Entertainment
GNL Zamba Refutes Claims of Ever Being Signed to Navio’s Label
Veteran rapper GNL Zamba has publicly denied long-standing claims that he was once signed to Navio’s record label, calling the story “a lie that keeps getting repeated.”
Speaking in a recent interview, the Lugaflow pioneer clarified that his music journey began in 2008 under Shadrack’s Platinum Entertainment, which funded all his production and video costs. He dismissed suggestions that Navio played any managerial role in his early career.
“He lies a lot. There’s a lie people keep telling, and you can trace exactly where it starts,” GNL said. “In 20 years, he hasn’t signed anyone. They keep lying like this because they’re embarrassed by that fact.”
In a surprising twist, GNL revealed that he wrote music for Navio, including popular tracks like Saloon” and “Bugumu.” He added that despite contributing creatively, he was never paid for his work.
“He is my brother, but he lies a lot,” GNL emphasized. “You can check the papers and see when GNL came out. He wants to claim his label was investing in me?”
According to GNL, Navio’s return to Uganda from South Africa coincided with his own rise. GNL says he was brought in to write and perform hooks to give Navio’s music a local appeal—but as his popularity grew, tension followed.
“He looks down on people like us who come from Kawempe,” GNL stated. “Some people are born out of entitlement, and it blinds them.”
Despite the strong words, GNL made it clear he’s not interested in fueling a feud. “That’s the last time I’ll answer that question,” he concluded.