Radio & Weasel was birthed when Weasel and Mowzey Radio left Jose Chameleone’s Leone Island to start their own career. This decision was the beginning of their journey towards creating their first hit song, “Lwaki Onumya,” which brought them into the limelight.
Early Days with Chameleone
Weasel, born Douglas Mayanja, narrates his early days living with his older brother, Jose Chameleone. The environment, while nurturing in some ways, became uncomfortable for Weasel. He felt he was being utilized for tasks, hindering his personal growth and musical aspirations. He left to seek independence and pursue his own musical journey.
Living with Radio and Jeff Kiwa
Upon leaving his brother’s house, Weasel moved in with Mowzey Radio and their mutual friend, Jeff Kiwa, in a modest double room in Nyanama.
Despite their limited resources, they lived with their girlfriends, creating a financially strained household.
The group’s survival depended on mutual support; whoever had a bit of money would contribute to the group’s needs, often resorting to simple meals like rolex (fried eggs wrapped in chapati) with nyanya mbisi (raw tomatoes).
The unexpected meeting with Aziz Azion and OS
One day, while running to buy street food for their girlfriends, Weasel encountered Aziz Azion who was holding a guitar. Weasel asked him about his destination and was told he was heading to Omulangira Ssuuna’s studio to record music.
Excited by this, Weasel rushed back to inform Radio, and together they decided to visit Ssuuna’s studio. Omulangira Ssuuna was working with advanced equipment at the time, including a large monitor and a computer that still used floppy disks.
Ssuuna offered them a beat he had initially given to gospel artists, but he was dissatisfied with their output. He removed their vocals and handed the track over to Radio and Weasel.
Creation of “Lwaki Onumya” and Radio & Weasel
Radio was the first to lay down his vocals, followed by Weasel and created the magic in “Lwaki Onumya.” The same day, they went on to record another track, “Nakudata,” and then got CDs to take for distribution.
Support from Ssuuna and the breakup
Omulangira Ssuuna, impressed by their talent, didn’t charge them for the recording sessions and even promised to fund their music video.
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However, despite Ssuuna’s initial support, their relationship eventually soured due to delays in the release of their music video.
Frustrated by the setbacks, Radio and Weasel decided to part ways with Ssuuna and sought assistance elsewhere and went in to make their own camp — Goodlyfe Crew.
