Uganda’s hip-hop scene is heating up—and it all started with a kingly declaration that didn’t sit well with everyone.
On Wednesday morning, veteran rapper GNL Zamba took to X to hype up his upcoming appearance on NRG Radio. He billed the event as a takeover, boldly proclaiming himself the king of Ugandan hip-hop.
“This evening the King will be Kinging,” he posted. “What’s a Galaxy to a Universe?! Let’s #FillCricketOval June 28th!”
GNL was promoting the upcoming Yenze I Am Hip Hop Festival, scheduled for June 28, 2025, at the Lugogo Cricket Oval. His post, layered with swagger and spiritual energy, was meant to rally fans behind the culture he helped pioneer.
But not everyone was buying it.
DJ Nimrod Fires Back Online
Enter DJ Nimrod—a seasoned voice in Uganda’s entertainment space—who threw cold water on GNL’s royal aspirations with a scathing tweet that went viral within hours.
“Two albums with no single hit in the last 10 years and u say ur the king of Hip Hop,” Nimrod posted. “I will send the smallest rapper to take u back to marriage 😂😂.”
Fans quickly lit up the post with laughing emojis and retweets, reigniting the long-standing debate about who truly deserves the crown in Uganda’s evolving rap game.
From Airwaves to Air Strikes: Fefe Bussi Weighs In
The back-and-forth didn’t begin online. It started days earlier during a Galaxy TV interview, where Nimrod questioned the relevance of diaspora-based rappers, singling out GNL.
“GNL is a wonderful artist, no doubt,” Nimrod told guest Fefe Bussi. “But somehow, he still thinks he’s the king of hip hop.”
He then challenged Fefe: “If I set up a rap battle between you and GNL, how would it go?”
Fefe Bussi didn’t miss a beat.
“I’d first give him his flowers—respect comes first. But after that, I’d obliterate him,” he said, half-joking, half-daring.
He didn’t stop there.
“I’d then show him where the forest shifted,” Fefe said, poking fun at GNL’s Baboon Forest label. “Because Fangone Forest [Alien Skin’s camp] is running things now.”
Studio guests erupted in laughter—but the shot landed hard.
Legacy vs Relevance
GNL Zamba remains a towering figure in Lugaflow history. His work in fusing local languages with hip-hop laid the foundation for a movement.
But today’s rap crown isn’t about history—it’s about momentum.
Artists like King Saha, Azawi, and Alien Skin dominate radio and streaming platforms. Meanwhile, GNL’s recent socially conscious projects—though rich in message—haven’t struck the same chord with today’s younger, vibe-driven audience.
Still, Zamba’s confidence isn’t without merit. The #YenzeIamHipHopFestival2025 could very well be his moment to reclaim ground. If the Lugogo Cricket Oval fills up on June 28, it’ll send a powerful message to both critics and fans.
But in Uganda’s ever-shifting hip-hop arena, respect alone won’t keep you king. You have to show and prove—track by track, bar for bar.
