GNL Zamba, born Ernest Nsimbi, has come out strongly to refute long-standing claims that he was ever signed under fellow rapper Navio’s record label during the early stages of his career.
Speaking candidly in a recent interview, GNL dismissed the narrative as false and misleading.
“He lies a lot. There is a lie that people tell, and you know exactly where it originates. You analyse his career, and in 20 years, he has not signed anybody yet; he has the resources. They keep lying like this because they are embarrassed by this fact,” GNL stated.
According to GNL, his professional music journey began in 2008 under Shadrack’s Platinum Entertainment, a label that fully supported him financially, covering all his studio and video production expenses.
He emphasized that Navio had no role in launching his career and insisted that the facts speak for themselves.
In a surprising twist, GNL revealed that he was not only never signed by Navio, but wrote music for him, including popular tracks like “Saloon” and “Bugumu.”
However, he claims he was never compensated for his contribution.
“He is my brother, but he lies a lot. He has turned into Pinocchio. The truth is there, and you can go back to the papers and see when GNL came out. He wants to say my label was not injecting money in me?” he questioned.
Navio, who initially gained fame as part of the legendary Ugandan hip-hop group Klear Kut, was already an established name before GNL Zamba emerged.
However, GNL noted that at some point, Navio struggled to connect with the local audience after returning from South Africa — until GNL was brought in to write for him.
“Somebody advised them (Navio’s team) to bring me in to at least write a hook in their song. I wrote ‘Saloon’ and it became a hit. They called me in to do ‘Bugumu,’ but a time came where the crowd always sang my verse of the song,” GNL recalled.
This, according to GNL, sparked jealousy from Navio, especially as GNL was a ghetto youth from Kawempe, rising rapidly in popularity and media attention.
GNL hinted at a class divide, suggesting Navio, who hails from a prominent background, began looking down on him.
“Some people are born out of entitlement, and it has blinded them. He looks down on people like us who come from Kawempe until the very end,” he added.
Despite the fiery remarks, GNL made it clear that he harbors no desire for ongoing conflict.
“I don’t want any clash. This will be the last time I speak on this,” he concluded.
With both artists having played pivotal roles in shaping Ugandan hip-hop, fans are left to piece together the past while hoping the rift doesn’t overshadow the legacies they’ve built.
