Born to Somali parents in Saudi Arabia, Ahmed spent his childhood growing up in Newport.
His inspiration to start writing and performing came out of a dark period in his life.
Ahmed was just eighteen when his father died, followed by his mother a few years later.
"I lost both of my parents, so I thought 'life is too short' and decided to make something out of myself while I had the chance," says Ahmed.
"It's a big world and I believe you can be whatever you want to be if you put your mind to it."
Ahmed turned his hand to music, using the recording studio at the Compass day centre in Newport run by the homeless charity Solas.
"I discovered a talent which I never knew that I had there," he says.
"I decided to go with music and music was my life, I dedicated my whole time to music - writing songs until the early hours of the morning."
His influences range far and wide, listening to Marvin Gaye, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder as a child, while discovering LL Cool J, 2pac, B.I.G, Jay Z, Nas, The Game and 50 Cent as he grew older.
Recording under the name Bubbalicious, he's been signed by the Reading-based label In-Ex Records and is very ambitious.
"My main goals in music are to be a successful artist, to become the number 1 British R'n'B selling artist and to win as many awards as I can get my hands on."
Dave Chapman, music project worker at the Compass centre in Newport, says they're also pleased for him.
"We're very proud of what Bubba has achieved through his hard work and perseverance," says Dave.
"It is really great to see how through the development of his skills in our music department he is now getting the recognition for his dedication.
"He is now a few steps closer to realising his dream of being a professional recording artist!"
Bubbalicious - My Only Girl
Bubbalicious - Naked Soul
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your comments
Kirk Ford, Newport
I know Bubba personally through football, I hope him the best in the future and its about time he hung his boots up...
koleone da don
bubba you ma dogg i know we aint done a track in a while but its all good imma holla at you. bubba one of the dopest mc's i know and ive seen him grow as an mc and an artist and he gets nothing but respect from me.. one love bubbz hold it down for newport u know ur boy koleone da don got your back..
Allan Harvey
Bubba is a top man... always was and always will be.. Go on Bub, get in touch mate I wanna put you on the websites I make for other people we know like Jmus on www.jmus.fanclub.cc - check it out mate you will know who it is... PS you interested in making a bakcing track for a promo DVD that im currently working on? Nice one mate.
maj frm maindee!
yehhh! bubba's sik ! i dnt think he would knw me buh ..i got like 30 of your tracks..n they bad boy tracks! i rekon shufkat is sik aswell! fair play ..with tunez like tha ...youl b big in futre trust! me n eggi was speaking bout u guyz yesterday, we aint seen no1 hu makes tracks like that! bra inshallah u guyz get big man! respect ! im out newayz ..safe ..
Natalie Williams
I think he sounds wonderful and I really wish for him the very best in the future. He's a lovely boy and always a gentleman.. keep doing your thing Bubba xx
Mani
I've known Bubba since he moved to Maindee - we went to Maindee primary school together. Then again every one knows Bubba. Top Geeza and I for one am glad he is doing well. His music is ''PHAT'' (excellent). Watch out for this guy....he's gunna be top one day Inshallah (God Willing). Respect Bubbz.
Saima from Newport
I like the way he moves and sings, this lad can go a long way. Best of luck Bubba and remember me when you are rich and famous.
Ahmed Ali has signed a record deal and hopes to make his name as an R'n'B star.
