KAMULE KUMALO

(If you haven’t read and understood, don’t say a thing.) Ladies and gentlemen of the Northern music scene, let’s gather around and face the painful truth—our industry is in a coma, and if we don’t act fast, we’ll be out here singing for exposure and eating vibes. Back in the golden days of 2006, when I was just cutting my teeth as an MC at Alobo and BlueMango, concerts were a whole experience. Fans came in numbers, 2,000 deep, with love in their hearts and money in their pockets. An artist could walk away with tips as fat as 300k, and getting Lumix on a show meant parting with 1.5M if he liked you! Fast forward to today, and we’re still charging 5k at the gate, but instead of growth, we’re getting more struggle and fewer fans. Now, let’s address the real elephant in the room—poverty is waiting for us at the corner, arms wide open like a long-lost lover. How do we expect to drive Benzes when we’re still stuck on 5k entry fees? Even Rolex prices have g...

Samsung may have pulled the rug out from under us all with its latest teaser at the Galaxy Unpacked event in San Jose. Right when we thought they were finally going minimalist with the rumored Galaxy S25 “Slim,” they dropped a curveball, or rather, the absence of one. Instead of sticking to the “Slim” moniker, Samsung resurrected a branding from the dead—the iconic “Edge.” Yes, ladies and gentlemen, we’re getting the Galaxy S25 Edge. Only... it’s not really “edgy” anymore. Now, before we dive into this branding conundrum, let’s set the stage. The Galaxy S25 Edge is poised to challenge Apple’s rumored iPhone 17 Air in the battle of who can make their phone slim enough to double as a bookmark. At an astonishing rumored thickness of just 6.4mm , the S25 Edge shaves off nearly 2mm from the current S25 Ultra, making it as slender as a wafer (or as some might say, an overly ambitious potato chip). For context, the standard Galaxy S25 sits at 7.2mm, which is practically bloated by compar...

Rihanna’s love life has always been a topic of fascination. From her high-profile relationships with the likes of Chris Brown, Drake, and a Saudi billionaire, to her current partnership with ASAP Rocky, the narrative surrounding her choices has sparked countless debates. Let’s take a closer look at this saga, peppering it with some wit, humor, and a dash of cultural commentary. In her prime, Rihanna was the epitome of allure—beauty, talent, and a billionaire’s net worth to boot. She had the likes of Chris Brown crooning in her honor, Drake making sad-boy anthems about her, and a Saudi billionaire ready to throw the GDP of a small nation at her feet. But as the saying goes, “Time waits for no one.” Rihanna, like everyone else, hit her 30s, faced life’s realities, and decided to settle with ASAP Rocky, a rapper often considered B+ when compared to industry giants like Drake, Kendrick Lamar, or J. Cole. Now, ASAP Rocky isn’t your average Joe. He’s got style, charisma, and a fa...

When Asake signed with YBNL, his decision to bypass legal representation out of trust for Olamide was a testament to his faith in his boss’s intentions. However, fast-forward three years, and the dynamics of the relationship appear strained. Asake’s silence on social media, the deletion of his posts, and his absence from major events—including those organized by YBNL—have sparked rumors of a split. Unfortunately, without proper legal counsel, the contractual terms he agreed to may now pose significant challenges to his departure. This situation highlights an often-overlooked truth in the music industry: contracts are the foundation of an artist’s career. Trust is valuable, but contracts are binding, and their implications often extend beyond the surface. Every artist, no matter their level of trust in their label, needs an experienced entertainment lawyer to safeguard their interests. Below, we explore critical clauses every artist should consider when negotiati...

Judas Rapknowledge, the undisputed rap king of Northern Uganda, has returned in style after a whirlwind trip to London, UK. The iconic rapper, known for his sharp bars and authentic storytelling, received a hero's welcome in Lira today, 21st December, where fans and bikers alike lined the streets to celebrate his homecoming. His second maiden concert, a much-anticipated event, promises to set Glass Lounge ablaze with unforgettable performances and unparalleled energy. This evening, Judas takes center stage, representing not just his personal triumphs but the pride of an entire region. The concert lineup is star-studded, featuring heavyweights like Professor Maros, the soulful Eddy Wizzy, the charismatic Okeng Born Town, and many others who continue to elevate the Northern music scene. Judas Rapknowledge stands tall among his brothers and sisters, embodying the unity and creative spirit of the North. His gritty lyrics and unmatched flow have solid...

The Ugandan Hip Hop Awards 2024 showcased incredible talent, creativity, and innovation within the Hip-Hop Culture. Held at Somewhere Else Bar and Restaurant, the event celebrated 21 categories with the biggest names in Ugandan hip-hop. Here’s a full list of the winners: Q1. Sweet 16 (Verse of the Year) Winner: Stillken Music – “Nile Flow New Stream” ft. Play 01 Q2. Northern Rapper of the Year Winner: Ecee – “More” Q3. Rookie of the Year Winner: Nsokwa - “Where to Start” Q4. Inspirational Song of the Year Winner: Isabirye Mitch - “Mboniire” ft. Kabera Angel, KekoTown & Joses Arins Emanzi Q5. Collaboration of the Year Winner: Ecee - “LEAN” ft. PsychoYP, Rhoma BTW & Zaylevelten Q6. Video of the Year Winner: Lagum the Rapper – “Wacha Maneno” ft. Denesi Q7. Central Rapper of the Year Winner: Big Sam - “Ndi OG Remix” ft. Feffe Bussi Q8. Song of the Year Winner: Ruyonga – “Parte Yani” ft...

The South African music scene has been buzzing with global recognition in recent years, but no star has risen quite as brightly or as quickly as Tyla . Born Tyla Laura Seethal on January 30, 2002, in Johannesburg, this 22-year-old sensation has become a symbol of African excellence on the international stage. With her unique fusion of pop and amapiano —lovingly dubbed “Popiano”—Tyla has charted a course no South African soloist has navigated in decades. A Meteoric Rise Tyla’s journey began humbly, posting covers and original songs on Instagram during her high school years. By 2019, she’d self-released her debut single, “Getting Late,” a track that gained traction locally thanks to its fresh sound and captivating visuals. Her persistence paid off when she signed with Epic Records in 2021, marking her transition from a promising newcomer to an artist with global ambitions. The pivotal moment in her career came with the release of “Water” in 2023, a viral hit that captivated the w...