Legendary Ugandan musician Shanks Vivie’ D is currently receiving treatment at a private rehabilitation center for drug addiction, according to recent reports.
The iconic artist, known for pioneering the urban pop genre during a time dominated by Lingala and South African music, is said to have struggled with substance abuse for some time. Concerned friends and family reportedly stepped in and helped him seek professional support.
Media personality Kasuku shed light on the situation during a segment of his YouTube show.
He shared a message from an anonymous source who claimed to have seen Shanks at a rehabilitation facility while visiting a relative.
“She said the guy looked mentally off, they don’t allow us to use phones inside, otherwise I’d have recorded a video.”Kasuku said, reading from the message.
The source expressed concern over Shanks’ mental state, suggesting it had deteriorated due to alleged prolonged drug use.
Shanks Vivie’D was among the early trailblazers of urban pop in Uganda, influencing a new wave of artists including Jose Chameleone, who has credited Shanks as a major inspiration in his career.
In a past interview, Shanks openly discussed his history with drug use, revealing that his addiction began with marijuana. He spoke candidly about his time in and out of rehab facilities and how it strained his relationship with his family. At the time, he had said he was clean and focused on recovery.
The latest revelations have left fans and industry peers deeply concerned, as many hoped his previous struggles were behind him.
Shanks Vivie’D is best known for hits like Kakokolo, Atamukute, Nkooye Engambo, and Bundu Balibuzaani, songs that left a lasting mark on Uganda’s music scene.
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