Ugandan hip-hop has never lacked talent. What it has often lacked is a generation bold enough to declare that a changing of the guard is underway. Troy Mc is making exactly that statement with his debut EP, Cenozoic.
Born in Rubaga as Bukenya Ben Rodgers and raised in Ndejje, Troy Mc has steadily built a reputation through storytelling, poetry and technically gifted lyricism delivered in Luganda. Now signed to Pyong Recordz, he arrives with a six-track debut that feels less like an introduction and more like a declaration of intent.
The title Cenozoic is no accident. Borrowed from the current geological era, the word literally means “recent life.” For Troy, it symbolizes what he believes is happening within Ugandan hip-hop.
He sees the genre entering a new chapter. The pioneers laid the foundation, but a new generation of lyricists is emerging to shape what comes next.
Rather than distancing himself from those who came before him, Troy presents himself as one of the artists ready to carry Ugandan hip-hop into its next era.
Across six songs and just 21 minutes, Cenozoic celebrates lyricism, collaboration and Ugandan identity. The project brings together some of the country’s finest MCs, creating a body of work that feels more like a statement of intent than a simple debut.
Tracklist
1. Let Him Rise
2. Cenozoic (featuring John Papa Smyl)
3. Uganda Empya (featuring Tushi Nabakyala)
4. Zibuze (featuring Leghacity)
5. Couple Bae (featuring Joyie 7 Star)
6. Route 66 (featuring Pryce Teeba)
The collaborators are carefully chosen. John Papa Smyl delivers his trademark lyrical sharpness. Tushi Nabakyala reinforces her standing as one of Uganda’s most respected MCs. Leghacity brings his thoughtful penmanship, Joyie 7 Star adds a refreshing dynamic, while Pryce Teeba closes the project with the confidence and authority that have made him one of Uganda’s most seasoned rappers.
Having watched Troy Mc perform on several occasions, I genuinely believe he is one of the purest rap talents in Uganda today. He occupies a rare space where conscious lyricism never comes at the expense of entertainment. His music makes you think, yet it can just as easily make you nod your head or get up and dance.
As an artist myself, he consistently sparks my curiosity because he always seems to have something worth saying. Every verse feels intentional. Every performance feels purposeful.
One of Troy’s greatest strengths is collaboration. Rather than treating features as contests, he understands how to complement another artist’s strengths while still leaving his own mark. That quality is perhaps best demonstrated on “Zibuze” alongside Leghacity, which happens to be my favourite song on the EP. The chemistry is effortless, the writing is sharp, and both artists elevate each other instead of competing for attention.
Cenozoic is released under Pyong Recordz, with distribution by Soaw Media and Ria Entertainment.
Whether Troy Mc ultimately becomes the face of Ugandan hip-hop’s next generation remains to be seen. What cannot be denied is that Cenozoic arrives with ambition, confidence and substance.
If this project is any indication, Troy Mc is not simply asking to be part of the conversation about Uganda’s future in rap. He intends to help define it.