New Vision (Kampala)

NEWS
21 January 2008
Posted to the web 22 January 2008

By Jude Katende
Kampala
MANY local music pundits have labeled hip-hop a dead genre in Uganda. However, the big turn up of youths at Lugogo indoor stadium last Friday challenged this notion.

In a bid to support the genre, MTN Uganda has started the anual hip-hop and R&B Battle.

Impressed with the turn-up and talent display from some teenagers as young as 12, MTN’s Gasper Mbowa promised to make it bigger next time. Several secondary schools had representatives of their R&B and hip-hop stars. Young and impressive Arthur Wasswa of Kololo Secondary School came top for hip-hop and Sarah Lakerry of Our Lady Gayaza emerged best in R&B. Wasswa rapped like an established artiste and convinced the four judges that he understood the "game" well.

At stake were a recording contract, ipods, airtime and phones. As is usually the case at local hip-hop events, fans and artistes seem to be in a fashion competition of sorts. This one brought out the best, worst, stylish and weirdest of hip-hop fashion. Bling bling, overalls, minis and tracksuits were favourites. Some youths had cornrows and Snoop Dogg-like hairstyles.

Other features included a fashion show and basketball skill displays. Klearkut’s Mith and Navio, Lyrical G, GNL and T’Bro, a Rukiiga language rapper, spiced up the show.

Frenzied fans seeking autographs besieged Navio and Bataka Squad’s Babaluku while DJ Shiru impressed with his music mixing skills.