For Ugandan creative duo Nsimbi, the move from music to film was less of a departure and more of a natural evolution.
Made up of rapper GNL Zamba and Miriam Tamar, Nsimbi has spent years blending Lugaflow hip-hop, spoken word, indigenous African instruments and global sounds, while building creative bridges between Uganda and audiences beyond its borders.
Their latest project, Infinity, pushes that vision further onto the big screen. The film brings together music, film, fashion, poetry, dance and cultural storytelling in a visually rich musical production rooted in Uganda.
At the heart of the story is a young boy whose journey forces him to confront selfishness and rediscover his connection to community, nature and the universe.
Guided by a wise shaman and his younger sister, he embarks on a transformative journey of healing and self-discovery.
But beyond its fictional narrative, Infinity tells a bigger story – one about Uganda’s creative possibilities and the power of local talent to tell distinctly Ugandan stories for a global audience.
The film was produced entirely with a Ugandan creative team. Matege Rogers directed, while Gashumba handled cinematography. Fashion designer Abaas Kaijuka created the wardrobe, with Nabagala Lilian overseeing choreography and Gats Bulega handling photography. Sound and set design were contributed by Andrew Ahuura “Quad A” and ABM.
The film was written and executive produced by Ernest “GNL Zamba” and Miriam Nsimbi.
That collaborative approach is central to Infinity. Uganda’s landscapes, cultural traditions, fashion and music are not merely used as background decoration – they form part of the film’s visual and emotional language.
‘From the natural scenery to the styling and movement, the production deliberately places Ugandan creativity at the centre of the story, offering audiences a glimpse of the country through the eyes of its own artists,’ the duo noted.
The film’s journey has already extended well beyond Uganda. It has screened at the American Center Kampala, German Cultural Centre and Alliance Française. Internationally, it has traveled to the Mariposa Museum on Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, Micheaux Film Festival in Los Angeles, People’s Film Festival in Harlem, New York, Las Vegas International Black Film Festival, Cleveland International Film Festival, Gasparilla International Film Festival in Miami, San Diego Kids International Film Festival, Albuquerque Film and Music Experience, and Richmond Film Festival.
Its growing international footprint has positioned Ugandan storytelling within conversations happening on global cultural and film platforms.
The film is also set to return to local audiences after receiving a nomination at the UCC Uganda Film Festival. It is scheduled to screen on August 26 at Century Cinemax, Arena Mall, in the 7pm-9pm slot.
For Nsimbi, however, the ambition behind Infinity goes beyond making a film. The duo sees cinema as another vehicle through which Uganda can market its culture, tourism and creative industries – allowing international audiences to experience the country not simply through traditional tourism campaigns, but through music, fashion, landscapes, characters and stories.
That approach reflects Nsimbi’s broader creative philosophy. For years, the duo has used music as a meeting point between Ugandan identity and global culture. Infinity expands that conversation by bringing several creative disciplines into one project.
‘We love film, music and fashion, and Infinity gave us the opportunity to bring all of those worlds together,’ GNL Zamba said.
In an industry where Ugandan creatives are increasingly looking beyond individual songs, performances and traditional artistic formats, Infinity offers a glimpse of what can happen when talent is packaged into a larger creative property.