Felista Di Superstar Credits Rajiv Ruparelia’s Scholarship for Changing Her Life

Child music star Felista Di Superstar has paid tribute to the late Rajiv Ruparelia, describing him as a compassionate man whose generosity transformed her life through education.

Speaking in an interview with Pan-African activist Andrew Irumba Katus ahead of the 9th Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards 2026, Felista recounted how Rajiv and the Ruparelia family awarded her a full scholarship to Kampala Parents School after recognizing her musical talent.

According to the young singer, the opportunity changed the course of her education after years of struggling with school fees.

“I used to be sent home because of school fees. When Mr. Rajiv gave me the scholarship, I felt very happy because I was studying alongside children from different backgrounds in a great school,” she said.

Felista explained that she first met Rajiv and his wife during a school event where she had been invited to perform. Impressed by her talent, the couple later invited her family for discussions that resulted in her receiving a full scholarship from Primary Five until she completed Primary Seven.

She described Rajiv as a man with a kind heart who dedicated himself to helping young people and those in need.

“He was a very good person. He supported many people, including me,” she said.

Felista also recalled the moment she learned of Rajiv’s death, saying she initially refused to believe the reports.

“When I received the news, I thought people were joking. I couldn’t believe it,” she said, adding that his passing was deeply painful.

Now a Senior Four student at Kisasi College School on another scholarship, Felista said the support she received from the Ruparelia family laid the foundation for her continued education and personal growth.

During the interview, she also spoke about the importance of responsible use of social media, respect for parents, discipline among young people and preserving African cultural values. She said children should be guided by strong family values rather than being left to grow without direction.

Felista revealed that she recently converted from Protestantism to Islam after joining a Muslim school, a decision she said was encouraged by her mother, while noting that her father remains Protestant.

She also expressed ambitions beyond music, saying she hopes to pursue a career in engineering while continuing to develop her talent.

Andrew Irumba Katushabe used the interview to encourage the singer to use her growing influence to promote positive African values and Pan-African ideals, urging young entertainers to become agents of positive social change rather than abandoning their cultural identity.

The interview comes ahead of the 9th Pan-African Pyramid Global Awards 2026 and the organization’s 12th anniversary dinner, scheduled for August 29, 2026, at Sudhir Ruparelia’s Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The event will feature renowned Zimbabwean Pan-African bishop Joshua Maponga Marara III as the keynote speaker under the theme, “Honouring the Humanitarian Legacy of Comrade Rajiv Ruparelia.”

Organizers say the awards aim to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to humanity, with the late Rajiv Ruparelia among those set to be honored posthumously for his philanthropic work and support for education and youth development.