John Blaq

A popular Ugandan Afrobeat, rap, and dancehall artist, John Kasadha (aka John Blaq) broke into the mainstream in 2018 with the hit single "Tukwatagane," which he followed with a chart-topping collaboration with Vinka, "Sweet Love." Born in the eastern city of Jinja, Kasadha honed his unique vocal style in hip-hop battles while attending secondary school. With lyrics informed by the myriad hardships he experienced growing up in the Kampala suburb of Bewayogerere, Kasadha released his first single, "Romantic," in 2018. The arrivals of "Tukwatagane" and "Sweet Love" helped make him a mainstay of the Ugandan Afrobeat scene, as did subsequent efforts like 2019's "Do Dat" and 2020's "Ngamba," as well as high-profile collaborations with artists like Sheebah, Grenade, Daddy Andre, and Prince Omar. ~ James Christopher Monger