As her very first release of the year, multi-talented neo- soul singer, song writer and composer Kamanzi shared a new single last week. Titled “Nokaaba”, the track ushers yet in another era for Kamanzi, reinforcing her signature soulful sound, bringing listeners into a journey of self-awareness while breaking free of the chains that other people’s expectations can have on us.
Among the many striking aspects of the song is its song artwork. It has Kamanzi’s face sketched across a stained glass, an art form commonly seen in catholic churches. The design is used in churches as a symbol of the divine light of God that was manifested by the coming of Jesus, who was a representation of Light, hope, truth, love, and life. It’s also a symbol of Christ himself, as he is often referred to as the “Light of the World.” The artwork is therefore symbolic to Kamanzi and her leaning to Jesus as her stronghold is.
“Nokaaba” mirrors Kamanzi’s personal growth and evolution, beautifully aligning with the theme of standing your ground (beliefs and choices) for explaining yourself all your life to other people has a way of taking an emotional trail on you.
Reflecting on her own experience with this, the “Beautiful Reality” singer shared that having grown up and sang in church most of her life, the moment she hit major stages like Blankets & Wine, Jameson sponsored events plus Roast and Rhyme (which are predominantly liquor sponsored events), her artistry, intent and passion were judged and misunderstood and so she drew the line on that.
For me, this realization came through my love for music. Growing up in a space where my gift was nurtured, I was celebrated— until I stepped beyond the boundaries others had drawn for me. The moment I started performing outside the church, my intent was questioned, my artistry judged, and my passion misunderstood. What was once embraced became a source of controversy.
The multi-faceted singer goes on to note that “Nokaaba” is more than a song to her. It is her speaking on behalf everyone who feels trapped and suffocated by the expectations of family, community, a workplace or even societal norms.
She states:
But Nokaaba is bigger than my personal story. It speaks to anyone who has ever felt trapped in the expectations of family, community, workplaces, or even societal norms- and we all have been on either side of the fence time and time again. It’ s about those moments of frustration— when you’ve argued, resisted, and fought for your truth, only to find yourself emotionally drained. That breaking point, where all that’ s left is vulnerability, is what “Nokaaba” captures. The title itself, meaning “… and then you cried,” reflects that emotional release, the moment when words fail and feelings take over, and all you can do to bring yourself back to yourself is: (i) Take deep breaths (ii) Say a prayer (iii) Remember your moral- compass . ( for Kamanzi, hers is the Lord Jesus Christ, otherwise referred to in the song as Sweet Jesus).
The DNY Beats produced track is a call to let go of the double standards that shape so many of our interactions. It’ s a reminder that people will always have opinions, but staying true to yourself matters more. “Nokaaba” isn’t about seeking approval— it’ s about embracing the journey, standing firm in your choices, and finding peace beyond the noise.
Kamanzi signs off her note echoing; “As I continue to share my music, this song stands as a statement of resilience, a moment of release, and an anthem for anyone who’ s ever had to push back against expectations that were never theirs to carry.”
The warm introspective piece is a reminder that you are not alone, and that there is peace somewhere, out of you conforming to societal or communal standards, captured in Kamanzi’s rejuvenating beautiful voice.
Growing up in a family that loved and lived music, Kamanzi’s childhood was pretty much characterized by a lot of music around her. While in a chat with Daily Monitor, she mentioned that whenever her father would travel, he would come back with Jazz CDs, to which her sister (Nduhukire Rachel) and her would binge listen to them as well a lot of Hillsong gospel. A little fan fact, her debut single ‘Pity Party’ was written when she was 15, completed it when she turned 18. It wasn’t until 2022 that she finally released its audio.
Among her musical inspirations is H.E.R, Jacob Collier and Bohemian Rhapsody. She in 2018 attended Berklee College of Music, which shaped her contemporary music journey. She’s a graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication from Uganda Christian University UCU. She and her sisters Nduhukire Rachel and Royal Kaitesi formed a band ‘Firm Foundation’.
Kamanzi has also contributed on the writing credits on 2 Watoto Church albums. To this day, Kamanzi Ruth Rwego continues to navigate the crossroads of music, marketing, communications, wellness and the arts, with music as the medium. This passion, she has brought while in studio and performing on some of the most coveted stages like Xpressions UG and Sofa Kigali.
Take a listen to her latest music offering ‘Nokaaba” HERE.
