GNL Zamba

GNL Zamba, born Ernest Nsimbi, (29 January 1986) is a Ugandan hip hop artist who is credited with bringing rap and Lugaflow style of music to mainstream radio and other media in Uganda.[1]

GNL Zamba
GNL Zamba in November 2022
Background information
Birth nameErnest Nsimbitulye Lupiiyazitta Zamba
Born (1986-01-29) 29 January 1986
Uganda
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, musician, songwriter,actor
Instrument(s)Drums, cymbals
Years active2005–present
LabelsBaboon Forest Entertainment,nsimbi music
Websitewww.gnlzamba.com

His stage name, GNL, is short for "Greatness with No Limits".[2] He is the founder and CEO of the independent hip hop record label Baboon Forest Entertainment,[3] which nurtures new talent in Kampala, Uganda. He is also an actor, filmmaker, and ambassador for Ugandan brands and social initiatives.[4][5]

Early life and education

GNL was born on 29 January 1986 in Mukono. His father was an electrical technician and his mother worked for Uganda Transport Company. The family later moved to Kawempe, in Kampala[3] after the Ugandan Civil War.[6] in his secondary school, he was chairman of junior literature club, member of the debating team and head writer of the Kiira Mirror[6].

He later joined Makerere University where he graduated with honours with Bachelors in Environmental Management.[6]

Career

2005 - 2010

In 2005, GNL started his journey in the entertainment industry in Uganda[7] when he was part of the Hip Hop Canvas which was a project organised by Platinum Entertainment's Shadrak Kuteesa,[6] aiming to empower the youth to express themselves.[8] In this project he, together with other artists recorded the award winning song, Mother Africa.[6]

In 2007, he made his debut in the Ugandan musical scene with the song, Soda Jinjale [9].

In February 2009, he performed at the WAPI British Council Initiative and later that month at the Sauti Za Busara in Zanzibar. In April, he performed at the Selam International Music Festival in Ethiopia. In June, GNL performed at the Kwita Izina Gorilla Naming Ceremony in Rwanda[6] and in August, he performed his first concert with the release of his album, Koyi Koyi, comprising eight number one singles[6] which was praised for bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary sound.[10] In September, GNL performed at the Dubai Concerts in the United Arab Emirates and in October, he performed at the Stratford Rex, East London in the United Kingdom.[6]

In September 2010, he performed at the 'We Love Africa Music Festival' in Denmark.

2011 - 2020

In November 2011, GNL returned to United Arab Emirates for the Dubai Concerts[6] and also performed at the 23rd UNAA convention.[11]

In September 2012, he performed at the Selam African Music Festival in Sweden and at GNL Zamba Live in Norway.[6]

In April 2014, GNL had VIP concerts in Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town in South Africa.[6]

GNL then relocated to United States[12]

In April 2016, GNL got his first acting career role alongside Darren Lee Campbell[13][14]

GNL became one of the radio hosts of Coke Studio Radio Hour, which was a program that was part of Coke Studio Africa in August 2017.[15]

In June 2019, his works were nominated at the 17th Independent Music Awards in New York City. These were Best Debut Album (Nsimbi), Best World Beat Song (Leo Ni Leo), Best Narrative Music Video (Dunia Ni Matenbezi) and Best Spoken Word (Acholi Boy).[16] Leo Ni Leo won the Best World Beat song.[17]

In February 2020, he held a lecture in the history of Hip Hop to the music students of Kyambogo University.[18] In July of the same year, GNL, through his record label, Baboon Forest Entertainment, created the "Dear Hip Hop" challenge whose objective was to empower youth through the arts. The eventual winner was Ivan Kaweesa.[19]

2021 - present

In February 2021, GNL returned to Uganda from the USA[20] and in December, he performed in the third edition of the online Tusker Malt Conversessions.[21]

Music style

GNL provides his lyrics in both Luganda and English. He sings in urban Ugandan hip hop style called Lugaflow.[22][2] Lugaflow is rap in Luganda, the indigenous language in Uganda's Central Region. Since the late 2000s, Lugaflow has inspired a new generation of Ugandan rappers to create popular music in their native language.

