ARTICLES

REVIEW: “The Name is Rodney” by RXDN3Y MA

Published

3 years ago

June 10, 2022

By @paulothewriter

I hate debuts. Debuts hardly get the patience they deserve. Especially if it’s the first time you are publicly coming out with some form of entertainment or sport. They are an avenue for the audience to become experts and tell you who does it better or what they would have preferred.
What I love is, “behind the scenes.” Whenever we watch bloopers of movies and unedited behind the scenes footage, we appreciate the final cut more. “Behind the scenes” shows you that it’s not as straight forward as your layman “expertise” thinks it to be.

With social media now, where we are all critics with a keyboard and instant access to an audience, debuts have become a lot harder. You just need to trigger the right twitter fingers and you’ll have a mob of strangers agreeing with you. However, all it takes is a more popular opinion, phrased with the right triggers and a fresh mob will be pitted against your mob and your opinion. I hate what social media has done to genuine opinions.

Debuts in music have to be the most brutal. With streaming platforms birthing an era where music is more disposable than ever (over 60,000 new songs are uploaded to Spotify alone daily), creating music that is aurally appeasing for your first serving is a milestone that does not get the acknowledgment it deserves.

The Name is Rodney, a 5-track debut from Rxdn3y Ma is a first serving that deserves the patience any debut ought to be granted. As a mostly solo act with just one feature, it is a very impressive “out of the gate” presentation to the world where RXDN3Y hopes to gather his audience, and build a fan base.

All 4 solo songs, Mboona, Matama, Nkaaba & Aguti are obvious favorites. “Bbaala” Track number 3, a feature with an Artist called Omwana is the only track I will nitpick.
RXDN3Y does a clever thing to give us a mostly standalone project for his debut. This approach strips you naked and presents a raw you to the fans for judgement. A standalone project is a fair exhibition to the fans, as you are not supplemented by other acts that could make up for your short comings. What we see is; what you really can do.

He does a stellar job at holding his own and delivering several moments worthy of the praise The Name is Rodney has received on social media.
The charm in his writing is the bold jesting that sometimes feels uncomfortable. The behind the scenes that explains this is the playful wittiness Rxdn3y carries in his personality. You can see this in his tweets and even conversations if you know him beyond the music.
When you look past your self-righteousness and realize that it’s strictly for entertainment, you enjoy the music and soak in the amusement of “that thing you call a hubby” as he sings on “Nkaaba.”

“Bbaala” which was the first single of this EP is a song I feel didn’t need the feature. Omwana does nothing to add to it. If anything, his unpolished delivery takes away from the song. You are left looking forward to whenever RXDN3Y is the one singing.
Nkaaba and Aguti are proper R&B tracks that bring out a side of Rxdn3y that a keen ear will linger on for a second. They are evidence that he can actually deliver a proper R&B track if he isn’t playing into the market, by blending other genres.

As far as my hatred for debuts goes, The Name is Rodney is one that carries a lot of its weight. It needs the patience every debut ought to be granted because it is nothing like what you have heard. The uniqueness in what is done on this EP is unfamiliarity that could easily lose you.
Rxdn3y is a talented artist that understands that power in discovering his range and musical strengths. Every track is significantly different from the other, a risk that pays off because every track is given the attention that type of track needed.

Where he digs and draws from his emotions, it’s reflected in the writing, the vocals and the overall delivery. Tracks that allow for silly writing will have you on the floor when he tells you that the only bond they had was “bond 7” – a type of alcoholic beverage.

It is an overall solid project and an introduction that justifies why our industry needs an artist like Rxdn3y. What I look forward to is how he measures up when he collaborates with equally gifted artists.

He is undeniably vocally gifted and once he unlocks the confidence that comes with getting “your debut, the criticism that comes with it and the social media court house” out of the way, Rxdn3y has the potential to be a dominant force.

Check out The Name is Rodney HERE

Related Topics:alternative ep new music rnb rxdn3y ma the name is rodney

Up Next

Mr. Eazi Releases New Single ‘Legalize’ & Announces Debut Album.

Don't Miss

REVIEW: BoBV – Lukas Blacc

Click to comment

ARTICLES

Apply Now: Koola Kampala Business Incubation Programme for Creative Entrepreneurs in Uganda.

Published

1 month ago

June 20, 2025

thetribe

If you’re a cultural or creative entrepreneur in Kampala looking to take your business to the next level, here’s a game-changing opportunity worth paying attention to. Africalia, in partnership with The Bold Woman Fund, has launched a new business incubation programme dubbed Koola Kampala, designed specifically to support and elevate Kampala’s creative and cultural sector.

Koola Kampala is a 12-month business support programme for legally registered creative businesses that are already generating revenue. It aims to build stronger, more sustainable enterprises by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and strategic guidance they need to thrive in Uganda’s rapidly growing creative economy. Whether you’re running a music label, fashion brand, media studio, design outfit, or cultural enterprise, this programme is tailored to strengthen the business side of your creativity.

This initiative is funded by Africalia and aligns with the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Sustainable Development Goals, and national cultural development policies. It seeks to invest in the people driving Uganda’s creative heartbeat, young innovators building impactful businesses at the intersection of culture, identity, and entrepreneurship.

To be eligible, you must be over the age of 18, based in Kampala, and running a legally registered cultural or creative business that has been active for at least one year. Your business must already be generating revenue and able to provide samples of work when requested. More importantly, applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to strengthen their business management and growth strategies.

Photo supplied by Skyline Media.

