By Nathan Eyagu 

KAMPALA - Uganda's dancehall scene is witnessing the rise of a new star—Mark Da Urban. Starting from humble beginnings in the ghetto of Kampala’s Kawempe in 2021, his journey to becoming one of the country’s most promising dancehall artistes is nothing short of remarkable.

Mark Da Urban’s story is one of resilience, talent, and sheer perseverance. Born and raised in the streets of Kawempe, he found his voice amidst the daily struggles of ghetto life. “It hasn’t been an easy path,” Mark admits, “but my talent and persistence are making my breakthrough inevitable.” Today, his name is a household identity in the ghettos of Kampala, where he's become a symbol of hope and pride.

Though Mark Da Urban’s roots are deeply entrenched in Kampala’s ghettos, his origins trace back to Teso, where his talents are also being recognized. Currently, the Teso-born singer is topping charts across Uganda with his infectious beats and powerful lyrics.

His music has transcended local boundaries, gaining massive popularity, especially in Kampala and Eastern Uganda. “It’s overwhelming to see how people from all over the country are embracing my sound,” Mark says. His rise in the charts signals his growing influence as one of Uganda's top dancehall acts.

What makes Mark Da Urban truly unique is his ability to appeal to both the ghetto youth and the elite. “I’ve had intellectual debates with prominent figures and received recognition from influential people,” he says. His goal now? To bridge the gap between the ghetto and the rest of society, using his music to unite communities that would otherwise be worlds apart.

Mark’s talent hasn’t just captured local attention—he’s gaining recognition across East Africa and beyond. His music has been compared to other top East African dancehall artists, and he’s even drawn shout-outs alongside Jamaican legends like Vybz Kartel. Songs like “Love is the Greatest Gift” have received nods from global dancehall icons such as Busy Signal and Popcaan. "It’s incredible to see my music reaching such heights," he reflects.

Mark Da Urban’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed on Ugandan media either. He has headlined several top TV shows, including NTV, NBS, and Galaxy TV, becoming a familiar face to many. “This kind of recognition from major media houses is something I never take for granted,” he says.

While Mark has found massive success in Kampala, breaking into Eastern Uganda has been a bit more challenging due to distance and other obstacles. However, he remains undeterred. “The response from Teso has been overwhelming,” he says, expressing gratitude for the growing support from fans in that region.

Mark Da Urban’s music catalog continues to grow, with collaborations featuring some of Uganda’s biggest names. He’s worked with renowned DJs like DJ Shiru and has several collaborations in the pipeline. His track “Wuhu” is already a hit, while “Love is the Greatest Gift”, a fan favorite, continues to receive massive airplay. His newest release, a collaboration with King Saha titled “Want It”, is already making waves just two days after its release.

Fans should also look out for his upcoming track featuring Teso's Dlebo, which is set to drop soon and promises to be another dancehall anthem.

As his popularity continues to soar, Mark Da Urban is preparing for his first major show, Dancehall Syrup, scheduled for 14th December 2024 at Club Obligatto. The event will feature both national and regional dancehall artists, bringing together the best talent from across Uganda. "This show will be a celebration of dancehall music and everything we've worked hard for," Mark says.

From the gritty streets of Kawempe to the top of the charts, Mark Da Urban’s rise to stardom is an inspiration. With a unique sound, powerful collaborations, and a growing fan base both locally and internationally, there’s no doubt that he’s on his way to becoming a dominant force in the East African music scene. As he continues to bridge the gap between the ghetto and the elite, the Dancehall Maradona is poised to make an even greater impact in the world of music.