With the local music industry hoisting up steam post-pandemic, there has been an intense energy shift in the music we are hearing from the different artists all over the country. From sharpness in lyrical content to their vocal prowess to fast-paced drum and bass, this new wave of artists aren’t here to mess around.
Below are the Top 10 Ugandan artists we think you should keep an eye on in 2023.
Grenade official a singer and fashionista is a born storyteller, drawing strength on his musical journey along with influences from an experienced manager in Jeff kiwa. He released his crowd swaying single “Babandana” a heady concoction of juddering rhythms and infectious hooks last year that got many listeners of all age brackets changing their lingua. This was followed by “picha”, a collaboration with fellow team no sleep artist at the time Pinky that appeared on number one on many chats. Don’t mess with him he is here to make a statement in the industry.
This particular act is a riot, ushering in a new era of bright, bold ghetto sound. Alien skin is the man we are referring to. He launched his first songs on TikTok and didn’t stop releasing song after song sending his fans into a frenzy. Snapped up by his single Danger, he’s managed to maintain his style with similar sensibilities on songs such as “tonsijukiza lockdown”. With his combination of comic lyrics which he says is inspired by gum-chewing insouciance, Alien skin has the potential to keep the waves wafting his pockets with cash if he takes the right route on how best to sale himself to the stakeholders with money.
In the first flush of a drum and bass resurgence comes there is only one man that rings in the mind, Daddy andre, a producer and singer who is signed to Black market records. He continues to draw an inevitable crowd to listen to him, thanks to the way he melds different styles from old school and ragga not forgetting R&B and electronic music. Yet his style is that touch breezier, with perky beats and shuffling rhythms blending with intelligent lyrics about love in “ndikadiwa nawe” which seems speaks self-sabotaging behavior as he never stays with one partner for a long time. You can hate him or love him but 2023 be aware for Daddy Andre fire.
Bonding over a mutual adoration for his unique vocals, John Black tried his best with his song “follow” the previous year. You can owe this unusual circumstance of little fame throughout 2022 because of his break away from his former management. He however stood firm and broke through with a single. 2023 we expect a learned artist who comes in with better music and tactics to wow the fans
.jpeg)
Jowy Landa has already had a promising start, with powerful debut a few years back, a said manager in Dj Roja and an ear soothing collaboration with Grenade. The songress tackles everything from testicles to the tracks she sings on and with her vocals you can’t fail to identify she’s a front woman 2023
Following the success of their breakout single “Do me”, singing duo kateleya and Kandle broke through as the Rising Stars of 2022 at least here at nowviba.com. They have shrugged off comparisons to HB toxic, but there’s no question that they are helping to fill a void left by the fellow girl group after we haven’t had any on the scene for a long time. Their R&B influences will delight millennials everywhere, while their empowering anthems and sense of fashion are bench mark for the TikTok generation. Our prediction? They could be just the ticket for cracking the market this year.
Carol nantongo in 2022 was kissed by luck and a creative sound brings something new to the table. The female artist started by being branded a band musician. Since the release of “tukigale”, featuring Eddy Yawe the artist has achieved industry attention and support slots for shows allover the country. Carol’s youthful sense of fashion is a much-needed antidote to those who think band artists cant cross from down town audience to uptown crowd. Last year, she took on her talent and produced “oliwa”, no doubt leaving Ugandans hungry for more. This year we hope she can quench the fans thirst.
Mudra had no intention of being an artist as a song writer. There is little to explain especially that his art speaks loudest ever since he held the mic to voice his pen work. There is no doubt that year in year out he has been giving our sound waves great tracks. Better yet he is maturing vocally, stage performance wise, and lyrically. With the urge to cross borders he is a force to reckon with. With songs like “balo balo” an abstract art piece 2023 is Mudra’s year.
Vinka was born out of a swangs avenue project. Now, thanks to good mentorship, her obedience, hardwork, luck Vinka is one artist one can’t write off even after a year of resting. The previous year she had two good tracks in “fimbo” and “one bite”. This kind of music can play from 6am to 6pm and 6pm to 6am. Be it dance force or listening pleasure. She is layered with quality. 2023 give her all the time to serve all she has been cooking in her time of motherhood and the audience have warmly welcomed her thus far.
Azawi’s debut album was one of the best of the year. “African music” is a coming-of-age future classic. The swangs avenue signee, who just off the back of a very success album concert, combine afro beat and pop-infused groove with stories of growth, hope and love. Across the 16 tracks, Azawi’s storytelling is met with ambitious melodies that nod to the likes of Radio, Irene Namubiru’s energy among others. And with a new 2023, among female acts she is surely leading the race
