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#MTVMAMA-WHY WAS EAST AFRICA LEFT OUT?!

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By Byaruhanga
Felix (@TheNinjaFelix) – Dissatisfied Blogger and Music Fanatic &
Kyle
Duncan Kushaba (@uptownkyle) – Dissatisfied Media Journey man and
Recording Artiste.

Last Wednesday (16th April 2014) MTV Base
announced the 2014 nominees (see full list here) for the MAMAs after a 3-year break. First
of all congratulations to all the sponsors, a big thank you to the
sponsors and the team at MTV but we as East Africans, we are not
satisfied in the least.



So let’s focus on the
nominees; this year has Nigeria with the most nominees, as usual (11
out of the 15categories) including the non-musical categories, and
then followed by South Africa. East Africa managed to scoop only four
nods (Sauti Sol, Amani, Diamond, Radio and
Weasel
) which left us with a lot of
unanswered questions. What does this mean for East Africa?! What are
the chances that East Africa was left out in most categories? Does
this mean East Africa isn’t at par with the rest of Africa when it
comes to producing quality music and videos that surpass the MTV Base
standard or are our artistes not creative/hardworking as we thought?
The answer is definitely NO!!!! And a resounding NO.



Look at guys like
Navio (Uganda), Octopizzo
(Kenya), Victoria Kimani(Kenya), Keko
(Uganda),
Ruyonga (Uganda),
Ommy Dimpoz (Tanzania),
Vannessa Mdee (Tanzania)
and many more. These guys have worked their asses off but MTV doesn’t
recognize that. WHY?



Probably someone
reading this is thinking that yeah East Africa had nice music but
they considered music between March 20th
2013-March 19th
2014 and also airplay of the songs on MTV Base; you are right and we
put that into consideration. When you do some digging for example for
the artistes we have mentioned above they released some great material
within that time frame and amazing stuff at that. As for airplay
those artiste’s songs did get some heavy rotation some ended up on
the MTV Base countdown, on the MTV Base website. The songs went ahead
to get airplay on other Africa’s music channels like Channel O,
Sound city and Trace Urban. So why does East Africa have few
Nominations?



It’s
Business Nothing Personal.



So
we dug in and realized MTV is pretty much a business organization
that cares where it cashes in the most!



At the end of the day
we will have to come down to numbers, are sponsors and the team at
MTV getting their worth?! As of 2012 East Africa (Uganda, Kenya &
Tanzania) has over 22Million internet users all together while
Nigeria has over 48Million users and South Africa over 8million
users. MTV boasts of 48.5million viewers in 48 African countries.



So
roughly let’s consider (assume) 1/4 of each country’s/region’s
internet users contribute to the MTV viewership, they are interested
in the awards will vote and contribute to the hash tag ‘#MTVMAMA’
(making it trend/go viral). That will give us over 5million active online
viewers in East Africa, 12million active online users in Nigeria and
2million active online users in South Africa. Ideally if you’re not
running an NGO like a commercial TV station you will consider
different ways of minimizing expenses and ensuring a viral/trending
(promo) for your event the fact that it involves voting online. As a
result you have to consider the stakeholders (countries) with the
numbers and give them first priority, because at the end of the day
you have a sponsor (who wants to sell his product as you also achieve
your goal) and a large number of people who subscribe to your TV to
entertain (giving them a reason to stay tuned in and bring others on
board); Thus some countries being left out and some artist’s hard
work not being recognized.



But how come Channel O
doesn’t follow this theory? How come they balance their
nominations? Wait for this year’s nomination list and you will see
what we mean here. (And by the way Kudos to Leslie Kasumba and the entire Channel O for their
exceptional work and their undying love for African Music)



Don’t get us wrong,
we are not saying artistes from West Africa or south Africa don’t
work hard, they do in fact every artist who is nominated deserves it
and has put in a lot to get there. All we are saying is that East
Africa was given little consideration (left out). There is still
time MTV, Make some changes.



Connect/Contact Writers:
Email:felixbyaruhanga@gmail.com
Facebook: KYLE
Twitter: @UptownKyle
Email: uptownkyle@gmail.com
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Kohen Jaycee’s ‘Gundeze’: A Soulful Anthem of Love.

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Photo Credit: Next Media/NXT Radio

Am I the only one imagining how a mix of Kohen’s “Gundeze” and King Saha’s “Gundeze” would sound in a DJ set? And I’m not saying that just because King Saha’s concert is kicking off as I type this. Maybe it’s just me.

From his critically acclaimed album, RWEBEMBERA: The Raising Echoes, Kohen Jaycee’s “Gundeze” is a vibrant celebration of love wrapped in his signature RnB and Afro-fusion style with a sprinkle of Amapiano’s log drum. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythm make it a soulful anthem for anyone who cherishes the beauty of love. The lyrics are simple yet profound, with Kohen professing unwavering devotion to his partner:“I love you, Gundeze / I feel you, Gundeze / I want you, Gundeze / I need you, Gundeze.”

The music video for Kohen Jaycee’s Gundeze perfectly complements the song’s soulful and romantic essence. Staying true to Kohen’s signature style, the visuals are minimalistic yet captivating, set against the serene backdrop of a lush forest. The video follows Kohen as he alternates between intimate moments with his significant other and heartfelt solo performances amidst nature. This simplicity allows the focus to remain on the song’s message of love and connection, making the video a beautiful extension of the track’s uplifting and heartfelt vibe.