The programme is structured in four key phases. First is the selection phase, during which 15–20 promising businesses will be shortlisted based on eligibility, motivation, and programme fit. This is followed by a 3-month pre-incubation phase, where selected participants will undergo a diagnostic assessment of their businesses, receive both group and individual coaching, and be trained on key business fundamentals. At the end of this phase, 12 businesses will be selected to move forward into the main incubation phase, which spans 9 months of intensive training, weekly one-on-one coaching, strategic growth support, and specialised modules tailored to the needs of each participant.

Once the incubation phase concludes, the programme enters its final phase—post-incubation—where participants will walk away with a tailored action plan for their business, deeper entrepreneurial skills, refined business models, and access to both national and international expert support. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to apply for seed funding to support the implementation of their business plans.

Applications are now open and will close on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 6 PM (Kampala time). Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the online form available here. For further questions, Africalia and The Bold Woman Fund can be reached via africalia@africalia.be or contact@boldinafrica.com up until June 29.

For Kampala’s creatives, this isn’t just another programme—it’s a doorway to long-term growth, sustainability, and impact. If you’re ready to build a business that lasts and contributes meaningfully to Uganda’s creative ecosystem, Koola Kampala is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

ARTICLES

Kohen Jaycee’s ‘Gundeze’: A Soulful Anthem of Love.

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

Am I the only one imagining how a mix of Kohen’s “Gundeze” and King Saha’s “Gundeze” would sound in a DJ set? And I’m not saying that just because King Saha’s concert is kicking off as I type this. Maybe it’s just me.

From his critically acclaimed album, RWEBEMBERA: The Raising Echoes, Kohen Jaycee’s “Gundeze” is a vibrant celebration of love wrapped in his signature RnB and Afro-fusion style with a sprinkle of Amapiano’s log drum. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythm make it a soulful anthem for anyone who cherishes the beauty of love. The lyrics are simple yet profound, with Kohen professing unwavering devotion to his partner:“I love you, Gundeze / I feel you, Gundeze / I want you, Gundeze / I need you, Gundeze.”

The music video for Kohen Jaycee’s Gundeze perfectly complements the song’s soulful and romantic essence. Staying true to Kohen’s signature style, the visuals are minimalistic yet captivating, set against the serene backdrop of a lush forest. The video follows Kohen as he alternates between intimate moments with his significant other and heartfelt solo performances amidst nature. This simplicity allows the focus to remain on the song’s message of love and connection, making the video a beautiful extension of the track’s uplifting and heartfelt vibe.

The chorus, repeated like a mantra, draws listeners into a melodic trance, while the verses paint a picture of intimacy, trust, and connection. Kohen’s soothing voice and heartfelt delivery elevate the song into a timeless ode to love. Whether it’s the wish for stars to align or the plea for mutual vulnerability, Kohen’s “Gundeze” resonates with anyone who has experienced the magic of love. The simplicity of the video enhances the song’s essence, focusing entirely on the connection between two souls.

“Gundeze” is more than just a track; it’s a reminder to cherish the ones we hold dear, dance to the rhythm of love, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. Kohen Jaycee has once again proven why he’s a standout artist in Uganda’s music scene, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next move.

ARTICLES

On the Move by Denesi: A Powerful Anthem of Hustle and Ambition

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

Denesi’s “On the Move,” the opening track on his debut album Everything Is Real, is an anthem of ambition, resilience, and community, underscored by a gritty hip-hop aesthetic. Produced by Northbound Beats, the track captures the pulse of Kampala’s streets, blending hard-hitting lyrics with a hypnotic beat that mirrors the hustle it portrays.

The accompanying video brings the song’s narrative to life, embracing the classic hip-hop imagery of camaraderie and grind. From the corner store to the stage and finally to the laid-back moments of planning the next move, the visuals reflect Denesi’s journey and the community he’s built. Cameos from collaborators like Lagumtherapper, Akeine, Lucass Blacc, and Manly add depth, showcasing the collective spirit that defines his artistry.

Lyrically, “On the Move” is both a reflection and a manifesto. Denesi paints vivid pictures of Kampala’s dualities: the sunlit streets masking a tougher reality, where survival demands creativity and grit. Lines like “Welcome to the city of the dogs and the criminals / You ain’t making money, you ain’t working, you ain’t real enough” set the tone, balancing raw honesty with undeniable swagger.

The hook, with its repeated refrain of “Who dat on the move, me I’m on the move”, is a declaration of aspiration. It positions Denesi as a trailblazer, reaching for heights beyond the ordinary while staying grounded in his roots. The mention of his collaborators in the hook reinforces the communal ethos of his work, a nod to the people who’ve shaped his journey.

Denesi’s storytelling is sharp and layered. He captures the struggles of navigating Kampala’s streets (“You know Kampala streets, man, the trouble’s never over”) and dreams of transcending them (“When I make a billy, prolly settle down / Maybe buy a villa, buy the whole town”). His versatility shines as he shifts from local struggles to global ambitions, even hinting at cross-border hustles with lines like “I trap on some Lingala shit, they pay me plus the benefits”.

The production complements the lyrical intensity, with Northbound Beats crafting a soundscape that feels both contemporary and rooted. The beat’s steady rhythm mirrors the relentless drive described in the lyrics, while the layered instrumentation adds depth and texture.

Overall, “On the Move” is a powerful introduction to Denesi’s world. It’s a song that celebrates ambition, acknowledges struggle, and underscores the importance of community. With its infectious hook, sharp lyricism, and dynamic visuals, the track sets the stage for what promises to be an impactful debut album. Denesi isn’t just on the move—he’s carving a path to the moon, and he’s taking his people with him.