It is an everyday thing for deejays to spin records for a crowd in a club, bar, or at an event. However, crafting a song requires a special ear and a knack for creativity—something a few have mastered. From energizing club bangers to melodic pop-influenced tunes, these are some tracks as worked on by deejays featuring vocalists;
Edoboozi Lyo (DJ Slick Stuart, DJ Roja X King Saha)
Since emerging on the scene, deejaying duo DJ Slick Stuart and DJ Roja (the 7 Star) deejay became one of the most beloved deejaying acts in Uganda. From selling out venues at their annual Mixtape Party, the duo stepped into their music offering bag with Eva, a team up with then fast rising singer Ykee Benda. They would later go on to collaborate with other superstars in future. Among these was Winnie Nwagi, Jose Chameleone, Allan Toniks, Rema Namakula, among others on their epic debut star studded 2020 album “Very Wello”. The standout tracks on this album were quite a number, but their track with King Saha, left a forever lasting impression on my heart.
Formula (Selector Jay, Sheeba X Magnom)
One song that I would say lockdown deprived us of enjoying and milking the groove out of was this joint effort by the iconic decks master Selector Jay, Magnom and Sheebah Karungi. The track was recorded at the time the Ghanian resident Magnom was in Kampala (Uganda) for the Guvnor SnapOff second year anniversary in 2018. Known for hits like “My Baby”, and “Sika”, “Formular” was naturally heat upon release.
Loco (DJ Harold, Rema Namakula X Chike)
The track’s sing-along chorus and rhythm as accompanied by Chike’s unmissable vocals and an endearing one-liner was another highlight that solidified ‘Loco’ as one of the best songs of 2021. Not to get me started on the crispy visuals that accompanied the song, by DJ Harold, Rema Namakula and Chike.
Related: Rema Namakula drops surprise Chike collaboration ‘LOCO’
The all vintage- video was shot in two parts, the Uganda cut was by Aaronaire on Set and Chike’s part of the visuals were chopped by Director Pink. What made this release extra special was that it was dropped on the day of Rema Namakula’s birthday.
TIP (Selecta Jeff & Axon X John Blaq, Chenkobe, Denesi, Kohen Jayce)
Selecta Jeff & John Blaq, Chenkobe, Denesi, Kohen Jayce & Axon made urban music magic when they linked in studio and dropped “TIP”. It combined John Blaq’s unique dancehall vocal command, Kohen Jaycee’s calm ensemble of a delivery, and Chenkobe plus Denesi rap prowess, now this, combined with Selekta Jeff’s unique knack for musical innovation and Axon bringing his bag of talent to the table, this song becoming a hit was a no brainer.
Read Also: 6 Axon Produced Songs That Show He Is Not Your Mate
Sunday (DJ Slick Stuart, DJ Roja X Allan Toniks)
A classic in every sense of the word. Sunday was and still is ubiquitous at every event, party and function in 2017, and chances are you’ll hear it on your next night out. DJ Slick Stuart and DJ Roja struck gold with the track, injecting sensuality into their already-intoxicating music formula. We also have to give credit to Allan Toniks’ soft buoyant vocals that complemented the grandeur of the production of Nessim. It has since gone on to become one of the most streamed song in the deejaying duo’s catalog.
Commando (Deejay LL X Beenie Gunter)
Released at the height of Beenie Gunter’s preparation for dropping his debut album ‘No Fear’, Commando looked to usher us into dancing mood. Deejay LL crafted a synth-heavy dance track that gave Beenie Gunter’s silky vocals and patois prowess the space to shine. The track evoked a sense of happiness during a time when we were all felt trapped.
Kampala Whine (Deejay Bryan X Magnom, Ffeffe Bussi)
Avid groove warriors will remember forever excited for this one. Resulting from Magnom’s visit in Kampala, ‘Formula’ alongside Sheebah wasn’t all that the Ghanaian talent singer songwriter recorded. With DJ Bryan riding shotgun and crossing over to tap into his music production juices, the “Sika” crooner joined Ffeffe Bussi for a track ‘Kampala Whine’ that had potential to take Uganda by storm and it did. The inescapable song pumped serious energy into rooms its played.
Honorary Mention:
Dance Well – DJ Shiru X Patoranking
With the growing number of deejays, and evolving music scene, these songs above are proof to this. The scene is yet to witness more Deejays contributing to the music industry, this time with them as drivers in the lead seat, with vocal artists in the co-driver’s seat.
