One of the major aspects of hiphop, as a culture, is self-expression, be it through dance (Breakdancing), visual art (Graffiti), creation of music (DJing) or the spoken word (Rapping) and in 2012, Baboon Forest Entertainment boss GNL Zamba released “Power” that is full of braggadocio where he boasts —and lyrically speak about himself with great pride.
Hiphop is a culture rooted in healthy competition. It’s a celebration of expression, yes, but also a test of skill, where rappers aim to win plaudits and the respect of peers. On “Power”, Zamba teaches us that “Every time you stand up to spit a verse, you are entering an arena of lyrical battle”. So, you’d better be good. Exactly as he was on this one or much better.
There’s no mincing words here: On Power, GNL Zamba believes he’s the best, period. And judging by what he had already achieved before the song`s release in 2012, he was right to brag on this one. Because on top of all the technical criteria that makes a rapper great — the flow, the storytelling, the energy, the influence, he had achieved it all that time.
The Music video itself did well in showing a unique, scintillating and artistic approach to all Ugandan creators by that time as it marketed as Uganda’s “FIRST” fully animated Music video where GNL was as well credited for staying true to his Hip Hop roots and also for pushing the envelope of showing Uganda what is possible.
Enjoy the Lyrics
Power, you want to talk to me about power, right?
It’s like am in a castle right now.
And am overlooking Kampala’s bright lights,
Everybody’s lined up.
And my car is pulling through the streets,
Everybody’s saying, “Koombaye!”
I’m the Lord of the Ring.
I’m not a slave, I’m a king.
I float and I sting.
It’s my rhymes to make your heart sing.
Feel the pain or the sling or the joy that I bring.
I was raised in the ghetto but now I shine and I bling.
When you put your heart to the ceiling, it’s a G you are feeling.
Hip-hop Uganda now looks up to me for healing.
In the studio or the stage, I’m looking for the Shilling.
Every dog has its day, it’s my time for the killing.
Many try hard, but they can’t stop the G from winning.
I’m the Best and, as long as the Art keeps spinning.
I’m evolving and building,
It’s not the end (Baboon Forest), it’s the beginning.
I’m making love to the game, you can call it my Second Cuming!
As a Newton of the game, I’m a magician with the flame.
When you hate, it’s a shame.
You’ve been late since I came.
I’m a god, you’re a pilgrim. Pay your Homage!
Let me live my dream, just let me get my cream!
Zye, real talk, ah yeh!)
I remember growing up, sweet dreams were a myth.
So you know to unman, a nigga had to sweat like Keith.
Through the cold, I was gritting my teeth with my sis,
With no accommodation, broke,
Lying in the abyss (I remember that time).
I’m the type of nigga radio used to diss,
But now am in bliss because am a crown prince.
Peace to my nigga Emron for the Genesis.
Coz’ now we pack Greatness like Guinnesses.
Baboon Forest, we the bubble geniuses,
Show you how to turn dem poems into businesses.
I’m not an artiste, am a legend.
You’re a curtain-raiser, am the main event.
Don’t you know, am Socrates when I think,
Am Gandhi when I speak, Chinua Achebe when I rhyme.
Am a GOD-guided missile, it’s the heat that I seek.
The Luga-flow Jet Li, it’s like a kung-fu flick, the way I kick.
(Zye) Aliri mawe,
So I think I need some Berry-on and Rozelle (eh).
Tonight, all my troubles seem so far away (yes).
I’ve seen more drama than Broadway (I did, man).
In the club, I need a needle in my record play (yes).
Damn, can you let a nigga sway (What’s up Mckenzie?)!
I refuse to lose like Mugabe in Zimbabwe (yes).
Leka nkole ebyange, bakole ebyabwe (hahaha)!
Rude bwai music!
Dedicated to my first love: Hip-hop.
Zye! And the fans, man. Yo fans, man. The fans.
Aliri mawe, I think I need some Berry-on and Rozelle, eh…
