We compiled 15 hit songs that we think entertained Ugandans this year. Here’s the full list:
1. Nana – Joshua Baracka
Joshua Baraka’s unique blend of music genres caught Ugandans and the rest of Africa by suprise in his hit song, Nana. Nana was Produced by Axon and the magnificent visuals were directed by Prnz. Nana has garnered over 3 million views on YouTube making it the third most watched Ugandan music video. The video of the remix in which Joshua Baraka featured King Promise, Joeboy and Bien also did well at 1.1 million views.
ALSO READ: Is Joshua Baraka dating Etania?
2. Party – Alien Skin
Alien Skin’s music gained significant attention and popularity after two of his singles, “Towakana” and “Tulabise (Embozi Yo Etambuza Enkola),” went viral. Party video was directed by Urban Foundry and audio produced by Steve Gem. Alien Skin had quite a remarkable year as he held his maiden concert which broke the record of the most attended event at Freedom City.
3. Bailando – Vinka.
Vinka got everyone on their toes with this one, pulling out their best moves and vibes. Bailando was produced by the talented Daddy Andre and video directed by Marvin Musoke of Swangz Avenue. With 4.4 million views on YouTube, it makes this year’s top most watched music videos in Uganda.
4. Balippila Boda – Eddy Kenzo
The Grammy-nominated singer, music executive, president of Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) and founder of Big Talent Entertainment, is the voice behind Balipila Boda; a song that hit hard the airwaves and TV stations this year. Audio produced by Daddy Andre and the creative visuals directed by Pest, Balipila Boda has been Kenzo’s most listened to song off his Blessings Album that was released this year.
5. Tonyt – Rema Namakula
Rema Namakula has a knack for creating catchy melodies that make you want to dance and sing along. Her performances are full of energy and charisma – Tonyt gave us exactly that. It was produced by Nessim Pan and directed by Aaronaire. Tonyt current has over 2.2 million views on YouTube.
6. Salary – Ugaboys
Ugaboys is a music duo that made their breakthrough this year with Salary – produced by DNY Beats and Railroad Pictures being the video director. Salary carries the message of a salary earner who wants to enjoy their hard earned money and Ugandans embraced this sound.
7. Chekecha Remix – Karole Kasita ft. Vinka & Winnie Nwaji
Karole Kasita is known for both her musical abilities and her impeccable sense of fashion. Chekecha Remix is a song that had every Ugandan in chokehold being a suprise collaboration with Swangz Avenue’s very best two female artists in Winnie Nwagi and Vinka. It was produced by Artin Pro and Chemical Beats, visuals were done by Aaronaire.
8. Banana Remix – Fik Gaza ft. Jose Chameleone
Banana is a catchy pop hit with a unique vocal style that’ll make you want to move your body. The upbeat tempo and infectious chorus makes it perfect for letting loose on the dance floor. Originally done by Fik Gaza, Chameleone loved the flow and jumped on it for a remix that became a banger this year.
9. Pretty Pretty Remix – King Saha & Feffe Bussi.
King Saha and Feffe Bussi teamed up on this mega piece. Feffe Bussi a.k.a “the smallest rapper,” brought out his usual rapping flow and King Saha gave it the fine tune with his vocals. The song was originally written by the melodic and talented King Saha – produced by Nessim Pan and directed by Jahlive Studios.
10. Bwe Paba- Fik Fameika & Sheebah
Queen Karma alias Sheebah and Fik Fameic came together to give us this hit song. Fameica is popularly known for showcasing his versatality in different genres including Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Afro Pop and dancehall and his musical debut came in 2015 with “Pistol” under the Black Man Town music label whilst Sheebah made her name under Team No Sleep (TNS) which she later departed and went solo. Bwe Paba is a massive club banger and was produced by D’Mario and Artin Pro and visuals were directed by Jahlive. With over 2.7 million views, Bwe Paba can’t miss on the top 10 list.
11. Believe – Dax Vibez ft. Vinka
Believe took over Uganda with its infectious beat and catchy hooks that make it impossible to resist grooving along. It was produced by Nessim Pan and directed by Aaronaire. Believe is a serious contender for song of the year going by popular opinion.
12. Ebiseera Ebyo – King Saha
When we talk about King Saha’s good music, we talk about a poetic journey that touches the depths of our souls. Ebiseera Ebyo speaks to your heart’s deepest ends and takes you into the memory lane. It was produced by D’Mario and video directed by Zero One Media.
13. Shabada – Ava Peace & Mudra
This collaboration with Mudra D Viral was Ava Peace’s breakthrough song. Mudra is the mind behind many of the country’s popular dancehall songs and its undoubtable Shabada is banger. It was directed by Grate Make Films and produced by Axtra Nation/Don.
14. Cinderella – Anknown ft. Rickman
The song itself is amazing, but the music video takes it to a whole new level. It’s visually stunning, with powerful imagery that tells a good story. Cinderella was produced by Trent Music and directed by the good team at Swangz Avenue. With plenty of years of experience, Swangz Avenue is one of the leading Audio and Film Production Companies in Uganda and East Africa; also specializing in Video production & TV Commericial (TVC) Production.
15. Let It Rain – Chosen Becky
Let It Rain takes number 15 on this list. Chosen Becky has an incredible voice that’s both powerful and soulful. When she sings, it’s like pure magic. Her voice hits those high notes effortlessly and she pours so much emotion into her songs. Let It Rain was written by John Kay, produced by Brian Beats and visuals done by Edrine Paul.
Which has been your song of the year 2023?