Hanging out with GNL Zamba

Sep 16, 2010

BECKY Ciita, a student at Kyambogo University and Owen Yayo, a student of Eagles Nest Secondary School are fans of rapper GNL Zamba. The two fans got a chance to hang out with the artiste on EID day.

BECKY Ciita, a student at Kyambogo University and Owen Yayo, a student of Eagles Nest Secondary School are fans of rapper GNL Zamba. The two fans got a chance to hang out with the artiste on EID day. They told Pidson Kareire what happened between them and GNL Zamba.

Occupation: Students.
Favourite music: Whereas Becky loves hip-hop and R&B, Owen loves Lugaflow (hip-hop in Luganda), but both are fans of GNL Zamba.

What do you like about GNL Zamba?
First of all, he brought hip-hop to the fore-front in Uganda. Secondly, he sounds natural and real unlike some rappers who stuff some meaningless Jamaican Patios in their songs, which makes their music meaningless.

His music is message-laden and at the same time entertaining. Besides, he developed our local hip-hop and it is now recognised as Lugaflow.

When did you become his fans?
It is not long ago because he has also just become a star. The song he sang with Meckenzie and Rabadaba rocked. We listened to the song and longed to see the singers. After we discovered he was the lead singer, we never looked back.

Had you ever talked to him before this?
No. We had never got a chance. Every time we come near him after music shows, he is mobbed by other fans, making it difficult for us to express our love for him. We are grateful. This has been the greatest opportunity for us to express our feelings for him and his music.

So, what did you expect of him?
First of all, we wanted him to know that we are his diehard fans of his so that whenever we meet or wave, he can return the compliment with ease.

Besides, not everyone is given this opportunity to sit so close to these stars. It was a great honour to dine with him. We did not expect it at all.

How was your meeting?
It was great. The whole experience with him was so nice. We met at Copper Road, Kisementi. We had a drink at Fat Boyz and went down to Chillies Takeaway for food.

It felt nice when he caught the attention of the other customers. Some waved at him. We enjoyed this all the way.

Did you rehearse what to do before meeting him?
No. But so many questions lingered in our minds; we wondered what topic we would discuss with him; how to avoid annoying him; and who should dominate the conversation. However, it was easy. He initiated all the conversations and we had no space for worries.

Any disappointment?
Yeah. He is a poor time keeper! He made us wait for four hours. Although he apologised; it does not exonerate him.

What dominated your talk?
His upcoming album. He has a new album he mastered abroad. He talked about it so much. In fact, he tantalised us. We are now eager to listen to it.

We also talked about his fiancée, rival artistes and his future plans. He assured us that his future is bright because his Baboon Forest Record Label is in control.

Did you notice any odd mannerism abou him?
He frequently jeers and stammers a bit.

What will you remember about meeting GNL Zamba?
The way he defended his fiancée about the rumours they pile on her was an indication that he will make a great family man. Secondly, conduct was paramount; he bowed to everyone including the beggars on the street.

Has the meeting heightened your love for GNL?
Yes. He did a live rap for us. This disproved all the rumours we have heard that he cannot rap live. Today, if someone says something false about him, we can defend him because I know him better than many other Ugandans do.

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