Battles, Beats, Bars and Rhymes.

Break Dancing and an import of culture (early eighties).

My Interaction with the one small aspect of the hip hop stream began in the early eighties and was due in part with a craze for dance that was generated by personalities such as Shaba Doo, Shrimp and Lucinda Dickey. Some of their dance moves and burn outs were simple enough to replicate and so many of us began to use the same and build on what else we heard. Soon we would engage other children in the neighborhood for competitions in which we would often call out older kids where we would share a stage on which even if we had the disadvantage of much smaller frames we were equals on the large pieces of cardboard upon which we danced. 

The birth of this movement in of dance also brought about an additional drive to use and change the manner in which we also dressed. 

Dance and Discipleship (2001-2003)

Fast forward a few years and add on to that a new location and we came across the same effect except this time around the team that I met with was using it as a method of reconnecting with youth and directing their energies into what Christians call Discipleship. 

Discipleship is the deliberate decision to connect directly with new converts into an experience that is designed to help develop them deeper into personal and public faith with the purpose of sending them out a leaders armed with an ability to do the same. Perhaps one of the advantages of this system was the manner in which we could resolve conflict on eight by eight stages where nothing but dance and rhyme and rhythm and skill would be used arbitrate between two individuals.

Interpreting African Expressions of similar effects (2005-present)

My first attempt to interpret the African expression of this effect in Uganda was started about six months ago. In it i sought to find the most prominent personalities in the 'game' on the local scene in an effort to try to see where this movement was going and those who we would need to watch in the future. I use the simplest method in which I simply classified it in terms of language. The two most prominent personalities in this were arguably Babaluku and Navio of NavCorp. Some of the local history differentiates between Ugaflow. A term coined by local movers and shakers to define the use of rhyme and rhythm and rap in Uganda. Which is also connected to what they define as lugaflow. Which is derived from the term Luga which would be a Swahili term for language or as I used to think Luga for Gandaflow. But as these things normally go and develop and broaden. 

East African expressions.

If you take time to study the manner in which artistic expression is taught globally you will notice the Importance of History in defining personalities and their contribution to the larger narrative. 

In Tanzania for example, you will see a deliberate effort to connect and interpret the same broader hip hop culture and the emergence of local personalities who either joined the broader river or created dams upon which they were in time able to harness the massive waters to create industries and economies of their own. Tanzania is different from Uganda in that they have at least found a unique voice and sound that we call Bongo flavor. The Kenyan community too has had similar effects by emerging with a sound referred to as genge (which in Ganda means leprous!). 

Music and the need for social change.

What you will find with both Kenyan and Tanzanian expression is that both have lose but necessary links with 'common' people especially as we have seen an increase poverty levels. So much of our music has become an drive to interpret and engage with the changes in our societies that are drawing many into previously unknown and unheard of levels of poverty. 

So in some respects, the graduate is no longer defining want you learn the Ghetto is! 

The rise of additional voices.

A visit with the destiny crew.

In the Ganda language we call it 'Katemba Atali Musasulile'. Or free shows or just drama. Funny and interesting stuff you come across as part of your day that helps put a smile on your face as long as you are not part of it. My day began at about midday after a night spent catching up on American Politics and Fox Entertainment and a good mix of inspiration. 

I walked to Mengo Hospital where there is taxi stage that get you to the city at a reasonable cost. The trip was punctuated by a crew of men in yellow (the use NRM colors for city enforcement is not going well) who decided to 'move' some business people along Namirembe Rd. right at the junction that takes you into the New Taxi park. 

The enforcers were not subtle in the execution of their tasks and soon the taxi conductor decided to drop us of at the nearest gas station using our fears about men in yellow to support his impromptu decision. 

Then we walked up along the stretch took a right up onto old taxi park where we crossed the street onto Standard Supermarket (Yamaha Center). The taxis to Namasuba are found along the street at the entrance of shoprite. An exit right after Freedom City, a phone call and a Boda Boda ride later and there it is a blue gate with some graffiti-Destiny Central! 

The place sits at about 1/4 of an acre. There is a group of about three young people talking. It's been very busy (a season of visits from 'outside' countries). There is a set of drums and some fruit as well as a few young people having a hearty meal. The scent of well made Ganda food is evident in the air. The balcony is peppered with a few faces possibly foreign although this term is probably not useful in Makindye (where the Muzungu has become a mainstay). In this case I am clearly the foreigner. 