The chorus, repeated like a mantra, draws listeners into a melodic trance, while the verses paint a picture of intimacy, trust, and connection. Kohen’s soothing voice and heartfelt delivery elevate the song into a timeless ode to love. Whether it’s the wish for stars to align or the plea for mutual vulnerability, Kohen’s “Gundeze” resonates with anyone who has experienced the magic of love. The simplicity of the video enhances the song’s essence, focusing entirely on the connection between two souls.

“Gundeze” is more than just a track; it’s a reminder to cherish the ones we hold dear, dance to the rhythm of love, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. Kohen Jaycee has once again proven why he’s a standout artist in Uganda’s music scene, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next move.

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On the Move by Denesi: A Powerful Anthem of Hustle and Ambition

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Denesi’s “On the Move,” the opening track on his debut album Everything Is Real, is an anthem of ambition, resilience, and community, underscored by a gritty hip-hop aesthetic. Produced by Northbound Beats, the track captures the pulse of Kampala’s streets, blending hard-hitting lyrics with a hypnotic beat that mirrors the hustle it portrays.

The accompanying video brings the song’s narrative to life, embracing the classic hip-hop imagery of camaraderie and grind. From the corner store to the stage and finally to the laid-back moments of planning the next move, the visuals reflect Denesi’s journey and the community he’s built. Cameos from collaborators like Lagumtherapper, Akeine, Lucass Blacc, and Manly add depth, showcasing the collective spirit that defines his artistry.

Lyrically, “On the Move” is both a reflection and a manifesto. Denesi paints vivid pictures of Kampala’s dualities: the sunlit streets masking a tougher reality, where survival demands creativity and grit. Lines like “Welcome to the city of the dogs and the criminals / You ain’t making money, you ain’t working, you ain’t real enough” set the tone, balancing raw honesty with undeniable swagger.

The hook, with its repeated refrain of Who dat on the move, me I’m on the move”, is a declaration of aspiration. It positions Denesi as a trailblazer, reaching for heights beyond the ordinary while staying grounded in his roots. The mention of his collaborators in the hook reinforces the communal ethos of his work, a nod to the people who’ve shaped his journey.

Denesi’s storytelling is sharp and layered. He captures the struggles of navigating Kampala’s streets (“You know Kampala streets, man, the trouble’s never over”) and dreams of transcending them (“When I make a billy, prolly settle down / Maybe buy a villa, buy the whole town”). His versatility shines as he shifts from local struggles to global ambitions, even hinting at cross-border hustles with lines like “I trap on some Lingala shit, they pay me plus the benefits”.

The production complements the lyrical intensity, with Northbound Beats crafting a soundscape that feels both contemporary and rooted. The beat’s steady rhythm mirrors the relentless drive described in the lyrics, while the layered instrumentation adds depth and texture.

Overall, “On the Move” is a powerful introduction to Denesi’s world. It’s a song that celebrates ambition, acknowledges struggle, and underscores the importance of community. With its infectious hook, sharp lyricism, and dynamic visuals, the track sets the stage for what promises to be an impactful debut album. Denesi isn’t just on the move—he’s carving a path to the moon, and he’s taking his people with him.

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Reviving Nostalgia: Akeine and Henry Tigan’s “Out of Control” Remix.

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In this exciting edition of The Tribe UG Press Play, we’re thrilled to present a vibrant collaboration that bridges the gap between nostalgia and innovation. Fast-rising artist Akeine teams up with legendary dancehall star Henry Tigan to breathe new life into Tigan’s 2013 hit song, “Out of Control,” delivering a captivating remix that’s sure to win over fans old and new.

Akeine brings a modern twist to this beloved classic, collaborating with talented producer Andy Muzic to craft a fresh sound that retains the essence of the original. The remix seamlessly blends nostalgia with contemporary vibes, creating a track that resonates with today’s audience while honoring its roots. Henry Tigan’s stellar performance adds depth and familiarity, as he revisits the fan-favorite verse that made the original a standout hit.

This remix isn’t just a song—it’s a celebration of timeless music reimagined for a new generation. The official music video takes the energy to another level, showcasing both artists in their element and bringing the remix to life with vibrant visuals and electrifying performances. Don’t miss this unforgettable collaboration that proves great music transcends time.

The Tribe UG Press Play is more than just a platform; it’s a solution to a long-standing challenge in Uganda’s urban music industry. Despite the abundance of incredible songs, the rap industry has often struggled to release music videos due to logistical and financial constraints. Recognizing this gap, our parent company, Skyline Media & Management Limited, launched The Tribe UG Press Play to empower artists and showcase their work visually.

Through this initiative, we produce high-quality visuals for some of our favorite Ugandan urban songs, helping artists connect with their audiences in new and exciting ways. By supporting the creation of music videos, The Tribe UG Press Play is not only amplifying the voices of talented artists but also enriching the local music scene.

Stay tuned for more groundbreaking collaborations and visual masterpieces as we continue to celebrate the best of Ugandan urban music. Follow The Tribe UG and Skyline Media for updates, and don’t forget to check out the “Out of Control” remix by Akeine and Henry Tigan!

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