By Joseph Ssemutooke

FROM a virtual unknown, XOD hit Ugandans like a boomerang last year when he was nominated in the MAMAs (MTV Africa Music Awards,) in the best video category for his maiden song, I Want U Back.

He was up against such names as Nigeria’s 2Face Idibia, Kenya’s Wahu alongside Bobi Wine, and South Africans HHP and Da L.E.S
When the Channel O Spirit of Africa Awards came next, he was the male artiste with most nominations overall — vying for best male artiste, best new artiste and best artiste from East Africa.

He actually won the East African category. Then organisers of the BBA Revolution chose him to be the Ugandan artiste performing at the Big Brother house, which many Ugandans disputed since they did not know him
All that went on while he was based in South Africa studying sound engineering. This year, the Ugandan rapper has decided to shift his base home.

Having returned in December, he has so far released four tracks targeting local listeners. I Can’t Sleep, We Rolling, Nakupenda (which features lyrics in both Swahili and English) and the latest, Nze Nkikola Nzekka, which is a foray into Lugaflow (rap in Luganda).

The rapper’s works owe their hooking power to a very Western quality in rhythm and organisation, punctuated by XOD’s easy ‘flowing’ be it in English or Luganda. And if predictions be allowed, he might be pronounced the next one to join the elite pack of local rappers.

All his songs, complete with videos, have thus far earned relative airplay on both local radio and TV stations.

Actually Nze Nkikola Nzekka, which he released mid last month, is climbing fast on most local charts. Celebrated spin master DJ Shiru says it is one of the best Lugaflow tracks he has heard.

XOD, whose moniker means ‘Extra-ordinary’, says his current plans are all centred on serving the local market. He says he is currently doing collaborations with local artistes Desire Luzinda and Michael Ross.