Swangz All Star, Vol. 1 is an album that doesn’t just reflect Ugandan and East African musical identity but challenges the world to listen, learn, and embrace music coming out from this region.
By Frank Njugi
Albums are the primary vehicles for artistes to express themselves and craft a cohesive narrative or sonic identity. Unlike single tracks, which often stand-alone, albums enable artistes to delve deeper into themes, emotions, or ideas, presenting their work in a more layered and holistic way. For fans, experiencing a full album can feel like entering the artiste’ world, where each track contributes context and depth to an overarching message.
The icing on the cake may come when numerous renowned artistes decide to release an album together. The potential offering creates the anticipation of a forthcoming unforgettable blend of talent and creativity.
In East Africa, the latest collaborative album showcasing the fusion of individual artistic styles comes from the Kampala-based record label and collective, Swangz Avenue. They released their collaborative album, Swangz All Star, Vol. 1.
Established in 2008, Swangz Avenue has grown into a major force in Uganda’s music and entertainment industry. Functioning as both a record label and a media production house, it has played a pivotal role in shaping the Ugandan music scene, producing and managing top-tier talent.
The label’s roster features prominent Ugandan artists such as Vinka, Azawi, Elijah Kitaka, Zafaran, and Winnie Nwagi, with former artists like Irene Ntale also contributing to its rich legacy.
Their first all-star album, Swangz All Star, Vol. 1, marks the culmination of 16 years of championing Ugandan music while capturing the rich evolution and unique rhythms that have defined the country’s musical journey.
Featuring 16 tracks and collaborations with top-tier artistes outside the label, the album seeks to demonstrate that Uganda—and, by extension, East Africa—has something exciting and significant to offer to the global music scene.
Swangz All Star, Vol. 1 opens with “Amin Dada”, a track named after one of the most infamous despots in modern history, former Ugandan military dictator, Idi Amin Dada. The single exudes a hazy, ghostly quality, with soft echoes layering seamlessly to create an ethereal soundscape.
The track features Azawi, Vinka, and Elijah Kitaka, who use Idi Amin’s authoritarian character as a metaphor to explore their personal dispositions, likening it to a desire for their hearts to hold absolute power in decision-making. “Amin Dada” also serves as a preview of the primary artists featured on the album, with the trio becoming mainstays across all 16 tracks on Swangz All Star, Vol. 1.
The second track, “Wedding”, is a heartfelt wedding song with a melody that flows smoothly and harmonious chords featuring graceful progressions that exude elegance. Azawi, Vinka, and Elijah Kitaka sing about the joy and celebratory spirit of a wedding day, capturing its happiness and sense of occasion.
Following “Wedding” is the single “Full Service”, which introduces Winnie Nwagi and Joshua Baraka to the lineup. A love song at its core, “Full Service” pulses with the vibrant heartbeat of African music, driven by intricate layers of percussion and earthy drum beats that lend it an organic feel.
Baraka and Winnie Nwagi infuse the track with soulful depth, beautifully complemented by Azawi, Vinka, and Elijah Kitaka. Together, they create a natural, almost spiritual cadence that draws listeners into the song’s rich, rooted essence.
The theme of love on Swangz All Star, Vol. 1 continues with “Falaydid”, featuring Zafaran and Azawi. This track boasts a steady, upbeat rhythm that feels irresistibly infectious, encouraging listeners to sway or move along. Its groovy bassline and popping drums set a smooth yet dynamic pace, perfectly complementing the lyrics about love. The result is a song that balances intimacy with an invitation to dance.
“Kikumi Kinaana”, the follow-up track, draws on traditional musical influences, showcasing rich, earthy tones and nasal vocal techniques that add a raw, textured aesthetic. Azawi, Vinka, and Elijah Kitaka sing about their unwavering commitment to staying by a lover’s side, with Kikumi Kinaana translating to “I Am Not Going Away”.
Elijah Kitaka teams up with Winnie Nwagi and one of Uganda’s most prominent musical exports, A Pass, on the single, “I Know”. A Pass brings his signature musical style, characterised by steady sounds and a deep, pulsing bass that anchors the rhythm.
The track features a syncopated, offbeat pattern, creating a laid-back, head-nodding groove that is both relaxing and captivating. Together, the trio delivers love-themed lyrics that inspire gentle swaying rather than exuberant dancing, balancing a sense of calm with rhythmic intensity.
The Ragga-like aesthetic is maintained in the track “Red Flag” by Azawi and Vinka. Bursting with sharp, electrifying energy, the song is led by rapid, high-pitched vocal riffs that bounce and twist over vibrant beats.
