Green Hits Records opens shop in Uganda-Kampala.
Green Hit Records, a new music label company brings a fresh new sound to Uganda, a distinct blend of cultures linking Uganda to California. Producer and co-founder Neil Raphael, aka Blinded Beats, grew up in California and was raised listening to artists like Lucky Dube, Fela Kuti, Alpha Blondy, and Buju Banton. After years of playing drums and bass in reggae and hip hop bands, Raphael started producing beats, inspired by greats like Dr. Dre, RZA, and Kanye West. Over the years, blending live instrumentation with hard-hitting 808’s and modern sample-based dance/trap production, the Blinded Beats sound was found.
In 2018 Raphael moved to Kampala, where he met Lucas Agaba of Livity Entertainment. Agaba, impressed with the new sound that Blinded Beats had brought, was inspired to connect him with local artists, including Kampala’s Mayor – Pryce Teeba.
In February of 2020, Green Hit Records was founded and immediately started recording with artists in it’s Lubowa recording studios. By Friday 1 May, the label debuted its first releases on YouTube, many of which are now available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and iTunes.
Each Green Hit artist brings their own style to the label, giving audiences a variety to choose from. Whether it’s hip-hop and trap, reggae and dancehall, or pop, there is something for everyone. The common thread between these all, though, is the distinct Blinded Beats production and the undeniable passion that each of the artists brings to their work. This music is different – something new – and definitely something worth checking out.
