South Africa Reigns Supreme

By Amy Hume

Slege Lee became a household name, at least in End of the Weak households, when he was crowned the 2014 EOW World Champion in Kampala, Uganda last October. Uganda was the first country in Africa to establish End of the Weak and the MC Challenge, and Slege Lee was the first African artist to win the incredibly intense and entertaining World Finals MC Challenge.  Representing South Africa, specifically the province of Gauteng or as many of you may know, Johannesburg, Slege stepped off the plane in Entebbe mere hours before the event began.  He refreshed, refueled and took control of the stage at Open House with confidence, strength and the ability to win the crowd over. He competed against Jay Sentino (UG), Intikana (NYC), Monk E. (Montreal), Mas Law (UK), Gavino (Germany), and Cheeko (France); emcees that proved their skills in their home countries and blessed Uganda with their presence. 

The 1^st annual End of the Weak International Hip Hop Festival on 25^th October at Open House was pure entertainment thanks to the hosts Ruyonga and Mazzi S.O.U.L. Purpose, alongside performances by Angel Mutoni from Rwanda, Atlas da African, the legendary Lyrical G, Fasie MC, Keko, and Amy True, with uplifting beats provided by DJ Snuff (UK), DJ Proceed (Belgium) and Gadget (Germany). Kampala’s very own St. Nelly-sade, organizer, stage manager and local star, closed the event with a noteworthy performance full of energy despite the exhaustion of organizing such a massive event. If you were at the International Hip Hop Festival then you understand. If you missed the event or didn’t happen to be in Uganda let me assure you the event was legendary.

            Now let’s focus on Slege Lee, the young man whose mere presence brings a sense of calm and intrigue. He’s genuine, well spoken, and ultimately a voice for the future of South African, sub- Saharan, African, and global Hip Hop.  Welcome to the mindset, really just a tip of the iceberg, of Slege Lee.

            A proper understanding and appreciation of Hip Hop culture is key to the evolution and survival of the roots. Slege Lee was born into the cycle of consciousness.

My mother's side of the family is very artistic and socially conscious while my father's side is drawn to politics and activism. Hip Hop is the merging of both those genetic characteristics. Through the art I find a channel to express my political and social views in a creative way.

Being a quiet and mischievous child contributed to my attraction to Hip Hop. The art form gave the quiet child in me a voice to express the storm of emotions that I experienced within. As a youth there was always books on the shelves and music playing through the sound system and a naturally competitive mentality among myself and my siblings. As the youngest, I picked up Hip Hop from my older brother and sister.

Slege Lee and Lyrical G

My sister was heavily into R&B in the early 90's as well as Hip Hop acts like Salt n Pepa, Queen Latifah and Tupac who she had a serious crush on. My brother was deep into Hip Hop and introduced me to artists like Ice Cube, Naughty by Nature, Wreckx-n-Effect, Public Enemy and Kriss Kross.

Early Hip Hop spoke strongly to black consciousness and the injustices of racism. I was born into a family of activists at a time when South Africa was a racially divided country, so the first time I heard Hip Hop I could immediately relate to the struggles that were faced by other young black people across the world.

As the founders of Hip Hop in the grand ol’ USA (mostly) grow with age and wisdom, cities, towns, and villages around the world have adapted the foundation within their cultures.

He continues to describe his existence within Hip Hop culture in South Africa:

I'm one of the last standing MCs that still has links with South African Hip Hop from when it began to where it is now. I was there when Prophets Of Da City dropped their album following the release of Nelson Mandela. I was there when the Le Club MCs started building up the culture in the Johannesburg inner city. I was there when the Motherload Compilation dropped in 1995. I was there when Slaghuis and other hood Hip Hop events started blowing up. From Cashless Society to Skwatta Kamp to 985 I have been very close to the scene. 

My achievements in the local Hip Hop game have also put me in a position where I form an important part of the culture. I have graced the most street-celebrated stages, many influential radio stations and Hip Hop television shows since my introduction to the game in 2007. My new project takes this a step further because I feature SA Hip Hop legends such as Snazz D (Cashless Society), Korianda (5th Floor), Ben Sharpa (AudioVisual), Mizchif, Iko and other cats getting their rep up like Beatology (Driemanskap) and N'veigh (The Anvils).

In 2014, I made world Hip Hop history by being crowned the world champion of the End Of The Weak MC Challenge. This is sure to cement my name in the culture for many years to come. And this is not the only title I won for the year. I am also ETV's Shizniz Mixtape King of 2014.

A movement of improvement through Hip Hop culture, End of the Weak has spread from NYC to Asia and everywhere in between.

The EOW platform has been very important to the scene in South Africa. It is the first time that the country has managed an MC competition of this kind and to add to this, South Africa's champ has been crowned World Champ in its first go. The format is very different for the South African crowds as the crowds are used to battle competitions. This is a competition that focuses on so much more than one's ability to diss an opponent and therefore really shows people what the MC art form is really all about. 

