Meet Nyonjo: Our New Artist from Uganda Debuts with "Dembe Dembe"

On September 18th, we released "Dembe Dembe", the debut single from Nyonjo, the newest addition to the Switchstance Recordings family.

Nyonjo is the new alias of Ugandan percussionist and rapper Niina MC, known as a longtime member of the Nilotika Cultural Ensemble and one of the driving forces behind the Kampala Hip Hop collective Cypher Kabaka. "Dembe Dembe" is the upfront single from his forthcoming debut solo album Ebisoko, due in spring 2027. The Luganda title translates to idioms and metaphorical expressions, and the album lets rhythm speak as a language of its own.

Nyonjo wrote, played, programmed, and produced everything himself, from the drums to the chant-style rap and vocal parts. The result is a deeply percussive, deliberately organic Afro groove that channels the rhythmic heartbeat of East Africa and Uganda.

The first reactions from radio and DJs around the world have been great:

"I really like it!" — Mr Scruff / Ninja Tune (GB)

Buenísimo!!!" — La Vuelta Al Mundo En 80 Músicas Radio Show (ES)

The riddem is noice." — Daz-I-Kue / Bugz In The Attic (GB)

"Dembe Dembe" is available now on all major streaming platforms and stores. Just click on the artwork for streaming & downloads: