Luweero town, found within the vicinities of Buganda region, is a hub of Ugandan hiphop culture since the genre bustled in the local mainstream over a decade ago. Nestled amidst the naturally tranquil landscapes of Central Uganda, the bustling town of Luweero is a melting pot of talent and culture. Luweero town is located approximately 62 kilometres, by road, north of Kampala, Uganda’s capital and largest city, on the highway to Masindi. It is a town in the Central Region of Uganda, the main municipal, administrative, and commercial center of Luweero District.
It is here, in the heart of Luweero, that the dynamic hip-hop collective known as Kriminal Kase finds its roots. Embodying the spirit of the region, Kriminal Kase is true to the ingenuity and passion thriving in Uganda’s rural communities.
At the forefront of this musical revolution are two exceptional talents, L2G and 207. Their bond is forged in the crucible of shared experiences, having gone over the corridors of the same secondary school and grown up within Luweero’s environs. This shared history imbues their partnership with an undeniable chemistry. L2G, born Luswata Gerald, burst onto the scene with his groundbreaking album, ‘Nva Luweero’, in 2017. This groundbreaking 18-track album, his magnum opus, not only showcased his lyrical prowess but also served as a heartfelt homage to his hometown. The titular track, ‘Nva Luweero,’ is an ode to the impending beauty and resilience of Luweero. It employs stark imagery of area’s landscapes and the intimate memories of childhood friendships forged. With tracks like ‘Kaleeba,’ ‘Shamim,’ and ‘Rap Kyekino,’ L2G effortlessly captured the pride of Luweero, while also paying homage to neighboring towns like Wobulenzi and Bombo.
Currently, L2G has embarked on his next musical odyssey with the upcoming album, ‘Kibuuka Omumbaale’. Inspired by the legendary African folk hero known for his stoppered courage and commitment to his peoples’ welfare, this project promises to open deeper into the rich history of African heritage. It showcases L2G’s signature fast-flowing Luganda rap style. With accolades such as the Lyricist of the Year award under his belt, L2G continues to carve out a niche for himself as one of Uganda’s preeminent wordsmiths.
Meanwhile, 207, also known as David Walusimbi, brings his versatile talents to the fore as both artist and producer. Beyond his musical pursuits and endeavors, 207 is a sports enthusiast and avid photographer. 207’s passion for sports, particularly football, shines through in his musical work. Through his trademark producer tag, “207 On The Beat – Bibiri Musanvu,” derived from his school time nickname at his ordinary level finals, he carries the synergy between music and football promotion.
With a firm belief in the symbiotic relationship between music and football promotion, 207 advocates for local musical content and endeavors to leverage music marketing to boost football domestically. His dedication to showcasing local talent is evident not only in his music but also in his choice to exclusively don locally-based club jerseys.
In addition to his contributions to Kriminal Kase as a producer and rapper, 207 has crafted an extensive repertoire of songs spanning various genres, including hip-hop. Tracks such as “Yasamira Eyo,” “Underground Meets Mainstream,” “Mean,” “Mwana Gwe,” “Yenze Mulekwa,” “Mawulire Mabi,” “Kayinja Mugato,” and the latest release, “Dear Zamba (The Write Back)”, showcase his versatility and creative prowess.
Together, L2G and 207 epitomize the spirit of Kriminal Kase, a force to be reckoned with in Luweero’s burgeoning hip-hop scene. With their shared roots, individual talents, and dedication to the craft, they continue to push the boundaries of creativity both locally and beyond, while leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape of Uganda and beyond.