This is sure to see growth in sponsorship and garner more corporate interest as it builds momentum. It will help young artists work on their skills and it also bridges the gap between South Africa and the rest of the Hip Hop world. This first participation has enabled me as the world champ to work on songs with artists from Uganda, Canada, France and other countries opening up my horizons and introducing SA to the world in terms of Hip Hop.

Musicians, painters, dancers, DJs and multimedia artists all have a different experience in discovering EOW, but at the end of the day it’s community that keeps them coming back.

I became aware of the competition [MC Challenge] on Facebook and I entered one of my songs so I could be considered for the competition that would crown the Gauteng Province winner in South Africa. I was successful and ended up winning for my province. I then competed against the other provinces to be crowned winner of South Africa and I came up tops. This is how my journey was to the finals in Uganda.

Bana Mutibwa and St. Nelly-sade, with assistance from a handful of people, worked their asses off over the extent of 2014 to organize the International Hip Hop Festival and World Finals. The emcees coming from North America, Europe and Africa had their own trials and tribulations with all of them succeeding in coming to the Motherland.

I had difficulties making it to the finals in Uganda with visa and passport issues. Through persistence and dedication, I finally received my passport and visa the day before the actual competition and took a flight on the morning of the competition. I arrived 4 hours before the competition. Upon arrival I quickly had something to eat and had a brief moment to meet all the other contestants, organisers and judges, then we hit the stage.

The MC Challenge was amazing. I was totally in the zone and the response from the crowd was amazing. Being in Uganda was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I met so many legends of Hip Hop from all over the world. I also experienced what life was like in Uganda hanging out with local organisers Bana Mutibwa and Saint Nelly. I stayed in the same house with the contestants so we really got a chance to hang out and get to know each other. We visited Lake Victoria and travelled on boda bodas. We even went out at night and experienced the nightlife. My most special day was going to the Breakdance Project handled by Abramz and his brother. This project really showed me how much Hip Hop can be used to better our communities and build confidence in young people.

Mas Law (UK), Gavino (Germany), Monk E. (Canada), Slege Lee (SA)

Slege Lee became the 2014 EOW World Champ. Enough said.

I couldn't believe it at first, but it has sunk in and I am very proud of my achievement. It has opened more doors for me at home because people now realise that I am not just an ordinary rapper. I am one of the best in the world. At first this was a dream. This title has made that dream more of a reality for me than ever before and I will eternally be thankful to the entire EOW team. I am honoured to say this is one of the most respectful and professional movements I have ever been a part of and throughout they have carried themselves with kindness and integrity. Truly a blessing to work with.

Everywhere I go I am referred to as the champ. After many years of doing Hip Hop this is the first time I receive this kind of recognition. The support has truly been overwhelming and at the same time it is a reminder to never give up on your dreams. Although the publicity has not been huge, there is a certain respect that I have attained among Hip Hop lovers in the country and I am deeply humbled.

As conflict, hardship, and struggle make headlines all the while attempting to define the future of the world, there is hope with music, culture, and empowered individuals.

My dreams for the future of SA Hip Hop are that we expand our understanding of the culture. I feel that in South Africa we have not done enough to follow the concept EACH ONE, TEACH ONE. As a result a lot of young people don't have a true understanding of what Hip Hop is about. There is more a feeling of individuality and silos rather than a united Hip Hop community. 

Also, I'd like to see more local content on radio stations and television stations and more interest being shown by the mainstream media in what's going on with local Hip Hop. I would like us to buck the international trend where the media focuses on a small group of individuals because the reality is that there a lot of talented MCs in the country and I feel it would be great for more of them to get recognition. (Props to Yfm and ETV Shizniz for putting local artists on) On that note, there are movements that are cropping up and providing platforms for upcoming and unsigned artists predominantly using online media. Some of these include DropXVI, Innerview Interviews (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-moQDZzUbnF8vqcS7m8XPA/videos), www.bakgatradio.co.za and www.hipradio360.com

Shout out to my crew Metropolitan Kingz, my blocks Xavier Reef, Naturena, Southdale, Yeoville, Berea and my whole city JHB. Johazardous stand up!!!! EODub Salute!

Voices like Slege Lee, Amy True, Monk E, Angel Mutoni, St Nelly-sade, Intikana, Bana Mutibwa, Jay Sentino, Gavino, Mas Law, DJ Snuff, and so many others spread light throughout the international Hip Hop community. Through Hip Hop music, culture, and enlightenment the world will be a more peaceful and accepting entity.

Uganda Queens of Hip Hop

By Amy Hume

In February, End of the Weak Uganda was proud to host the UG Queenz of Hip Hop at the monthly Hip Hop night at Sabrina’s Pub.  Women in Hip Hop can be brushed off as not serious or just trying to be like the boys, however the female emcees coming out of Uganda are proving otherwise. Sony Music Recording artist Keko graced the stage alongside fellow female soldiers Cleo the Sphynx, Her Royal Highness Agee, Fasie, Yallah MC, and the Ginsu.  The night also produced EOW’s first ever female MC Challenge champion, Tushi Yo’Mighty.   As the Hip Hop community continues to break down barriers both in Uganda and globally, these ladies show they are a force to be reckoned with.

