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#OffTheMIC: You – Essie ft. CODE (Free Download)

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By Byaruhanga Felix (@TheNinjaFelix)

Welcome to the first #CODEConnect session of the year 2015. For this Thursday’s #CODEConnect segment #OffTheMIC, we decided to talk to the members behind “Crown ACE” about their first project ‘YOU’ on which Essie features CODE and produced by Josh SB. Crown Ace comprises of CODE, Essie & the producer/video director Josh SB who has been behind most of CODE’s projects. We reached out to them to tell us creative process of the track ‘YOU’. It’s an Afro fusion of hip hop and soul off her upcoming EP. In-case you haven’t listened to the track yet, you can download it here.

CODE (@TimothyCODE)

YOU started as an idea between Josh and I.  We wanted to help Essie create a powerful single to announce her return to the music scene with a bang. But also, we needed a dope lead single for her upcoming EP, “SickBeatz and Soul”. Josh is insane with the beats so this time we decided to not give him our preferences. We just let him create. He sent the beat to Essie and I and we began writing. We hit studio and the session was even more pumped up. Jokes flying every where, Melodies popping out of nowhere, it was effortless. Fun Fact : Essie went HAM in the booth first. I took my sweet time and finally recorded. We played the rough version till about 5am the next morning and left studio around 12:00 noon. Everyone couldn’t get enough of Essie. And She wanted to rap, yet that’s my job!!! Any-who, from that point till today, response for YOU has been great. We cant thank the listeners enough. Crown ACE promises to deliver. Braaaap !

 JOSH SB (@JoshSBSessions)

YOU was written on a beat I created after CODE challenged me to experiment with African cultural drums some time back so I got right into it and spent two nights in studio trying to craft it. The first attempt to lay down genuine African drums kinda didn’t yield any sensible results because I’d never tried anything of that kind before. It’s until I watched a documentary about the richest African monarch which ended with this amazing west African drum groove that kept pulsing in my mind the whole night till the next day when I hit studio and with that inspiration I managed to lay down an authentic west African drum groove in logic.

The trick was marrying African drums with R&B and hip-hop all at the same time but thanks to my live music background I managed to lay down soft melodic piano work and a liltle bit of groovy electronic sounds (typical of SB) on top of the African drums and of-course the hip-hop groove was the easy part. The recording session was pretty inspiring, fun and tiresome at the same time cause we composed the song right there during the session and spent the whole night arranging and recording (plus a bit of comedy). CODE nailed his bars and Essie surely delivered vocally until she couldn’t deliver no more (laughs). But I must say this is a song where Essie fully expressed who she is musically and I also managed to express myself musically through the musical arrangement of the song where each switch up is a perfect representation of my different musical background.
It’s a crazy jam specially made for pop music fans all over the globe. Big up to all those who spread the word and made noise about it on social media. WE GOT “YOU”

 ESSIE (@Essie256)

The journey to recording of You started with Josh SB creating a beat that was a fusion  of Pop and RnB, something more of a CODE ft. Essie track. CODE however suggested we make it an Essie ft. CODE track to get me back on the music scene and to introduce Crown Ace to the UG music scene as well, an idea we all thought was great! Josh made a couple of adjustments here and there with a fusion of RnB, Soul, House, and Hip-hop which gave it more of an Essie feel. Well I must say, a Crown Ace recording session is always an epic musical turn up except for the part where those guys pick on me (Yes i’m reporting You).

A lot of innovation and creativity is embraced to create a great sound or something never heard before which is easy since CODE, Josh and I are quite syndicated musically. For “YOU” the recording session was between midnight and midday (for the love of music). CODE had the hook written down already (‘obugalo’) and for the rest, it was each man for himself and God for us all. I went in first to voice the hook, wrote my verse while CODE and Josh worked on the intro, recorded my verse while CODE wrote his verse and finally watched CODE record his verse. Josh mixed and mastered to create such a great tune. I’m more than grateful for the support from the fans, feedback, online interaction and reception of the song and urge you to keep sharing and requesting for the song on your favorite request shows. Expect a lot from Crown Ace this year including my EP Sickbeatz n’ soul that i’m currently working on with Josh. Thank you for the support and keep supporting Crown Ace and UG music generally on the map.

Connect With Essie
Twitter:@Essie256
Facebook:Essie



Contact Writer 

Twitter: @TheNinjaFelix 
Facebook: Byaruhanga Felix Felifed 
Email: TheNinjaFelix@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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