A few quick introductions and then a release to do my work. 

The notice boards are full of cultural events and happening from Uganda to Joburg and beyond. 

I spot 'looks' as I will call him. Dressed in his characteristic black much bigger than I expected.  

I spend an unusual amount of time having a look at a 'hip hop constitution' that describes some of the major dos and don'ts of the movement at its core. It has some of the historicals in the history of hip hop and I spend a few minutes trying to see if I can pass the test. I can identify Latifah, Tupac, The Ice Brothers (cube and tea), the young lady from the Fugees, Run D MC? Or at least Rev Runs brother (the entrepreneur and business person), Biggie Smalls. The list of rules and practices and ethics is intensely rich, complex and thorough. I have no time to absorb or take in the full extent of the stuff in front of me. So like the visitor of a gallery I simply stand back and take it in. 

The table is full of gadgets of all sorts processing experiences that have quickly faded into history but that one is certain will remain firmly etched in the hearts of of those who have had the chance to engage with the young people from all over the world that have graced these culturally driven events. 

I love kitchens and the magic that takes place in them. Some of the lovely young women are busying themselves. The kitchen too has its house rules. This is clearly much more than just a cultural gathering it is designed with a philosophy in mind it is a family. Unscripted and unhindered. 

There are a few very important events slated for the day. Some video shoots and recordings. There is a track in the Garage where the young MCs in training are putting final touches in the rhymes that will accompany the track. About eight young men will contribute. The broader theme-building. 

I cannot help but wonder what the possibilities would be if each one were given a chance to interpret the same track and left alone with the entire piece of music. 

But this time they will each lay their lyrics on the same thread. 

I meet Spyder, he catches you by surprise. He is very difficult to place he approaches me as people who are dressed with beanies and 'supposed' to be approached with fist clenched. Fist to fist to heart. He asked me a few questions my geeky glasses are a dead giveaway. I respond with the best kiyaye that I can muster. In a moment he switches to impeccable Queens English. He is comfortable and in his element. 

There are a few more faces writing and creating. Most of them tall and with dreadlocks. The Colors are rich and varied and so are the clothes. I love the ceiling in the garage that has been decorated with the colors of rich African design. The dress style of the young men is also distinctive. You will find it very hard to find two similarly dressed young people here. A seam re-done on a pair of jeans with the same colorful material. 

There are a few members of the aviary clan strutting their stuff. Maybe some of them are aware that they will grace the plates of the inhabitants in a strange partnership between unequals. Munsaka y'enva gyebalinsanga. 

In a smaller room, the recording is taking place. A super good quality mike has been placed in front of a thick absorbent material Square shaped (mattress) that will serve the purpose of insulation to prevent the loss of sound. In the next room, the PC is playing the track which is on repeat (possibly using cakewalk). 

I also get to meet Shemy B. dressed in a Cardinals shirt (an import from the U.S and suitable reminder of just how small the world is). We talk extensively about a range of subjects. I do most of the talking. He helps shed some light on hip hop in Uganda. He is interested in and has started a group that takes events to communities where the whole mix of services is provided. Sales for cultural merchandise and much more. He has his sheet for the studio and is ready for the exam. We trade contacts. 

I trace my steps back. A few more members of the team are back. From what I gather the day was full. There is a sense of liberty here that is unusual. The kitchen is clear until the next meal. The table is full of more equipment. Laptops uploading and trading pictures. 

Still rather cloistered and unimposing. I exchange a few smiles, contacts but approach the troop of Vanilla Belles with caution. 

Trade some notes with a young lady dressed in a pair of jeans and black high healed modern creations similar to high tops of old. We will end up sharing a ride to the main road. 

There is a bubbly young lady with an English Accent. I call her Letto. Short for stiletto. She is talking about a conversation we probably shared or listened to describing the liberating effects of the famous shoes. 

The day is almost complete. There is a lot to process. The street is full of people going about their business. I had the impression that Namasuba would be a catholic city. But that is probably naive. The station is peopled with a large group many of whom have also come out in full muslim regalia. Beautiful gowns accentuated with frilly white hair dos or patterns and scarfs. 

The trip back to Mengo will be a little long considering we are driving right back into the traffic filled city centre. 

I have no idea that it will take me about three days to pen these experiences.