“Kaba Is Not Hip-Hop” — St. Nelly-Sade Slams Kapeke’s Rap Wins

Ugandan music star Kapeke is still at the center of debate following his big win at the Zzina Awards.

At the awards held on February 10, the “Kaba” hitmaker had a dominant night, taking home five awards.

These included Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste, Song of the Year, and the contested Best Lugaflow/Rap Artiste and Song.

In the rap categories, he edged out established names like Feffe Bussi, Da Agent, Fik Fameica, and Recho Rey.

Following the awards, debate quickly grew within the hip-hop community, with some questioning the outcome of the rap categories.

Among those who have since spoken out is Lugaflow rapper St. Nelly-Sade.

Speaking during an appearance on After 5, he questioned the decision, saying the award should reflect actual rap music.

It was Hip-Hop Artiste of the Year in that category. I was really surprised because Kapeke is not a hip-hop artiste, to be honest with you. What I did was go and check the nominees, and I saw actual rappers there, the likes of Da Agent.

While acknowledging Kapeke’s talent, he insisted that “Kaba” does not qualify as rap.

I am a fan of Kapeke, and I also enjoy his song Kaba, but it is not a rap song. It is not a hip-hop song.

He added that his opinion is not driven by hate, but by how he understands the genre.

Kapeke did a good song, he sang very well, but it is not rap. And this is not hatred or jealousy, but according to me and the way I understand hip-hop and rap, he did not rap, he sang. He is a very good singer. The whole thing felt very belittling to us [rappers].

His remarks reflect a growing concern among some hip-hop fans and artistes, who feel the definition of hip-hop may be getting blurred.

I’m a fan of Kapeke but “Kaba” isn’t a hip hop song.- St. Nelly Sade #NBSAfter5 #NBSUpdates pic.twitter.com/U5t75236AH

— NBS After 5 (@NBSAfter5) February 20, 2026