Home Small Business Papsher Babu: From Refugee to Artist of Change
Small BusinessUganda

Papsher Babu: From Refugee to Artist of Change

Share
Share

In Uganda’s busy refugee settlements, where over 1.7 million displaced individuals from across East Africa have sought refuge, there is a powerful movement brewing—one that uses the universal language of music to heal, unite, and empower. Behind this movement stands Victor Kikuni Papy, better known by his stage name, Papsher Babu—a creative performing artist, social entrepreneur, and passionate advocate for the displaced.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and now living in Uganda, Papsher’s story is one of the belief that art and creativity can drive social change. It’s a journey that not only elevates his personal story but also brings hope and opportunities to thousands of refugees and marginalized communities who have long been silenced by adversity.

From Refugee to Advocate: A Life Shaped by Challenges

Papsher’s path to founding the Refugee Talent Group (RTG) was born from the struggles and injustices faced by refugees in Uganda. The country is one of the largest hosts of refugees in Africa, and Papsher witnessed firsthand the challenges his peers faced: unemployment, language barriers, cultural disconnection, and, perhaps most poignantly, the mental health struggles that came with displacement.

Yet, amidst these struggles, Papsher saw potential. He saw the untapped talent of his community—young people with dreams, creativity, and the ability to inspire change if only given the right space and support. In 2020, he took a bold step, founding RTG with the mission to transform these challenges into opportunities. His organization uses the power of music, dance, poetry, art, and drama to promote social inclusion and foster peaceful coexistence between refugees and their host communities.

“I founded the Refugee Talent Group, which is a refugee-led organisation. It aims to empower young people, refugees, and also the community through music, dance, and poetry, to promote social inclusion. We provide mentorship through entertainment, because we do believe in the refugees’ community.” Papsher shares.

Music as a Catalyst for Change

What makes Papsher’s approach unique is his unwavering belief in the healing power of music. Through RTG, he created a platform where young people could learn musical instruments, engage in dance classes, and express themselves through the arts. More than just entertainment, Papsher’s work empowers his community to turn talent into livelihood. He offers them not only a chance to showcase their abilities but also the skills to build a sustainable future.

“We believe these skills can help individuals earn money and improve their lives, beyond just entertainment. We provide the necessary music equipment to make it all possible,” Papsher says.

RTG teaches refugees to play guitar, piano, drums, and more, providing both an emotional outlet and a practical skill set. But it doesn’t stop there—Papsher’s organization also rents out equipment, generating income to sustain the project and ensuring that the work of his community never falters. In a space where refugees are often stigmatized, Papsher is providing the tools for them to not only survive but thrive.

“We hire out instruments to generate income, we host festivals and community shows to sustain us. We don’t want to live like refugees, begging for help. Instead, we should work, showcase our talents, and live from them,” he reflects.

Empowering the Community, One Event at a Time

Since its inception, RTG has transformed the lives of over 500 young people through arts and culture programs, helping them gain valuable skills in music, dance, and drama. Papsher and his team have organized over 50 impactful events, including workshops, community outreach programs, and charity events, which have reached more than 2000 individuals in Kampala and various refugee settlements across Uganda. These events are a way for the refugee community to showcase their talents while raising awareness of pressing social issues like mental health, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and more.

Through performances and dialogues, RTG promotes conversations that might otherwise be too difficult to start. These events also serve as an essential space for healing, where art becomes both a form of expression and a means to confront trauma. Papsher’s organization has collaborated with local and international partners such as Bonjour Kampala French Radio, Alliance Français Kampala, Radio France International (RFI), Azulato Festival, Germany Cultural Center, British Council Uganda, Footprint to Freedom, African Youth Action Network AYAN, Lazima Nipate Academy, Global Refugee Youth Network (GRYN), Love for Immigrants, Refugee Low Project Uganda and SINA.

A Platform for Peaceful Coexistence

One of Papsher’s most powerful achievements is his ability to bridge the gap between refugees and the local Ugandan community. Uganda has long been a haven for refugees, but the relationship between displaced populations and the host community is not always seamless. Language, culture, and misunderstandings can create division. RTG, through its programs, brings both groups together to celebrate their differences, find common ground, and build a stronger, more unified society.

“People come from different backgrounds with unique stories and mental health challenges. We use music to heal, create positive change, unite people, and inspire hope. As artists, it’s our duty to support the community.”

A pivotal moment for Papsher came in August 2024, when he represented RTG at the First Refugee Youth Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, hosted by the AYAN. Here, he shared his vision of social cohesion and how the arts could be a bridge to a more inclusive, peaceful future.

The Ripple Effect: Recognition and Future Dreams

Papsher’s work has not gone unnoticed. His relentless commitment to social change and refugee empowerment has earned him several prestigious awards, including the Wezesha Impact Award, UN Foundation recognition, and the Rise Up Award. But for him, the greatest reward is not the accolades—it’s the tangible impact on the people he serves.

As RTG continues to grow, Papsher’s vision for the future is nothing short of ambitious. In February 2025, he plans to host a festival in refugee camps, bringing together music, dance, and drama to raise awareness about mental health and social inclusion. It’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the power of collective action. But beyond the festival, Papsher dreams of expanding his reach—taking his message of hope and empowerment beyond Uganda and into the hearts of displaced people across Africa.

At its core, RTG is more than just an organization—it’s a movement. A movement that teaches displaced people to look beyond their hardships and see their potential. A movement that empowers young people not to see themselves as beggars, but as creators, healers, and leaders in their communities. Papsher’s work is a living testament to the power of arts and culture to heal wounds, build communities, and change lives.

“We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress for our community,” Papsher often says. “Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own.”

With every beat of the drum, every note of the guitar, and every step of the dance, Papsher and the Refugee Talent Group are creating a brighter, more inclusive future—one where refugees are not defined by their displacement, but by their talents, their dreams, and their undeniable ability to inspire change.

Share
Related Articles

Rockstone Manco: Aaliyah Sekatawa’s Vision for Growth

Uganda’s trailblazing entrepreneur Aaliyah Sekatawa’s story is an inspiration one to many...

From DRC to Uganda: Fazil’s Mission of Nutrition

Fazil Buffol’s journey to founding Masoka Nutrition for Development (MANUD) began with...

From Ibanda to Impact: Emmanuel Twesigye’s Agrotech Revolution

Emmanuel Twesigye, the CEO and co-founder of Everlend, knows firsthand the struggles...

The Visionary Educator: Baliira Rodney’s Journey to Empowering Africa’s Youth

In the heart of Uganda, a remarkable story of resilience, innovation, and...