“This playlist is a compilation of songs that have shaped Ugandan music into
the powerhouse it is today,” says artist Joshua Baraka.
“From old-school legends like Afrigo Band who fused jazz, Lingala, and Ugandan folk
storytelling to new superstars like Elijah Kitaka redefining the scene, no story
is left untold.” “The selections reflect the evolution of Kampala’s identity through sound,
from its roots to its future,” says artist Navio.
“Each era carries its own rhythm,
language and attitude, shaped by the streets, the studios and the people. For me, the sound of the city is fearless, expressive and grounded in community. Together, these tracks tell the story of where Kampala has been and where
it’s going.”
“I chose these tracks because each one, in its own way, tells part of Kampala’s story,” says artist Azawi. “As someone who grew up here, these songs capture the city’s energy and history. The older classics bring back
childhood memories of listening to radio and cassettes, while the newer hits showcase how Kampala’s sound has evolved with Afrobeats and urban pop.
Together they represent the pride, spirit, and diversity of Kampala’s music scene — music that both locals and fans worldwide instantly associate with our city.”
As part of Africa Month 2026, Apple Music is spotlighting The Sounds of Kampala, celebrating the artists, genres, cultural movements and sonic identities shaping Uganda’s capital and its contribution to Africa’s global music story.
Kampala is a city defined by innovation, hybridity and a powerful sense of
cultural identity. Its music carries the influence of generations — from the timeless legacy of Afrigo Band, the rise of kidandali, and the impact of Radio & Weasel, to the new wave of genre-blending artists taking Ugandan music to
wider continental and global audiences.
Through The Sounds of Kampala playlist, Apple Music brings together a collective of artists, industry executives, tastemakers and cultural voices who each help tell the story of the city through music. Contributors include Joshua
Baraka, John Blaq, Navio, Azawi, Fik Fameica, Lydia Jazmine, Ykee Benda, Peter Kusemererwa and Lynda Ddane, each offering a personal lens on the sounds that have shaped Kampala’s identity.
For John Blaq, the playlist is a tribute to the artists who shaped his early musical world and continue to influence his craft today.
“I grew up on these sounds, but I’ve evolved alongside them,” says John Blaq. “Now that I’m in the studio myself, my respect for these artists has reached a new level. This selection honors the Ugandan icons, like Radio,
who defined my childhood and continue to sharpen my professional ear.”
For Lydia Jazmine, the playlist carries deep personal significance.
“This playlist is a tribute to the icons who shaped my journey,” says Lydia
Jazmine. “I grew up admiring Blu 3, and it has been a full-circle moment to eventually collaborate with them on my new album. Beyond that, Radio and Weasel weren’t just influences—they were mentors. Having started as their backup artist, I carry the pride of being among the few artists Radio (R.I.P.)
personally wrote for. These songs aren’t just hits; they are my history.”
Music industry executive Peter Kusemererwa adds that the playlist traces the evolution of Uganda’s sonic identity, from Congolese and Jamaican influences to the emergence of kidandali, while also reflecting the shift into
the streaming era and the rise of a new generation of Ugandan artists.
Complementing the playlist is The Sounds of Kampala DJ Mix, mixed by Lynda Ddane, the self-described “Queen of Happiness”, who brings together Kampala’s past, present and future through a vibrant selection of Ugandan
sounds. The exclusive DJ mix is already resonating with listeners, currently
sitting at #2 on the Apple Music charts, further underscoring the strength and growing impact of Kampala’s sound.
“My tracklist is meant to represent and glide the people through Kampala’s finest from past to present and hint at the future of the Uganda music industry, but also the versatility in music types in the Pearl of Africa,” says
Lynda Ddane.
The exclusive DJ mix features tracks from artists including Elijah Kitaka, RabaDaba, Joshua Baraka, Vinka, Tracy Melon, Radio & Weasel, John Blaq and Winnie Nwagi, among others, showcasing the diversity and movement of Kampala’s music scene.
As part of Apple Music’s broader The Sounds of Africa initiative, Kampala joins cities including Cape Town, Durban, Harare, Luanda, Abidjan, Kinshasa, Dakar, Cairo and Casablanca, building on previous editions that spotlighted Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
Together, The Sounds of Kampala captures a city in motion — one where music documents heritage, community, innovation and the future of Uganda’s sound.
Discover The Sounds of Kampala on Apple Music.
Discover Lynda Ddane’s Sounds of Kampala DJ Mix on Apple Music.