There’s a distinct Caribbean influence, with rhythmic toasting and percussive accents that echo classic Ragga styles. The pitch and tone of the vocals add a playful, almost ecstatic feel, as if each lyrical phrase—concerning the absence of ‘red flags’ in a lover—is designed to slice through the rhythm, keeping the energy at an intense, high level. The song’s pulsing bass and syncopated beats anchor it, while the soaring high tones lend it a wild, dancehall edge.
Azawi teams up with highly-rated Kenyan vocalist, Arrow Boy, on “For Sure”, a track with a punchy, driving beat that creates an irresistible groove. Azawi delivers an infectious hook that’s instantly singable, with a melody that soars and dips as the two artists express their certainty in a love that feels real.
“Wanika Bendera” follows with a fast-paced, pulsing beat that transports listeners to the heart of a joyous celebration. Elijah Kitaka and Vinka are joined by fellow Ugandan artiste, John Blaq, and together, the trio delivers vocals that seem to call out to everyone in the room, adding to the song’s celebratory energy.
Elijah Kitaka includes a remix of his 2024 hit song “Dawa” in Swangz All Star, Vol. 1, enlisting the talents of Kenyan Sauti Sol members, Bien and Savara.
The remix features a smooth yet energetic rhythm, with a steady groove that combines rhythmic drums and bass with soulful melodies from Bien and Savara. Their lyrics echo Elijah Kitaka’s theme, exploring how a lover is the only relief from life’s hurts and challenges. The song’s percussion has a snappy, syncopated feel, adding a dynamic edge to the track.
“Butuleke” sees Vinka and Winnie Nwagi team up with Ugandan recording artiste, Ava Peace. The track showcases Kindandali music aesthetics, with a hypnotic rhythm driven by percussion and a modal melody that blends major and minor scales, creating a distinct ‘exotic’ and ‘party-song’ quality.
On “Finally,” Azawi and Elijah Kitaka sing about finding true love. The track has a mid-tempo feel that is warm and soulful, with a gentle groove that draws you in without haste. The vocals are tender and emotive, delivering heartfelt lyrics with a sense of longing and affection. The overall tone is soothing and romantic, evoking feelings of love and closeness between the two artistes.
Perhaps one of the biggest East African songs of the year, “God Ye Buddy” follows, featuring Azawi, Vinka, and Elijah Kitaka alongside Zafaran, Winnie Nwagi, and Levixone. On this gospel track, the artists use dynamic word phrasing to exalt God and His might, with powerful belting, emotive riffs, and wide vocal ranges. The song’s background harmonies are lush, creating a choir-like texture that adds depth and warmth to the track’s sound.
Azawi, Zafaran, Vinka, and Winnie Nwagi join forces on “Wewe”, delivering a performance with melodies adorned with bold vocal runs that bring an emotionally expressive and dramatic quality. They sing love lyrics over a beat that features a loud, fast, and syncopated rhythm, enhancing the intensity of the track.
The penultimate track on Swangz All Star, Vol. 1, “Mary Jane,” features Azawi, Winnie Nwagi, Elijah Kitaka, and Zagazillion in a Hip Hop track with a heavy, distorted bass and punchy 808s, creating a menacing and intense feel reminiscent of Drill music. The beat includes rapid hi-hats and a distinctive triplet flow, heightening the song’s dynamic tension.
The album concludes with an Amapiano version of “God Ye Buddy,” where log drums, shakers, and catchy, syncopated rhythms are seamlessly incorporated into the lush gospel harmonies, wrapping up the project in a fittingly vibrant and rhythmic manner.
Swangz All Star, Vol. 1 is an album that not only reflects Ugandan and East African musical identity but also challenges the world to listen, learn, and embrace the music emerging from this part of the world. Each track is crafted with intention, infused with the essence of a unique cultural origin, yet designed to resonate with diverse audiences globally.
By bringing together artistes with different fan bases to collaborate on Swangz All Star, Vol. 1, Swangz Avenue creates a unique fusion of styles and sounds. This makes it the ultimate treat for music fans, offering them a crossover of diverse influences and fan cultures.
Lyricism – 1.3
Tracklisting – 1.3
Sound Engineering – 1.8
Vocalisation – 1.5
Listening Experience – 1.4
Rating – 7.3/10
Frank Njugi is a Kenyan Writer, Culture journalist and Critic who has written on the East African and African culture scene for platforms such as Debunk Media, Republic Journal, Sinema Focus, Culture Africa, Drummr Africa, The Elephant, Wakilisha Africa, The Moveee, Africa in Dialogue, Afrocritik and others. He tweets as @franknjugi.