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Inside GNL Zamba's return to Uganda

Rapper Earnest Nsimbi Zamba, known as GNL Zamba, has announced his decision to return and permanently settle in Uganda with his family, determined to revive and redefine the nation’s hip-hop culture, which he feels is underutilised and misunderstood.
Earnest Nsimbi Zamba, known as GNL Zamba,
Earnest Nsimbi Zamba, known as GNL Zamba,

Previously, Zamba had hinted at ambitions to break into the film industry and pursue a career in Hollywood. However, he has now shifted his focus to revitalising Ugandan hip-hop.

Read: Friends sank my bar business, had to sell land to relocate to U.S. - GNL Zamba

He believes the genre holds immense untapped potential, describing it as a powerful tool for education, communication, and cultural transformation, particularly for Uganda’s youth.

In a heartfelt social media post, GNL Zamba outlined his vision for uplifting the Ugandan music industry and reshaping hip-hop culture.

The Baboon Forest Entertainment boss announced his plans to purchase a one-way ticket back to Uganda, expressing his commitment to giving the culture a new life, direction, and vision.

Check: Navio: My story with GNL Zamba

“Dear Forest, I’m buying a one-way ticket to Uganda. It is time to give the culture new life, direction, and vision. I observe that hip-hop is way too underutilised, misunderstood, misanalysed, criticised, and mismanaged, yet it has the potential to uplift, educate, communicate, and change the trajectory of the youth and communities, opening up infinite opportunities! I’m coming home—hope to see you all. Together Tunawakilisha.”

Read: Navio confirms GNL Zamba didn’t support his Sheraton concert

Born Ernest Nsimbi, the rapper joined the music industry in 2005 after participating in the Hip Hop Canvas, which was a talent showcase campaign organised by Platinum Entertainment, owned by music promoter Shadrak Kuteesa.

G.N.L. Zamba moved to the U.S. in 2014. Born in 1986, he debuted on the Ugandan music scene in 2007 with his classic Soda.

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