Composed of rapper G.N.L Zamba and his wife Miriam Tamar is Nsimbi, an Afro-fusion music duo that has continued to loop culture, together with music and fashion.
The Ugandan – American international award-winning duo formed by Ugandan hip-hop pioneer GNL Zamba and American world fusion artist Miriam Tamar met in Uganda in 2012, and have collaborated in Africa and in the United States since.
Building on the acoustic sounds and indigenous instruments of Africa, Nsimbi blends contemporary elements of “Lugaflow”, hip-hop, and spoken word with English/Western songwriting and vocals to merge the traditional with the modern.
As passionate global citizens, Nsimbi create multi-media content and offer workshops tied to the themes of cross-cultural exchange, appreciation, and dialogue explored in their music.
Their most recent release being ‘Mbaga’ which when loosely translated means ‘Wedding’ or “Party”, and on it the couple promise to love each other for eternity.
‘Mbaga’ is what one would describe as an ideal song for a wedding ceremony as you walk down the aisle hand in hand with the person you love to celebrate your union. The affirmations and assurances in between the lines make it worthwhile; as the track highlights the spirit of joy and exuberance that binds lovers together all through its lyrics.
While sharing about the song; G.N.L Zamba recounts that “In most cultures, weddings are an opportunity to connect. It is a riot of colors with explosions of laughter, joy and expression through dance.”
The Kuseim produced project is delivered in both in Luganda, English and a little element of Swahili; and serves as the lead single off Nsimbi’s forthcoming EP ‘Infinity’ that’s set to arrive October, 2021.
On ‘Mbaga’, Nsimbi plays on this analogy to merge two worlds, combining Baganda folklore storytelling and Jewish niggun vocals all on a bed of Zanzibari inspired East African rhythms. The irresistible kidandali baseline provided by the drum kick urges you to dance. It resonates well with African sound.
Its accompanying colorful music video was directed by Matege Rogers around the areas of shores of Lake Nalubale (Victoria) during G.N.L Zamba and Miriam Tamar’s most recent trip to Uganda. Remember when I mentioned that the duo also goes hard on fashion?
Well, the concept and costumes for this particular visual were styled by Kaijuka Abbas; whereas the choreography was executed by Lillian Maximilian.
When the Infinity EP arrives, it is to set to continue Nsimbi’s mission of creating music around the human connection, shared humanity, community, love, positive, and uplifting art.
“We are all here as individuals, with our own journey to follow, but it’s through human connection, shared humanity, community, love that we find meaning. When we love each other, our love transcends time, through generations, through friendships, through communities. We become infinite, as love is infinite.” Says Nsimbi.
The lead editor of this site has also learnt that the EP is to consist of 5 tracks and as a celebration of Ugandan/East African sounds it has been and will be recorded, mixed and mastered in East Africa.
Got to discover NSIMBI after the release of their debut self-titled album back then in 2018, and ‘Mbaga’ indeed lives up to expectations with its grove, and all-round touch of musical perfection. The 2minute 54 second track is out now for streaming and download on all major music services.
Check out its video below:
