Sweet Bebe by Swordman Kitala & Burland

Ugandan MC Swordman Kitala and Bristol-based producer Burland come together for our next release and first single on the label: Sweet Bebe. Hitting straight to the hips with a bass-heavy groove, this banger takes digital dancehall to the heart of any party.

For years, dancehall has remained a dominant and influential force in the Ugandan music scene. Inspired by trailblazers such as Buju Banton and Shabba Ranks, it provided a platform for emerging artists to express themselves, incorporating local languages like Luganda and Swahili alongside Jamaican patois. This vibrant fusion found widespread success in the lively atmosphere of local bars and nightclubs, where artists eagerly vied for their music to be heard and embraced.

In Sweet Bebe, the cross-continental duo seamlessly combine Swordsman's laid-back swagger with the neat, loose-fitting riddim crafted by Burland. The percussion textures are worked by Ghanaian master drummer Okoe Ashiboi, which Burland then layers on top of 909 drums. Rapid-fire lyrics bring a sweat to the brow, and wobbly basslines pay homage to original Jungle sounds.

Later in the track we hear gliding synths and grimey atmospheres following Swordsman's infectious ‘Dancehall Again’ hook.

With an additional instrumental riddim track and a radio edit, this weapon is ready for DJs, dancers and devils looking to catch a wine this summer.


Lyrics (translated from Luganda)

Girl if you go on with this vibe Sweet Bebe
I have this feeling that you're my
Diva
Stop sanding in your pants
Just come on let’s do it
We get all the gals in here
Mr DJ kill it with your fire
Mr DJ kill it with your fire

Chorus x2
If you got a crush on me you are my Bebe.
If you make me go through pain you are my Bebe.
Ooh my you are ma Bebe.

Verse 2
It’s in English….
Chorus again
Dancehall dancehall again, make it move make it move again
Redline

Swordman Kitala is a core feature of Kampala’s fertile underground hip hop and alternative club scene.

Bristol based producer Burland has been primarily working with Ghanaian artists to make a hybrid sound between Afrobeat, Dancehall and Percussion mixed with 140, UK Garage & Bass music.