Dancehall reggae artist Buchaman is preparing to host a concert titled Memories of Firebase, which will celebrate the glory days of the once-dominant Firebase Crew. Firebase, a music label founded by Bobi Wine, rose to prominence in the early 2000s, with Bucha Man serving as the Vice President, alongside Bobi Wine, who was the President.
The two were not only close friends but also creative partners who helped shape the Ugandan music industry. However, their bond fractured, and Buchaman eventually left the Firebase Crew due to irreconcilable differences.
Since then, their paths have diverged not just musically but politically as well. Bobi Wine, now the leader of the National Unity Platform (NUP), has become the face of Uganda’s opposition movement, while Bucha Man supports the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and serves as a presidential advisor on ghetto affairs.
Despite their differences, Bucha Man is determined to revive the legacy of Firebase with his upcoming concert. He explains that fans still crave the classic hits from the label’s heyday, even though the artists have released new music over the years.
“People continue to love our old music,” Bucha Man said. “Whenever we release new tracks, they listen, but they keep asking for the jams we did years ago. That’s why I’m organizing the ‘Memories of Firebase’ concert—to give the fans what they want.”
Though the Firebase label continues to operate quietly, it has connections to several prominent artists, including Nubian Li, Banjo Man, Mike Wine, Dax Vibez, Zex Bilangilangi, Eddy Kenzo and Master Parrot, all of whom either have current or former ties to the label.
