Renowned Ugandan rapper, graffiti artist, and painter Kijanah Mcee has officially announced the upcoming release of his highly anticipated studio album, ‘Hip-hop Yenze’ (literally translated from Luganda as “Hiphop Is Me”). True to its title, the new project embodies the artist’s multithronged hiphop-leaning persona as both an emcee and a visual painter.
The upcoming album will feature 10 tracks in an MP3 audio format. While an official release date has yet to be finalized, Kijanah Mcee has revealed that hip-hop enthusiasts will have two physical media options to purchase and support the project.
‘The album will be distributed on both branded custom USB flash drives and traditional CDs,’ he affirmed.
The Brains Behind The Project:
The sound engineering for ‘Hiphop Yenze’ features artists among local hip-hop circles from Kampala to Jinja City. While the tracks were built by an extended lineup of studio producers including Yung Jey Basalesale, Andrew Atiku Tamale (Sayanide), 207 On The Beat, and the late producer Drift (R.I.P)—the entire 10-track project was unified in post-production, having been mixed and mastered entirely at Portbell Drive Studio by Nase Avatar.
Lyrically, the album brings together notable names in Ugandan hip-hop. Listeners can expect verses from legendary Ugandan emcee Lyrical G, alongside prominent lyricists such as OG Shemyb, Corp Zak, and Spyda Mc. Notably, Spyda Mc delivers a guest feature on Track 7, titled (Ntambuza) Rap.
In keeping with Kijanah Mcee’s philosophy that visual art is inseparable from hip-hop culture, the visual presentation of the album jacket and CD covers has received meticulous attention. The artwork was brought to life by Hussein Hude (Wude) and the artist’s own design arm, Kijanah Graphics.
Going Back in History:
Born Locolo Emmanuel, Kijanah Mcee’s roots trace back to Mutungo and Kitintale, neighborhoods in Kampala that have heavily inspired his urban storytelling. His career began at Crane High School, where he sharpened his delivery through raw freestyle sessions and cyphers among peers before moving onto the broader Ugandan hip-hop scene.
In 2017, he enlisted at the Bayimba Hip Hop Boot Camp, an intensive artistic incubator that refined his performance, lyricism, and networking within the Ugandan music industry. Not long after, Kijanah Mcee began capturing the attention of regional radio and television stations following the success of his standout single ‘Nkikozze’, which earned him critical media rounds on platforms like Urban TV.
Over the years, his identity has remained tightly bound to the raw street aesthetic. He is widely recognized among underground rap circles for his signature ‘Nva mu ghetto’ (I’m from the ghetto) branded hoodies, a moniker that also birthed his previous Nva Mu Ghetto Mixtape/EP projects as well as his distinct aesthetic of wearing branded wooden chains.
His musical catalog is highlighted by his popular street anthem ‘Nakitto’ (sometimes released as Love Ya Nakitto), alongside other notable releases like Mama and Boda Boda, all rooted in the Lugaflow style of rap.
A Peek Into The Album:
Even before the official audio is out, the album title of ‘Hip-hop Yenze’ and the official tracklist tell us volumes to classify it as a cultural album.
- Track 1: K.I.J.A.N.A.H
Opening the album with a self-titled acronym, this introductory track is set to be a definitive manifesto where Kijanah spells out exactly who he is, tracing his steps out of the dusty streets of Mutungo to the brim of Kampala City.
- Track 2: Kika Buka (This Is Real)
Translated as “This is real,” expect Kijanah to double down on the authenticity of his street roots on this track.
- Track 3: Hip-Hop Yenze (Hiphop is Me) [ft. Lyrical G]
By casting Lyrical G, Kijanah is not just boasting; he is claiming his seat at the high table of Ugandan hip-hop. This song promises validation to the bold claim that he is the culture.
- Track 4: My Son
This track will likely touch themes of legacy, fatherhood, or mentorship.
- Track 5: Rap Anyuma (Rap is Entertaining) [ft. Corp Zak]
Rap Anyuma is poised to be an upbeat, high-energy anthem reminding heads why they fell in love with Lugaflow in the first place.
- Track 6: Ki Kyolowoza (What Do You Think?)
A direct, provocative question thrown straight at the listener and critics alike. This track is expected to be a mid-album conversational piece, breaking the fourth wall to challenge societal norms, industry gatekeepers, or the current state of Ugandan music.
- Track 7: Ntambuza Rap (I Move/Live Rap) [ft. Spyda Mc]
Literally meaning “I move rap” or “I live rap,” it promises to showcase the grind of an artist who carries hip-hop as a daily lifestyle.
- Track 8: Nkwagala (I Love You) [ft. Fred Ssonko]
On the surface, ‘Nkwagala’ reads like a conventional love ballad, especially with Fred Ssonko on board.
- Track 9: Mbookye (Should I Burn You?)
This track is likely where Kijanah unleashes his most ruthless bars, ready to scorched-earth fans, rival emcees or doubters who have questioned his consistency.
- Track 10: Obuwala Obutono (Slim Girls)
Closing out the project, Kijanah wraps up with a track alluding to slim girls with striking body figures.
For more information about the album or business, reach out to @Mcee_Kijanah on Facebook or WhatsApp +256756786490
3 Responses
Kijanah will premier the album on Radio City 97 FM this Saturday 24th. Stay tuned…
We gonna support this album coz we r hiphop
We gonna support this album coz we r hiphop