Ugandan rapper Da Agent sets East African record with rapid-fire delivery

By Peter Luzinda

 

KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan rapper Ivan Wabwire, known professionally as Da Agent, has been recognised by Bossip Africa for a rapid-fire performance that the organisation has recorded as the fastest rap delivery in East Africa.

The record is based on a passage from Da Agent’s 2024 song “Tewepima Nange”, where he delivered 33 syllables in 3.75 seconds, according to a certificate issued by the Bossip Africa Record Registry.

The performance was measured at 8.5 syllables per second, with the registry issuing Da Agent a certificate on September 19, 2026, under record number BA-RR-2026-001.

The assessment was conducted by Derrick Ssentamu, who independently timed the passage and counted the syllables while listening to the recording at reduced speed. The assessment considered the rapper’s natural delivery in both Luganda and English.

The certificate lists Kampala as the location of the performance and was signed by Nathan Atiluk, editor-in-chief of Bossip Africa.

 

From Uganda's rap scene

 

Da Agent, whose real name is Ivan Wabwire, has been active in Uganda's hip-hop scene since around 2015.

He has built his reputation around rapid lyrical delivery and has released songs including “Akadodi,” “Nturika,” “Nkalabuka,” “Njukunju,” “Baliwa,” “Ngalo Ngalo” and “Tewepima Nange.”

His music draws heavily on Luganda, with his performances also incorporating English, wordplay, proverbs and humour. International rappers including Twista, Eminem and Busta Rhymes have been cited as influences on his approach to fast-flow rap.

The latest recognition focuses specifically on speed rather than commercial performance, with the registry basing the record on the measured number of syllables delivered within a defined period.

For Uganda's hip-hop scene, the certification provides an international-facing reference point for one of the country's rappers whose style is built around high-speed lyrical delivery.