’s verses.

From then on, comparisons between Radio and Pay became inevitable. That his body features have a kin resemblance to those of Radio does not help matters.

His last gig was during the Memories of Goodlyfe show at Africana Hotel recently. We caught up with him in Kireka, a Kampala suburb.

Q: Can you explain your friendship with Radio and Weasel?

I met Radio way back before he started singing and we became acquittances. I later met Weasel. When they started singing, they inspired me to do the same. Later on, I became a back-up singer for the duo. I also used to back-up other artistes like Master Parrot. However, for a while I left music and got engaged in business as well as school.

When Radio died, some people named me Radio Two. They thought that I would replace Radio in Goodlyfe, but that that will never happen. I really appreciate Radio for his work. He is irreplaceable. I will always be Viper Ray.

Q: What is your role in Goodlyfe now?

A: After Radio’s death, Weasel looked for me and asked to back him on shows. I took the offer. It is what you saw me doing at his show at Africana Hotel. I am now the official back-up singer for Goodlyfe. However, I also have my own music. I have also collaborated with other musicians. It is still a pipe dream to make it to the big league in Ugandan music, but I will get there.

Q: How do you feel while performing Radio’s songs?

I feel good because people appreciate it, as does Weasel. I also get emotional like Weasel and cry. I start remembering my old times with the late. In Kireka where I stay, people claim I do things Radio used to. I do not agree with them though.

Q: What challenges do you face ?

A: The most hurting thing is people calling me Fake Radio. They keep telling me how I look like the late yet I am not related to him. He was just my friend and my mental “.

Q: What’s your last remark?

A: I kindly request people to give the older artistes respect. They should stop asking Weasel to record new songs. He has passed through a lot of trouble to reach the position he is in now.