His musical style was influenced by poets Gil Scott-Heron and Mbuli, Afrocentric musical artists like Eddy Grant and Fela Kuti and hiphop stars like Jay-Z, Nas and Ice Cube.[23]

Social campaigns

GNL participated in Friend A Gorilla, an Oxfam-sponsored campaign about environmental education with the Uganda Wildlife Authority.[24] His song "Story ya Luka" was selected by the Uganda Ministry of Health to headline a 2010 AIDS youth education campaign.[25]

His video collaboration for "True Manhood" with Young Empowered And Healthy (YEAH)[26] Uganda encouraged Ugandan youth to use condoms, and it won the People's Choice Digital Media Award at the 2011 International Entertainment Education Conference.[27]

Over a three-year period, GNL worked with Buzz Teenies to tour Ugandan schools, offering youth mentorship, encouraging social unity and staying in school.[28]

Since 2013, GNL has partnered with Reach A Hand Foundation Uganda to participate in a series of youth edutainment campaigns.[29]

In 2014, the Twaweza Initiative awarded GNL for the positive social impact of his song "We Cry", which speaks about street violence and safe sex.[30] He has been invited to lecture at Makerere University's College of Humanities on oral literature and ethnology.[31]

In June 2020, GNL together with his wife Miriam Tamar, joined the George Floyd protests in the USA.[32]

Personal life

Through the success of his music career, GNL was able to open a sports bar and bought land around Uganda.[33]

GNL Zamba wedded his wife, on 29 April 2018 at Cielo Farms Vineyard, Malibu, California.[34] Together with his wife, who is also a musical artist, they formed a musical group called Nsimbi.[35]

In 2020, Zamba and his wife decided to return to Uganda to settle.[34]

Awards and nominations
Award/organization Year Nominee/work Category Result Ref.
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2005 Best Hip Hop Single Won
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2009 GNL Zamba Best Male Artist Nominated
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2009 Best Single Nominated
Press Association Awards 2009 GNL Zamba Artist of the year Won [36]
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2009 Best Hip hop single Won
Kisima Awards, Kenya 2010 GNL Zamba Best Hip Hop Artist Nominated
Kisima Awards, Kenya 2010 Best single Nominated
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2010 Song of the year Nominated
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2010 Best single Nominated
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2010 Best Group Nominated
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2010 GNL Zamba Best male artist Nominated
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2010 GNL Zamba Artist of the year Nominated
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2010 GNL Zamba Best hood rapper Won
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2010 Best Hip Hop single Won [37]
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2011 GNL Zamba Artist of the year Nominated
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2011 GNL Zamba Best male artist Nominated
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2011 Best single Nominated
Pearl of Africa Music Awards 2011 Best Hip Hop single Won
International Education Conference 2011 GNL Zamba People's choice digital media Won
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2011 Baboon Forest Hottest group Won [38]
Kandanke Awards 2012 GNL Zamba Artist of the year Nominated
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2012 Best Hip Hop single Nominated
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2012 GNL Zamba Best male artist Won
Kandanke Awards 2013 Best Hip Hop single Nominated
Kandanke Awards 2013 GNL Zamba Best male artist Nominated
Kandanke Awards 2013 GNL Zamba Artist of the year Nominated
Kadanke Awards 2013 Best Hip Hop single Won
Kadanke Awards 2013 Best group Won
Club Music Video Awards 2013 Best male video of the year Won [39]
Club Music Video Awards 2013 Video of the year Won
Uganda Buzz Music Awards 2013 Best group Won
Rising Star Awards 2014 GNL Zamba Best Hip Hop artist Nominated
Hipipo Awards 2014 GNL Zamba Best Hip Hop artist Nominated
Zina Awards 2014 Best Hip Hop single Nominated
Twaweza 2014 GNL Zmba Best Social Impact Through The Arts Award Won
256 Hip-Hop Awards 2019 African rapper of the year Won
Independent Music Awards 2019 Nsimbi Best Debut Album Nominated
Independent Music Awards 2019 Leo Ni Leo Best World Beat Song Won
Independent Music Awards 2019 Dunia Ni Matembezi Best Narrative Music Video Nominated
Independent Music Awards 2019 Acholi Boy Best Spoken Word Nominated

Discography
  • Koyi Koyi (Riddles of Life), 2009[40][2]
  • Speaking Vernacular, 2011[41][2]
  • The Renaissance / Uganda Yaffe, 2013[42][2]
  • I Am Zamba / Ceazar, 2014[43][2]
  • Dreaming in Colour (in production 2016)[44][2]
  • The Spear (2020)[2]

