As we begin preparations to host the End of the Weak World Finals 2014, we must pay respect to the Uganda representative, JDM. JDM won the Challenge of Champions in 2012, but due to visa restrictions he wasn’t able to attend the World Finals 2013 in London. So let’s be sure he’s full of energy and ready to represent Ugandan Hip Hop to the fullest!
Asiimwe Johnson aka Johnson Doing Me (JDM) from Muyenga Bukasa, was introduced to Hip Hop by the likes of Krazy Native in 2007 and later GNL. After learning about End of the Weak, he was influenced to start rapping in Luganda instead of English. Though his lyrics are a mix of both languages, he feels he’s able to portray his raw emotions through Lugaflow.
JDM had only performed one time before entering the End of the Weak Kampala regional MC Challenge in 2012. It goes without saying, it took a lot of bravery and confidence to enter such a competition with little stage experience. Proving that he is a force to be reckoned with, he won the regional MC Challenge, which allowed him a spot in the Challenge of Champions.
The Challenge of Champions consisted of MCs Busta Kuchi from Mbale, Coap Zak from Jinja, JUDAS from Gulu and Amani from Kabale with JDM representing Kampala. JDM admits he isn’t very good at written verses and prefers to freestyle. Lucky for him, the majority of the MC Challenge is a freestyle competition that allowed him to excel.
He felt most confident during the a capella and grab bag rounds. For those that aren’t familiar with the competition, the 5 rounds include the written round, a capella round, grab bag (MCs pull random items from a bag and spits about them), beat juggling (the DJ plays with the beats to make the MC adapt to different speeds and styles), and the cypher round (MCs trade 4 bars back and forth).For nearly all competitors of the MC Challenge world wide, the grab bag round is where MCs either stumble or rise to the occasion. By being strong and courageous during this round, JDM established himself as a true EOW MC.
The Hip Hop industry in Uganda is growing every year, but JDM believes the growth is stunted due to lack of promotion and airplay. Most Ugandans listen to Western Hip Hop because that’s what is promoted on the major radio stations. JDM considers End of the Weak an important factor in helping artists become recognized in an otherwise difficult to penetrate industry.
This advantage of being recognized led JDM to being featured in the All-star videos “Magic Town” and “Love Lines” starring artists EXO, Jahlive and featuring musicians Gravity, Eddy Kenzo, King Saha and Barbi Jay among many others.
JDM is currently building Hip Hop bridges with the Fresh House Music Group, JDM is ready to take on Ugandan Hip Hop with all his energy. Watch out for this young MC as he’s going global with End of the Weak in 2014.
