Nubian Li: The Story of My Encounter with Bobi Wine

Bobi Wine served as Nubian Li’s best man when he tied the knot with Gloria Mutoni, marking the enduring friendship between them in the music industry. Their connection originated from their shared passion for music, a bond formed during Nubian Li’s O-Level days at St. Henry’s College Kitovu in Masaka. At that time, Nubian Li, whose real name is Ali Bukeni, collaborated with friends to establish a singing group known as Nubian Squad.

The group remained cohesive throughout their university years, engaging in songwriting and participating in various shows, including karaoke events. It was during these tours that Nubian Li first crossed paths with Bobi Wine. When Nubian Squad disbanded after some members left the country, Nubian Li strengthened his ties with the group that Bobi Wine frequented.

Their friendship deepened when Bobi Wine invited Nubian Li to the studio, where they collaborated on their initial track, “Aniyaleta Okwagala.” This musical partnership continued with the release of another successful song, “Adam Ne Kaawa,” produced by Tony Houls and Magic Washington at Dream Studios, owned by Bobi Wine’s brother, Eddie Yawe.

Nubian Li, born Ali Bukeni on August 4, 1983, in Wakiso district, comes from a family with a strong musical inclination—his father is Nubian, and his mother is Muganda. Raised in Mengo and Lweza, he attended Shimoni Demonstration School, St. Henry’s College Kitovu, Bishop Sisto Mazzoldi S.S. Lweza, and Makerere University, where he pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce.

His journey into music began during O-Level when he formed Nubian Squad, which remained intact through shows and karaoke until their disbandment after university. During his university years, Nubian Li learned to play the guitar and forged connections with figures like Bobi Wine, Mr. Parrot, and Toolman through squad tours. Following the dissolution of his group, he gravitated towards Bobi Wine’s circle, leading to the collaborative recording of “Aniyaleta Okwagala” and subsequent hits like “Adam Ne Kaawa.”