Hip hop music has long been popular in Uganda. It serves to spread positive messages and inspire individuals to make healthier life decisions while at the same time emphasizing its religious roots.
Branding of hip-hop artists such as Gasuza Lwanga, Atlas Da African and Silas Babaluku demonstrates how their identities link back to past experiences while foretell future possibilities.
1. Bataka Squad
Bataka Squad (formerly Bataka Underground) was one of Uganda’s early hip hop groups, formed in the mid-1990s. Remaining as one of Uganda’s renowned groups today, its membership includes founder Babaluku (known by some as Sniperous MC), Saba Saba aka Krazy Native, and Big Poppa Momo MC as its members. Their music draws heavily upon Ugandan traditions by using local dialect lyrics combined with more traditional African rhythmic styles that distinguish their style from mainstream African hip hop genre.
Gasuza Lwanga, Atlas da African and Silas ‘Babaluku’ are landmark figures in Ugandan hip-hop history and hold significant positions within Uganda’s music industry. Their introduction to hip-hop came about through forced migration during Idi Amin’s dictatorial rule as well as years of civil conflict that ensued after.
These experiences have informed their musical identities, which are informed by discourses of neoliberal capitalism and human realities associated with global postcoloniality. Their musical expression converges around preoccupations of excess and activism within Uganda’s hip-hop landscape; their musical appropriations is informed by colonial histories of power accumulation that characterise them musically; furthermore they project masculinist Afrocentric ideals of self-respect while upholding power through authenticity and allegiance.
2. Rocky Giant
Ugandan MCs can successfully fuse mainstream US hip hop music production techniques with local Ugandan idioms and narratives to craft a distinct form of rap rap music uganda, such as Rocky Giant’s song “Hey You”, featuring traditional African drumming coupled with an urban beat.
Rappers such as Gasuza Lwanga, Atlas da African and Silas Babaluku remain key figures of Ugandan hip hop, but younger artists who draw inspiration from this genre are emerging. Mys Natty and Lilian Mbabazi straddle soul, R&B and reggae genres as they have collaborated with these elders.
Though many factors have contributed to Ugandan hip hop’s expansion, one key influencer has been digital audio production technology. This has allowed musicians to produce music across a spectrum of styles and thus broaden its appeal – thus spurring its development further.
However, many rappers still struggle to support themselves financially with their music due to lack of recognition outside of urban centers and stage shows being rarer. Furthermore, lack of effective marketing strategies have hindered success of the genre; consequently most Ugandan rappers must turn to other forms of income-generation such as selling music online or selling mixtapes as other sources.
3. Navio
Daniel Lubwama Kigozi aka Navio was one of the early innovators in Uganda’s Hip Hop music scene. Beginning his professional career as part of Klear Kut, Navio quickly rose through the ranks as an artist renowned for their emotive songs with strong messages and high energy performances – evidenced in music videos showcasing his craft as well as hosting fan events where they perform for fans.
Though hip hop has made impressive gains in Uganda, there remain several obstacles for it to face. Many rappers struggle to make a living from their music while local radio stations lack airplay for this genre of music. Therefore it is vital for artists to collaborate to improve this situation.
Hip hop music in Uganda has been transformed by the emergence of a new urban middle class. Hip hop artists have used hip hop as a form of activism and to raise awareness of issues facing urban youth – such as GNL Zamba’s song, Soda Jinjale, which addresses the economic challenges encountered by urban youth and calls for change.
Critics argue that hip hop has lost much of its core values over time. Babaluku asserts that most artists in hip hop lack an in-depth knowledge of flow, imagery, beat and lyrics as fundamental aspects of art form; consequently, some rappers resort to publishing “pot boiler” content in an effort to appeal to more casual viewers.
4. Nelly Sade Saint
Ugandan rappers face many difficulties when it comes to exposure. Even with rising stars like Navio and Nelly Sade Saint, Ugandan hip hop still struggles for airplay on Kampala’s urban FM stations as well as corporate sponsorship for shows. Furthermore, artists must create sounds that resonate with local audiences.
Nelly Sade Saint stands out from Ugandan rappers by using Luganda instead of English when delivering thought provoking lyrics that speak directly to the masses. His music features themes of social activism which has earned him the moniker ‘Voice of the Poor’.
Luga flow rapper offers powerful socially conscious messages through songs such as Kakubiddewa and Kikola sense. Formerly part of Bataka Underground Crew, he left in order to focus on humanitarian and community driven initiatives instead. His songs offer strong critiques against patterns of colonial oppression and capitalist exploitation.
He has performed at several national and international stages, such as Bayimba International Festival of the Arts, LaBa Street Art Festival, Uganda Hip Hop Summit as well as Southern Sudan and Arusha Tanzania – making an impression with his amazing lyrical gymnastics making him a well-known figure within Ugandan hip hop scene.
5. Ruyonga
Ruyonga’s music, steeped in gospel and spirituality, has quickly gained him prominence within Uganda’s hip hop scene. His lyrical prowess can be found throughout his work as is his commitment to philanthropy – his songs addressing topics from poverty to personal growth and elevation, all while using his platform as an advocate for better society.
Hip hop faces its fair share of obstacles; most rappers struggle to break through to mainstream audiences. Yet some artists such as Navio and Nelly Sade Saint have made significant strides within the industry, while Rocky Giant and Silas ‘Babaluku’ continue popularizing it by emphasizing socially conscious topics in their lyrics; their efforts have contributed significantly to its growing popularity here in Uganda.
Hip hop music in Uganda represents a culture of materialism and consumerism, evidenced by the lifestyles of stars like Gasuza Lwanga and Atlas da African who often appear in local tabloids with stories detailing their extravagant lives reminiscent of US hip hop gangsta stereotypes.
Notable Ugandan hip-hop acts include JGivens and the Mith, along with The M and Ruyonga who were named one of Rawkus’ 50 by an American hip-hop label in 2007. Formerly known as Krukid, Ruyonga has worked with artists like M.anifest, Magg 44, Ykee Benda, Enygma Big Tril Benezeri Maurice Kirya as well as rising stars 1 Der Jr and Zex Bilangilangi on Parte Yaani which became immensely popular across Uganda Kenya Kenya and Rwanda.
6. Philip Matogo
Hip hop culture has been an effective means of transformation in Uganda, with local rappers such as William Last KRM and Ban T becoming icons within their communities. Hip hop music also allows young people to voice their concerns over social issues in Uganda through its lyrics and beats.
Concerns have been expressed that hip hop has become too commercialized and lost its original meaning. Many rappers tend to focus on rapping rather than conveying messages through songs; others do not put forth enough effort into making quality hip hop, lacking musical skill necessary to marry their lyrics with instruments; as a result, their music may not be as powerful.
Some rappers like Atlas da African have taken great pains to stay true to the essence of hip hop. Instead of accepting the Siamese marriage between hip hop and capitalism that many scholars suggest, they instead focus on activism to address unemployment, poverty and corruption issues. Although such approaches may not lead to big profits or fame overnight, they nonetheless maintain integrity and loyalty to hip hop.
Hip hop activism has played a transformational role in Ugandan lives, providing education and empowering youth in sports, fashion, arts and choreography. Furthermore, grassroots hip hop activism has inspired many to pursue higher education or careers in business, journalism or public policy.