ARTICLES

REVIEW: The NIWE AKEINE EP

Published

3 years ago

February 20, 2022

By @TheCountMarkula

Akeine started her professional musical journey about a couple of years ago and has not looked back since. She has dropped singles like “Wanted” and “Mpumuza”. She has also featured on a number of tracks, including 1der Jr’s “Gonja” and Ch!ef’s “Harre”, where she killed the hook. A couple of weeks ago, she announced the release of her self-titled E.P (Niwe Akeine) and we were eager to listen to whatever she and Axon had managed to cook up.

As The Tribe UG, we got our first sneak peek into her E.P when we went to The Meat Guy to watch Akeine perform alongside Lagum and Joshua Baraka. Together with Lagum, she delivered a stellar performance of “Uninspired”, which is the first track off the project. A week later, we got to see them perform the same song at her listening party at Tavern Breeze, where she explained that the song was written at a time when she was feeling rather uninspired. If that is what she can come up with while uninspired, I wonder what she will be able to do at the peak of her inspiration.

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The project includes five other songs, featuring artists like Joshua Baraka, Denesi, Walter Yt, Gideon Roots, and the spoken word poet, Ssebo Lule. She takes us through a variety of singing and writing styles, showing off her musical range. Akeine played and performed all the tracks off the E.P at her listening party in Najjera, drawing praise and applause from the crowd for each one of them, especially “Correct” (which reminds me of some of the music that Ekky used to make) and “Legeza” which features Denesi and Walter Yt.

On Friday 18^th February 2022, the project finally dropped. I have personally taken my time to internalize it. I have watched the songs performed live, I’ve played them in the office, I’ve played them while chilling with friends, I’ve played them in the shower, I’ve played them on the road… The vibe is always right. Kudos to Akeine for dropping a debut project that shows so much potential, and has us looking forward to seeing what else she will deliver further down the line as she continues to grow into her musical career.

I have read a number of positive reviews on social media, but I would like to say something about one of the songs that is not being mentioned as much; Akeine and Joshua Baraka teamed up to deliver “Carry On”. The song is well written, the vocals are well-executed, and the musicality is great! However, beyond all this, there is a message to which we can all relate. At the listening party, Akeine mentioned that this message of the need to carry on/keep it going/never give up should be something with which every artist in our music industry is familiar. Just as she says in the song, we can only hope that Akeine will continue to put in 100% and leave no room for regret!

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It would be unfair to complete this without saying a bit more about Axon! I do not know if people have realized the fire that this man is bringing to the industry. It is true that Axon is surrounded by a number of talented artists, but it takes a good producer to harness this talent and make it into the musical gold that he keeps delivering. Check the stats! Axon is not just the producer behind the Niwe Akeine project, he has produced some of our favorite songs on both Kohen Jaycee’s Wena and Wena II projects, as well as a number of great songs by Rulz, Lamu, Cxnrvd, Denesi… One could easily make a good “Heyo Axon” playlist, and it would definitely be a vibe!!!

If I had to pick my favorites;
Track 4: Correct (“…why you lying through your teeth? squeaky clean, yet you fill them up with filth…”)
Track 5: Carry On ft. Joshua Baraka (“…was it the wish I threw in the well, was it magic or a spell..”)
Track 6: Legeza ft. Denesi & Walter Yt (“…Legeza, Legeza, legeza, legeza, legezaaa…”)

Check out the project HERE and let us know what you think.

Related Topics:akeine axon ep Joshua Baraka Lagum new music

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ARTICLES

Kohen Jaycee’s ‘Gundeze’: A Soulful Anthem of Love.

Published

2 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

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.

ARTICLES

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

Published

2 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

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.

ARTICLES

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

Published

2 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

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!