2021 has been definitely an exciting year for Ugandan music.
Right from the top of the year, we saw both new and established make their mark with songs that would soundtrack the nation's airwaves, functions, and nights for months to come and the Un weathering hope that we would get out of the lock down: In 2021 we got to experience a ziza Bafana comeback , deejays and artists on the same song, numerous solid collaborations, and bop after bop by old and new artists alike.
We also saw the rise of brand new artists, starting from the likes of Martha mukisa making debut , to Mudra’s widespread kidandali anthem.
As far as projects go, 2021 was a good year for that in the Local music space as well. We were blessed with an Albums from Eddy kenzo, an album by the superstar Ykee Benda and talented Azawi’s debut album among several others.
Ugandan music has been stepping its game up lately, and there's only one way to go from here. Below, we give you the rundown on some of the songs that stole ears and hearts and set the pace for the country's sound this year.
Mudra opened the year with a dancehall banger that completely dominated the first quarter of 2021 and then some. An infectious single with lyrical content very singable for party goers. The artist consolidated his entrance to the mainstream with this one, blessing us with a wavy party anthem at the same time. Mudra displayed ease and charm on through the song, a touch we expect to see from him for a long time.
In what has probably been the most notable debut in Ugandan music this year, Liam voice got his lucky break with his rnb single that had many fans on TikTok recording short video clips singing to his song.
The smooth voiced singer went to the studio and the rest is history, as this one song became the gateway to what is now a thriving music career.The faint shrill in Laim’s voice, as head in “omwoyo” appears genuinely interested in the emotion it's conveying: one about the pains of love.
This is love by Rema ft the Ben
"This is love by Rema draws from images of a lake shore chills, dinner and road trips to convey longing for a lover and the way they ought to share this feeling. The neat and playful writing, when sung in her feather-soft falsetto, makes for seductive listening.
The dancehall lyrical master ziza bafana’s first single for the year not only delivered a dope tune, but did something more notable: it ended his dry spell and returned him to the top of the charts, a spot he once used to dominate.
A fun,dancehall tune reminiscent of the likes of elephant man, konshen brought Bafana back in the ears and hearts of Ugandan music fans once again, hopefully to stay there this time.
Producer Daddy Andre come singer with his propulsive bass drum that is varied with melodic astral effects in the hit song"mwana wabandi," which sees him join many top charts this year. Even with controversy flooding his name he managed to reach out to his fans ears one may think in a bid to heal their hearts of all rumours.
Banange by Ykee Benda & Lydia jazmine
This year, superstar Ykee Benda hit us with a full length album titled Kirabo. He also dropped visuals for this smooth afrobeats cut from the project, that's yet another display of the musical chemistry between the the once upon a time bold headed singer and the melodius vocalist Lydia. "Banange" is a new wedding playlist staple from the two industry titans, much to the pleasure of their fans.
Self proclaimed king of the east and a Mayanja brother Pallaso is a force to reckon with. This year he injected his fans with a sultry love song “Nalonda nemala”The infectious song features mellow verses as he sings about a woman who has captivated his hearts.
The upbear filled song has an afrobeat sound that has become an anthem for lovers. "Nalonda nemala " which in direct translation means I finally choose is dedicated to every lover that listens.
A solid contender for biggest hip-hop song of the year, Fik famiaka delivered an unsuspecting hit that shot like a lightening bolt into the stratosphere. "Lov lov” saw the lovestruck rapper make a case for his woman's love and affection.
One is tempted to wonder whether the song's success is due to its quality or, at least partly, due to the fact that unrequited love is a widely relatable experience.
Feeling by Grenade official & Lydia Jasmine
The lyrics on Grenade and Lydia jasmines "Feeling" are earnest confessions, sung with a drawl that is common to both artists and right on trend with the current taste for the musicality of untraditional singing voices.
Grenade took dared himself to a collaboration to deliver an afrobeats ballad titled "Feeling." This time around he hooked up with Lydia Jasmine m, as the duo took turns singing their hearts out, detailing their affections for the one they chose. "Feeling" is probably Grenade’s biggest song the year.
singer Azawi delivered what is one May now say the biggest song of her career." "My year" is an Afro pop ballad in which the songwriter come artist delivers a conscious message, speaking out against low self esteem and encouraging listeners in self belief this message one that is needs wide spread in songs like this one.
After a good while of big talent fans incessant requests for new material from their king, elite afro beat sensation Eddy Kenzo finally released a new project. The Alpha album “made in Africa”featured 21 songs of brand new material as well as a our standout pick from the project is his posthumous fans favorite “weekend”.
Eddy Kenzo allows his vocals ample room to shine, much to the nostalgia and joy of many Ugandan. The simple lyrics and danceable beats are facts one cant hide from.
Boy fire by selecta Jef ft sheebah.
Master on the turntables selector Jeff scored what is probably the biggest collaboration of 2021 so far. Recruiting sheebah this collaboration saw the duo display a surprising level of chemistry.
Sheebah also channels her vocal influences, delivering a flow that could rival the best of performances by any female African dancehall act.
The proven musicality in Selecta Jef's choice of beat adds good texture to Sheebah’s dancing traits as they both gave their fans a club banger.
Body by Nince Henry and spice Diana
“Oli byaddala mubiri n’ekiwato matendo" reads the lyrics on Nice Henry’s verse of this song which is loosely translated as having a natural body. The track is full of arresting lines addressing the beauty of a woman and encouraging them to be proud of their bodies and not necessarily have to go to extremes to impress anyone. The Changing vocal approaches by spice Diana add flavour to the song and tastefully costumed video continue to make the song a very watchable artist.
Sango by Martha Mukisa and Eddy Kenzo
Black magic entertainment signee Martha Mukisa delivered an exceptional joint with this one. Titled "Sango," the singer issued an afrobeats song with heartfelt danceable beats to introduce her to the local industry.
Teaming up with Eddy Kenzo, the newcomer impressed with her songwriting and vocal performance, leaving us with a song that will definitely stick in your head for longer expected.
