Alien Skin (inset top) fans wave Fangone Forest flags during the Enkuuka festival at the Lubiri Palace in Mengo on December 31,2024. Having a gang has become a status symbol for many musicians. (Lower inset shows musician Pallaso). PHOTO | MICHAEL KAKUMIRIZI
The Ugandan music industry took a shift in the 2000s after consumers transitioned away from Kadongo Kamu and band music to the Ragga and Dancehall music genres.
The transition put Joseph Mayanja (Jose Chameleone), Moses Ssali (Bebe Cool) and Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine), on a pedestal.
This new era marked the introduction of open rivalries in Ugandan music as music consumers started taking sides.
The industry started witnessing ‘beef’, with gang-like groups serving as bodyguards and aides.
These rivalries intensified, leading to the formation of crews. These included Fire Base under Bobi Wine, Leone Island under Jose Chameleone, Gagamel under Bebe Cool as well as Goodlyf under
Mowzey Radio (RIP) and Weasel.
It was, however, Fire Base that became notorious for its aggressive behaviour, often targeting individuals who defied its leader’s orders.
Renaissance of gangs
Today, a similar pattern is emerging with artistes starting up gangs that are referred to now as Egaali.
