TAKEAWAYS

• Latinum argued that filling Lugogo Cricket Oval does not automatically make Ray G the King of the West, citing several artists who have done the same.
• He declared himself the true King of the West, saying the king of dancehall is also the region’s musical king.
• Latinum explained that singing in Luganda is a business decision, adding that artists should avoid tribalism and focus on reaching wider audiences.

Latinum has dismissed claims that singer Ray G is the undisputed King of the West, arguing that a successful concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval is not enough to earn such a title.

Speaking in a recent interview, the dancehall artist questioned why Ray G’s sold-out concert has been used as the basis for crowning him the region’s top musician.

“Is he the first person to fill Lugogo?” Latinum asked, pointing out that several Ugandan artists have previously staged successful concerts at the venue.

He mentioned names such as Jose Chameleone, Cindy Sanyu, Sheebah Karungi, Winnie Nwagi, and King Saha, saying they all managed to fill Lugogo Cricket Oval, yet that achievement alone did not make them kings of any region.

Latinum went on to advise Ray G to accept what he believes is the existing hierarchy in western Uganda’s music scene.

“He should sit down and understand that the king of dancehall is the King of the West musically,” he said, referring to himself as the rightful holder of the title.

When questioned about his claim, considering that many of his songs are performed in Luganda rather than the languages predominantly spoken in western Uganda, Latinum said his language choice is a deliberate business strategy.

According to him, artists have learned that success in Uganda’s music industry comes from appealing to a wider audience rather than limiting themselves to one region or tribe.

He explained that he and many other musicians no longer approach music from a tribal perspective, choosing instead to create songs that can resonate across the country.