When GNL Zamba stepped on stage at the Yenze Hip Hop Cultural Festival on June 28th at Lugogo Cricket Grounds, he wasn’t just performing—he was telling a story. His outfit, designed by Ras Kasozi of Kas Wear, was a mix of music, culture, and meaning.
He wore wide, flared white pants and a vest covered in cowrie shells. The shells were carefully arranged in baboon shapes to represent his Baboon Forest—a symbol tied to his identity and music.
Talking about the outfit, GNL said,
“When my wife and I sat down with Kaz Kasozi to discuss our custom outfits, his excitement was immediate. He told us he loved Nsimbi’s music, and funny enough, we were already fans of his incredible work too!
Every Nsimbi (cowry shell) on our outfits was bespoke, handpicked to honor the moment, reflect our ancestral names, and embody the vision of Zamba in a Baboon Forest. Kaz delivered beyond expectations!”
Ras Kasozi also shared his thoughts,
“I designed this outfit not just for the stage, but for the spirit. GNL Zamba’s outfit is a manifestation of Baboon wisdom, ancestral rhythm, and lyrical royalty. Each cowrie, each thread, each symbol was hand-picked like verses in a sacred rap, echoing the energy of the Forest King. This is how we thread identity, through cloth, culture, and cosmic memory.”
The look was more than fashion. It was a bold tribute to ancestry, identity, and the power of Ugandan creativity.
