ArtistDirect News
Lot Fire Records Signs Ugandan Singer-Dancer Rick Say, Drops Debut EP "Golden Hour"
Lot Fire Records, an independent label based in Uganda, has signed singer and dancer Muhangi Edrine Mathew, who performs under the stage name Rick Say, and released his debut EP Golden Hour shortly after the announcement. The move marks the artist’s transition from local independent talent to a label‑backed recording artist in the Ugandan music scene.
Rick Say was born on 4 June 2001 in Naguru, a neighbourhood in the Nakawa Division of Kampala. He is the son of Mr Dan Tusiime and Ms Sarah Nansubuga. Growing up in the capital, he developed an interest in performance arts and attended Kololo Secondary School, where he worked on his singing and dancing skills. Prior to entering the recording industry, he built a reputation as a dancer, a background that now informs his music, stage style and public image.
According to a statement from Lot Fire Records, the signing adds a multi‑skilled performer to the label’s roster. The company has not disclosed the value or length of the contract. The release of Golden Hour soon after the signing indicates a planned push to introduce the artist to a wider audience. The EP, Rick Say’s first major project under the label, provides listeners with a broader sample of his sound than a single release would have offered.
The decision to sign a singer who also brings dance experience reflects a growing trend in East Africa, where labels increasingly seek artists who can sing, dance and perform well on stage. For Lot Fire, Rick Say brings youth appeal, dance experience and a Kampala urban background that the label hopes will help position him in Uganda’s competitive music scene as Golden Hour reaches the market.
Golden Hour is a five‑track EP that showcases Rick Say’s blend of contemporary pop and urban influences. While the EP has not yet charted on national or international lists, its release on major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music provides the artist with a digital footprint that is essential for modern music promotion.
The Ugandan music industry has seen a surge in independent labels and artists who combine multiple performance disciplines. Lot Fire Records, which has previously worked with artists such as Ba3shir and Jim Siizer, is expanding its roster to include performers who can deliver engaging live shows. The label’s strategy aligns with the broader industry shift toward multi‑talented acts that can attract audiences across radio, streaming, and live events.
Rick Say’s background as a dancer is expected to influence his stage presence and music videos. The label’s marketing team has indicated that the artist’s visual style will be a key component of his brand, a move that mirrors the success of other Ugandan acts who have leveraged dance and choreography to enhance their musical output.
The release of Golden Hour also positions Lot Fire Records as a platform for emerging talent in Uganda. By offering a full EP rather than a single, the label provides a more comprehensive introduction to the artist’s musical range, potentially increasing streaming numbers and fan engagement.
As of now, there are no announced touring plans or live performances for Rick Say. The label is reportedly working on a promotional campaign that will include radio play, social media promotion, and potential live showcases in Kampala and other Ugandan cities.
The signing and EP release underscore the importance of independent labels in nurturing local talent and providing artists with the resources to reach broader audiences. Rick Say’s entry into the Ugandan recording industry marks a new chapter for both the artist and Lot Fire Records, as they aim to capitalize on the growing demand for performers who can sing, dance and connect with listeners across multiple platforms.
The current situation is that Rick Say has joined Lot Fire Records, released his debut EP Golden Hour, and is preparing to enter the competitive Ugandan music market with a multi‑disciplinary performance approach. The next steps will involve promotion, potential live shows, and further releases under the label’s guidance.
Rick Say was born on 4 June 2001 in Naguru, a neighbourhood in the Nakawa Division of Kampala. He is the son of Mr Dan Tusiime and Ms Sarah Nansubuga. Growing up in the capital, he developed an interest in performance arts and attended Kololo Secondary School, where he worked on his singing and dancing skills. Prior to entering the recording industry, he built a reputation as a dancer, a background that now informs his music, stage style and public image.
According to a statement from Lot Fire Records, the signing adds a multi‑skilled performer to the label’s roster. The company has not disclosed the value or length of the contract. The release of Golden Hour soon after the signing indicates a planned push to introduce the artist to a wider audience. The EP, Rick Say’s first major project under the label, provides listeners with a broader sample of his sound than a single release would have offered.
The decision to sign a singer who also brings dance experience reflects a growing trend in East Africa, where labels increasingly seek artists who can sing, dance and perform well on stage. For Lot Fire, Rick Say brings youth appeal, dance experience and a Kampala urban background that the label hopes will help position him in Uganda’s competitive music scene as Golden Hour reaches the market.
Golden Hour is a five‑track EP that showcases Rick Say’s blend of contemporary pop and urban influences. While the EP has not yet charted on national or international lists, its release on major streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music provides the artist with a digital footprint that is essential for modern music promotion.
The Ugandan music industry has seen a surge in independent labels and artists who combine multiple performance disciplines. Lot Fire Records, which has previously worked with artists such as Ba3shir and Jim Siizer, is expanding its roster to include performers who can deliver engaging live shows. The label’s strategy aligns with the broader industry shift toward multi‑talented acts that can attract audiences across radio, streaming, and live events.
Rick Say’s background as a dancer is expected to influence his stage presence and music videos. The label’s marketing team has indicated that the artist’s visual style will be a key component of his brand, a move that mirrors the success of other Ugandan acts who have leveraged dance and choreography to enhance their musical output.
The release of Golden Hour also positions Lot Fire Records as a platform for emerging talent in Uganda. By offering a full EP rather than a single, the label provides a more comprehensive introduction to the artist’s musical range, potentially increasing streaming numbers and fan engagement.
As of now, there are no announced touring plans or live performances for Rick Say. The label is reportedly working on a promotional campaign that will include radio play, social media promotion, and potential live showcases in Kampala and other Ugandan cities.
The signing and EP release underscore the importance of independent labels in nurturing local talent and providing artists with the resources to reach broader audiences. Rick Say’s entry into the Ugandan recording industry marks a new chapter for both the artist and Lot Fire Records, as they aim to capitalize on the growing demand for performers who can sing, dance and connect with listeners across multiple platforms.
The current situation is that Rick Say has joined Lot Fire Records, released his debut EP Golden Hour, and is preparing to enter the competitive Ugandan music market with a multi‑disciplinary performance approach. The next steps will involve promotion, potential live shows, and further releases under the label’s guidance.