If you follow the history of hip hop and rap, you’ll know that many who are drawn to the music use it as a vehicle for social change and find inspiration in social change. Hip hop and rap in Uganda is no different. Many of these Ugandan artists have become entrepreneurs. They’ve started labels, workshops and businesses that promote social change, support younger generations in the hip hop community, and make tons of money. Here are 12 Ugandan hip hop and rap artists to watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMYRXiAhlUw
Lyrical G
Lyrical G got his start winning several local music competitions before releasing his first single in the late ’90s. After that, he joined the group Bataka Underground and went on to perform alongside some of the hip hop heavy hitters we’ll detail further on in this piece. Lyrical G has since moved on to a solo career.
Abramz
Tekya Abraham aka Abramz is part of the politically conscious duo, Sylvester and Abramz. On his own, Abramz is a member of the Rock Steady Crew RSC and started the Breakdance Project Uganda, a nonprofit that encourages social responsibility through musical arts.
Tabu Flo
Tabu Flo’s fame comes from hip hop break dancing. The group met at the Break Dance Project Uganda, started by previously mentioned artist Abramz. The group has performed all over the world and won several competitions.
Bataka Squad
Bataka Squad is sometimes called the inventor of “Luga flow,” which is the name of rap music in the Luganda language. The group’s front man, Babaluku, works to inspire other artists in the region to pursue music through his Bavubuka Foundation.
GNL. hipipo.com
GNL
GNL’s hit album, “Riddles of Life” was one of the first to make it onto radio stations that wouldn’t usually play Ugandan hip hop. The artist has been honored with the best male artist of the year award at the Buzz Teens Awards and two best hip hop singles awards at the Pear of Africa Music Awards.
Navio
Navio has been nominated and awarded at most of Africa’s major music award ceremonies. Before he was 20, Navio had formed what would become the hit group, Klear Kut, with four of his good friends. Since then he’s had a solo career and moved on to the group One8, which features famous artists from throughout Africa.
Saba Saba aka Krazy Native
Krazy Native was one of the original members of Bataka Squad in the early ’90s, but after taking an interest in social politics, he embarked on a solo career. Native is one of the founders of the Uganda Hip Hop Foundation, which hosted the first hip hop summit in Uganda highlighting local artists.
The Mith
The Mith is known for rapping about his Ugandan roots whenever possible. In fact, one of his first big hits is called, “So UG.” That song also launched his lifestyle brand under the same name.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeRexp6hzOo
Sylvester
Sylvester is the other half of Abramz, but he gets his own mention since he’s embarking on a solo career and has done a lot of philanthropy. Sylvester facilitated the Music Mayday Netherlands’ pilot project in Uganda, where he also served as a “rap tutor” to aspiring artists.
Twitter
Luga Flow Army
Luga Flow Army is made up of five Ugandan emcees, each previously members of different groups. Together they started their own independent record label, End of Weak Uganda, which works with artists of all media, including radio personalities, break dancers, and graphic artists.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qyld1UjNtkI
Lyrical Proof
Lyrical Proof got his start partaking in pub rap battles in 2003, but by 2008 he was already featuring other major artists like GNL on his songs. Proof now has over 100 recorded songs and records under the label Goodenuff Urban Records, along with a roster of Ugandan hip hop stars.
JT
JT is not just a rapper but also the head of production company Yego Productions, one of Uganda’s most prolific rap production companies. The company is also somewhat of a patron saint for the local hip hop community, hosting Yego Night once a month—an event where famous and underground hip hop artists can showcase their new work.
