ARTICLES

REVIEW: Bikaaye (MTN Pulse Cypher Winners) – MooTowNoh, Triggah, King Missy, Ebrahim Soul’o, Matt Travers.

Published

3 years ago

October 3, 2022

In life and business, it is common that you will be asked who you know or who knows you. Who have you worked with? What important person can you call right now, and they will most certainly pick up the phone?

In music, the same applies but more in terms of “who endorses you.” When your answer is a hefty name like MTN Uganda, you won’t have to over sell your story, you will be given more than enough time to tell it.

MTN Uganda under their MTN Pulse youth brand that has continuously created a platform to elevate UG Hip-Hop. At their latest stage of this relationship, they have taken it a little bit further.

Where we used to get a beat and have up and coming rappers deliver their best bars and eventually crown a winner; MTN Pulse has given this rounds’ top 5 rappers studio time and a chance to demonstrate that it isn’t just about sweet 16s.

The result of this studio time is a song title Bikaaye.

Produced by the legendary Benon Mugumbya of the musical and events power house Swangz Avenue, Bikaaye features MooTownoh, Triggah, King Missy, Ebrahim Soul’o and Matt Travers. These 5 rappers are the cream of the latest edition of the MTN Pulse Cypher.

The theme on Bikaaye was an excellent choice. The rappers talk about our current financial, political, social and even relationship situations. Bikaaye loosely translated means “things are tough, the situation is dire.” The 5 rappers all put their best foot forward and they stay on course to deliver very captivating verses.

MooTownoh brings reference to very painful topics like the recent fuel prices and how we have downgraded from Tequila to Sodas now. This all leads you into a verse you will enjoy because you have at least been in more than 2 scenarios he raps about – so you get it! Bikaaye is also the first time we are hearing him deliver a verse impressively fused with Luganda and English.

Triggah delivers the second verse and the language diversity takes it to a whole new dimension. I honestly don’t know what he was saying, but the flow is why we enjoy listening to rappers from all cultures. Triggah was the overall winner of this Edition and his creative choice to keep it native is why he is such an appealing talent. This is best experienced when you listen to his “AfriKan DNA” EP.

We get to the chorus. A beautifully done hook by a mystery voice. A glorious mystery voice. The voice is a spell and throughout the hook you will forget what the song is actually about. You will be in a trance, eyes closed, enjoying the highs and the lows of the vocals, you will only remember that you don’t have yaka when you open your eyes after hook. In that moment, you run out of power.

Then you will go like… Eh! Eh! Eh! ebintu Bikaaye…

King Missy comes third and she is all about her money. She wants whatever you owe her even if it’s UGX 100. That’s exactly where we all are. We are either defaulting or chasing someone we lent some money to. Her performance is notable. She is fresh off an EP “Saved For 18” and seeing her already lending her skills to projects with other artists is the growth we love to see.

Ebrahim tells us about the inevitable social inequality. We have folks that can afford extravagant displays like billboards for their weddings, while there is another group that cannot afford chapati. This 4^th verse is delivered with such playful charm that it’s easy to follow and you will likely find yourself humming to it the next time you buy a chapati.

The hook returns and you drown in the vocals ignoring the landlord’s text until the song is done.

Matt Travers is the closing verse and my personal favorite. For this one, he takes pole position – to borrow a reference from his verse. I am always impressed by how articulate and audible he is – this is definitely one of his greatest strengths. It’s best demonstrated on “Over the Moon” with Akeine and it pleasantly returns here. His delivery makes him so easy to listen to and thoroughly enjoy. The arrogant confidence when he says “I make it look easy to you, right?” is captivating and the sort of conviction you want from a young rapper that has the talent to back up that energy.

The hook wraps up the entire presentation beautifully and you are off to reflect on how indeed “ebintu Bikaaye”.

Over all, these 5 rappers are an act you should independently keep on your radar. Look out for the projects they have coming. They have been through the hands of some of the best mentors in the industry, we expect no excuses.

Bikaaye is a testament of what they are capable of. All of them have tracks out there and listening to them it comes to no surprise that they have won the fans votes and the judges’ verdict.

Congratulations to them and a big thank you to MTN Pulse for continuously promoting the UG Hip-Hop culture.

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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!