Notes

    References
    1. "GNL Zamba / Bio". GNL Zamba / Bio. Reverbnation.
    2. Independent, The (12 November 2020). "'The Spear' tells the story of chaos and peace, love and activism, past and present". The Independent Uganda. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    3. Iragaba, Apollo (26 January 2022). "7 Things You didn´t know about GNL Zamba". Hard Rock Media. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    4. "GNL Zamba lands Hollywood movie role". New Vision. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
    5. Muhindo, Clare. "GNL realises acting dream in hollywood – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos". Retrieved 19 February 2023.
    6. "GNL Zamba | Latest Songs, Videos, Artist News, Lyrics and Biography on ugamusic.ug". ugamusic.ug. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    7. Eupal, Felix (3 March 2013). "GNL proves hip hop still needs his healing". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    8. Abeka, Moses (13 July 2016). "Leading Ugandan hip-hop artists inspire youth at two-week workshop". Music In Africa. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    9. Emukule, Francis (18 November 2022). "Ugandan Producers Killing GNL's Inspiration". New Vision. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    10. Ssejjengo, Emmanuel (23 August 2009). "GNL Zamba lives up to the hype". New Vision. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    11. "UNAA Convention 2011 | Welcome to the Ugandan Diaspora News Online". www.ugandandiasporanews.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    12. N, Gloria (18 June 2020). "G.N.L Zamba Narrates Details of His Life in the US after Relocating from Uganda ⚜ Latest music news online". mdundo.com. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    13. Kushaba, Duncan (15 April 2016). "GNL Zamba lands Hollywood movie role". New Vision. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    14. Najib, Mulema (27 February 2017). "GNL Zamba;From music to poetry". Watchdog Uganda. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    15. Jonathan, Kyeyune Andrew (18 August 2017). "GNL Zamba In Coke Studio Africa As A Host For Coke Studio Radio Hour". Newslex Point. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    16. Atiluk, Nathan (18 June 2019). "GNL Zamba making waves in USA". The Observer - Uganda. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    17. "The 17th Independent Music Awards Winners". Independent Music Awards. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    18. Suipauthor, Pius Twinomugisa (20 February 2020). "Rapper GNL Zamba Lecturing at Kyambogo University". Campus Bee. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    19. Kitimbo, Pearl Elisabeth (21 July 2020). "Ivan Kaweesa Emerges Winner of 'GNL Dear Hip Hop Challenge'". ChimpReports. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    20. Kaxibwe, Gibert (5 March 2021). "GNL's return only makes HipHop stronger-Navio". PML Daily. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    21. Katungulu, Amon (9 December 2021). "GNL Zamba takes fans down memory lane in nostalgic Tusker Malt Conversessions edition". Nile Post. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    22. "Gnl Zamba Uganda Celebrities | Artists". Hipipo.com. Retrieved 13 March 2015.
    23. "GNL Zamba". Kipepeo Agency. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    24. "GNL ZAMBA'S LECTURE @ HIPHOP BOOT CAMP,... - Youth & Hip Hop Uganda | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    25. "Kisenyi dances to safer sex, 20,000 condoms given out". www.newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    26. "Young Empowered and Healthy". yeah.cdfuug.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    27. "YEAH launches True Manhood Campaign « Young Empowered and Healthy". yeah.cdfuug.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    28. "Buzz Group Africa". www.buzzgroupafrica.com. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    29. "Calls for youth-friendly services in health facilities". Calls for youth-friendly services in health facilities. New Vision: Uganda's Leading Daily. 15 September 2014.
    30. "Twaweza recognises artistes with real talent". observer.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    31. "Its GNL Time". www.newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    32. P, Pius (5 June 2020). "Ugandan Rapper GNL Zamba Joins the US George Floyd Protesters". Ekyooto Uganda. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
    33. "GNL's Zamunda to open soon". www.newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
    34. Ray, Lee (26 January 2022). "GNL Zamba, Wife Tamar Shows Off Multi-Billion Investment | PHOTOS". Routine Blast : Gossip, Showbiz , Breaking News in Uganda. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    35. Ninsiima, Julian (18 October 2018). "Uganda's Hollywood star GNL Zamba weds white woman". PML Daily. Retrieved 8 February 2023.
    36. "GNL scoops maiden Arts Press Association award". www.newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    37. "Pearl of Africa Music Awards winners 2010 (Uganda) | Museke". l.fienipa.com. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
    38. "Hip hop dominates Teeniez awards". www.monitor.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    39. "The Observer". www.observer.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    40. "GNL ZAMBA | Music Videos, News, Photos, Tour Dates | MTV". MTV Artists. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    41. "GNL Zamba- Speaking vernacular". www.newvision.co.ug. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    42. "GNL Braces For Renaissance Album Launch | ChimpReports". chimpreports.com. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    43. "THE GNL CEAZAR CONCERT 2014 | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
    44. "GNL Zamba Talks About His Upcoming Album Dreaming In Color - Chano8". Chano8. Retrieved 10 November 2015.
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