Uganda: Kadabrah wins GNL Dear HipHop Challenge

The contest, organised by the Baboon Forest Entertainment (BFE) record label, was based on the song 'Dear Hip Hop', which was released by BFE founder and luga flow rapper GNL Zamba in July. 'Dear HipHop' was recorded during quarantine and its video shot using a mobile phone.

The competition required young rappers to use one of the five elements of hip hop – lyricism, breakdancing, deejaying, graffiti and seeking or sharing knowledge – to shoot a three-minute video using a cellphone for a chance to win $300. Videos were shared on social media along with the hashtag #GNLDearHiphopChallenge.

"This campaign was mostly to enable young people out there recognise their power and potential to utilise their gadgets in this digital era to create," BFE representative Sophie Amayo said.

"We received videos from several talented participants, and the winner was chosen through social media interactions. The number of likes, comments and average percentage ratings automatically gave us a winner."

Zamba, who is well known for his fusion of traditional instruments and hip hop beats, says that Uganda's hip hop scene requires an artist to have capital and media connections, or be willing to toil for years through "venom-infested" underground rap battles, to gain recognition.

"This means that we are losing the voice that we can use to empower the whole community. To me that means that we need to take hip hop back to the people," he said.

"The best rappers are underground hip hop artists. It saddens me to hear that the most talented MCs do not have the money to shoot videos, which everyone expects to see on TV."

BFE plans to launch a new contest to identify fresh talent and support up-and-coming artists in the industry, with the next winner set to receive $1 000.