Hip hop music culture has found a strong foothold in Uganda. Local manifestations of this popular culture encompass aspirationsal goals for both economic prosperity and social equality.
Uganda Rap League serves to illustrate these twin goals of youth development and hip-hop competition through community involvement. Through participation in competitive hip-hop events, young rappers are engaged and trained.
1. Babaluku
Babaluku is an Ugandan emcee, youth advocate and social entrepreneur. He founded the Bavubuka Foundation which equips youth with leadership skills. Additionally he co-founded legendary hip hop group Bataka Squad as well as pioneered luga flow rap music that embraces indigenous languages and cultures – inspiring youth from slums in Kampala all the way up to war torn Northern Uganda and beyond with his music.
Babaluku, an award-winning songwriter and producer, has become famous for writing the youth anthem “Batulidewo.” Featuring a heavy beat, catchy lyrics, and vocal delivery reminiscent of old school hip-hop, “Batulidewo” also serves as an inspirational call to action, encouraging youth to unite together and take control of their lives. Babaluku sees art as a tool that empowers and upholds others through its art.
Uganda’s hip hop scene has begun 2016 in turmoil and Babaluku appears to be at the heart of it all. Recently, Ugandan rapper Deluxe Dillinger (Ibrahim Lwanga), known by his stage name Dlux Ibra, made public accusations against Babaluku of falsified documents – something Dlux Ibra has long done and this latest controversy between rival rappers has caused havoc within hip hop communities around Africa and internationally.
Babaluku, one of the founding members of Bataka Squad and an award-winning musician and producer. He created Spoken Truth – a monthly spoken word event and pioneer of urban spoken word movement in Uganda – as well as Bavubuka Foundation that equips young people with leadership skills. Additionally, he pioneered Luga Flow which represents indigenous languages and culture through Ugandan hip hop rap music.
2. Sulfuric
Hip hop music is a genre characterized by improvised rhymes that frequently reference current events, along with beatboxing, sampling and scratching; its production style often incorporates beatboxing, sampling and scratching, along with ad-libs; lyrics may contain profane language to convey specific messages or stories; moreover rapping may incorporate other styles such as dance and reggae music as well. Unfortunately, however, its influence can often be negative on youth culture.
Hip hop has had an enormous influence on Ugandan music industry; however, mainstream artists have yet to embrace its popularity. This could be partially attributed to hip hop not always reflecting Ugandan culture but instead being heavily influenced by American rappers; which has lead to criticism that Ugandan artists have become too Americanized.
Ugandan hip hop industry continues to prosper despite criticism, with several Ugandan artists turning hip hop into their full-time career. Some even start their own record labels to promote themselves while other collaborate with other Ugandan artists to produce hit songs like Allstars feat T Bro’s “True man hood” and Gen Geeon’s “Tikikushemerire” with Jose Chameleon as examples of successful collaborations.
Ugandan rappers have also participated in many rap battles over time, which provide an ideal platform to display their talents while building community spirit. Since 2007, Uganda Rap League (URL), an initiative by a community member, has hosted such battles as part of their events calendar.
Ugandan rappers have used music to increase awareness about social issues. Rappers in particular have used lyrics to address corruption and other social ills that exist within Uganda, such as political activism. Unfortunately, government agencies often attempt to suppress these rappers – an unfortunate trend which undermines their effectiveness while alienating youth. Instead, governments should try understanding issues raised by hip hop artists and engaging with them directly.
4. Atlas da African
Atlas da African has been on an incredible roll recently; he released “New Day”, featuring singer Liliana Mbambazi from Deuces Entertainment group and garnering widespread acclaim online and in Uganda. With an enviable following both on social media platforms like Youtube and on Ugandan soil, his unique flow speaks for Africa while speaking directly to audiences worldwide. Atlas was heavily influenced by rappers of the late 80’s/early 90’s like Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Public Enemy etc – something his latest single makes clear. Atlas had recorded with one of Turkey’s premier production houses Red Magic recently before heading back home where work on his full album was underway while on video for release soon after leaving Turkey recording sessions were completed with production house Red Magic where his video also appears massive.
5. Cyno M.C.
Although artists like Navio, Lyrical G and Atlas da African have made strides with their quality lyrics and productions, some rappers who only sing over beats have brought shameful discredit to hip hop genre. Such rappers put out songs without creativity for fame or money but rather seek fame through radio spins; unfortunately this represents hip hop’s true essence lost due to mediocrity.
Uganda’s hip hop scene is currently going through a phase where many musicians take inspiration from foreign artists instead of exploring and incorporating local sounds into their music, which is not beneficial to its growth. Therefore, local rappers need to find innovative ways to promote themselves such as social media platforms or creating personal websites where their music can be showcased to fans.
Becoming a successful rapper requires having an unmistakable style and voice that sets you apart from others. Your music should address real world issues or themes while remaining faithful to hip hop’s integrity and principles.
Collaboration with like-minded hip hop enthusiasts can also help achieve this. Artists can form crews to promote themselves and their music. Furthermore, musicians may collaborate to form new bands or even organize hip hop events in the community.