The date is fast approaching for the beginning of a new Hip Hop era in Uganda. January 28th is the first night of a monthly Hip Hop event ready to shake the foundations from Luga Flow, Luso Flow, and Kiga Flow to the flow of the Nile River. Hip Hop in Uganda has been more than ready to takeover the music world from East Africa to East Timor. Sabrina’s Pub will host the first End of the Weak MC Challenge with a special showcase by the one and only St. Nelly-Sade!
St.
Nelly-Sade, who’s lived a life influenced by Hip Hop culture for 8 years, shares
his thoughts about his life with music and the evolution of Hip Hop culture in
Uganda.
Who influenced you to get into music?
Who influenced you to get into music?
At a
greater extent, I was inspired by the desire to make the world a better place.
I grew up listening to Nas and Pharoahe Monch,
but later got more interested in the Tanzanian Hip Hop community after
listening to Juma Nature, Professor J and Sista P.
What were your accomplishments in 2013
regarding recording, collaborations and growth?
2013 has been a year for trendsetting though
hard work has been put in control ever since the year started. I worked with a couple
of good producers like JT of YEGO Productions, L.O.B of Urban Aksent and
more. Also, I managed to work with a lot of talented emcees like Lady Slyke,
Enygma, Mon MC, Lyrical G and others, but my best dream finally came true and I
managed to release my debut album ''The Translation'' that sold over 436
copies.
What songs are you most proud of and why?
I’m so proud of one song ''Nzijukira (I Remember)''
because it opened doors for me. Each time I listen to it, it takes me back in
time of building the foundation, times of harvesting and times when we used to
beg for microphones to perform on shows. It's that one song that made my mum
proud of her son that he can do anything to entertain, educate and inspire the
next generation.
What do you like the most about being a
musician?
The only thing I like
about being a musician is the attention the fans give the artist and take their
time to listen to the craft after production. It gives me a reason to tell
stories.
What are you listening to now?
I am listening to ''Moment'' by Nas and Quan.
OMG I used to listen to this song when I was still in high school, it brings
back a lot of memories.
What's your favorite album from another artist?
Illmatic by Nas is still my number one album of
all times.
What do you think about the state of Hip Hop in
Uganda now?
Hip Hop has grown now compared to where it was
in the early 2000s. Emcees have been able to represent their culture though the
media is not so supportive. On the other side, the fans have been able to
support by all means even if the radio at times doesn't play their favourite
emcees.
How has the Hip Hop scene changed in the last 5 years?
There has been a new generation of young emcees
whose aims are not making hits but entertaining, educating and inspiring the
fellow youths, and am glad I’m part of that generation...Hahaaa
How do you see the scene evolving in the next 5 years?
I see a lot of changes. For example, fans are
now tired of copycats, I'm sure 5 years from now no one will sound like
Nigerians or Americans. I see an improvement in production in the next 5 years.
Is having a monthly Hip Hop night important for Kampala? How will it affect the community in Kampala and Uganda?
It is important because Emcees learn from each
other every month and it helps network with different people. It will bring out the good quality emcees since
untold stories get a platform to be heard each month.
What do you believe is the formula for a
successful music career?
Hard work + Determination + Commitment =
Success
Photo by Kibuuka photography