            Hip Hop artists being recognized in Uganda is a relatively new phenomenon, however these young women have long been inspired by the American exported culture.  Fasie began listening to artists such as EVE when she was a little girl.  Cleo the Sphynx has been listening to international Hip Hop since she was 9 years old, but only recently became interested in Ugandan Hip Hop.   They cite foreign artists like Nas, Lauryn Hill, Michael Jackson, and Rick Ross and local artists Enygma, St. Nelly Sade and Ruyonga as inspiration.

            Appreciating Hip Hop and deciding to make it a part of life can be a challenging decision.  Cleo says after being added to the Facebook group Hip Hop Express Family and interacting with artists that she considered getting involved. “It was then that I was convinced to try writing because apparently I knew a lot about the culture and I had an affinity for intricate lyricism.  After so many times of turning down suggestions to write I had resigned myself to the 'fact' that I cannot rhyme to save my life, Enygma challenged me. He said, ''I personally believe you are full of shit and can rhyme if you really focused. '' So with mentorship from another lyricist, (Benny Black) I was able to start writing my own lyrics.”  In the beginning she hid the idea that she was creating Hip Hop music from for family, but since being discovered by her mother, her family now embraces her musical endeavours.  Fasie admits “As I continuously listened to lots of Hip Hop music I started writing down my own lyrics and so it was a good idea for me to start doing Rap because I was much interested at it.”  In 2008, she joined the Luga Flow Army alongside Burney MC, CYNO, St. Nelly Sade and Foever and claims they have become instrumental in bringing attention to underground Hip Hop in Uganda.  

Since the dawn of Hip Hop existence began in the late 1970’s, women have faced various difficulties when pursuing their love for Hip Hop music.  “It was trying but I was determined, but if you got what it takes, it’s only a matter of time before you get a shot,” says Keko.  This generation of female emcees has hope that recognition is coming and will only get bigger.  Agee states, “ I think right now the female emcees are not out there so there's not really any respect given but with the growth they'll soon be seen as competition.”  As Cleo admits, “There is a common belief that female emcees are not serious. We start out our careers and quickly quit before anybody notices our existence... THIS IS MOSTLY TRUE! There are only a handful of female rappers and only Keko has made it far enough to be noticed as a rapper.”  She continues, “My experience so far as a female emcee has been mostly great. Sure I have gotten hated on just like everybody else trying to make it in the industry but that is exactly what drives me to keep going.” 

In regards to women being a vital part of the Hip Hop community Keko states “It gives hip hop a whole 360 appeal say R&B has, which would make it more commercially viable.”  Cleo adds, “Women create a much needed balance in Hip Hop. Even though we are never compared to our male counterparts we get the opportunity to show that we can be just as skilled and it has nothing to do with physical beauty and appearance as portrayed in the mainstream today.”  Many artists credit Keko for bringing attention to the talent of Ugandan female rappers.  “Women are given less attention in our society but can attract much attention if deliver their messages through music. We have inspired the young generation of both boys and girls. Another credible achievement is when Ugandan female rapper Keko got nominated for international awards, which brings positive energy to any other female emcees in Uganda,” believes Fasie.  By Keko signing to a major label and in turn sharing her music with the world, the competition of the female emcee has arrived in Uganda.

Competition recently came in the form of four young women, Tushi Yo’Mighty, MC Clara, Nicole Esteem, and Race T, the first ever females to compete in the regional MC Challenge in Kampala.  Tushi took the crown and became one of only a few queens to hold the MC Challenge Champion title within the global EOW movement.  In response to her winning the title, Tushi describes her experience. “It was amazing! God it was my first time on stage performing and that was a bit tricky coz I was introduced to new things, but I managed to get away with the prize! And by the way I am longing to do things like this constantly until I feel like I have given the world the best of me they deserve.”

            As these incredibly brilliant artists overcome the obstacles Hip Hop culture can produce, there is hope for Hip Hop in Uganda.  As Tushi strongly proclaims “I want to be the most inspiring Hip Hop star. I want to change the world. I want to communicate with everyone and break the chains of absurdity and fear in them.”  Many of the world’s great musicians have such a strong foundation planted in the power of music that it’s easy to see why artists gain strength from their love of music.  Cleo declares, “Music has inspired me to stick situations out. It's an outlet for thoughts and feelings I wouldn't easily disclose in a normal conversation. It has also inspired me to pay attention more to my surroundings and makes even the most plain of topics more interesting because being a lyricist everything has layers, entendres, wordplay etc.  It's a lot of mental back flips which is always fun.”

            Bravery in the face adversity presents itself in many forms.  Thanks to these powerful female voices, the appearance of Hip Hop in Uganda is well on its way to a facelift.  The global End of the Weak family expresses gratitude to these women for empowering not only the movement, but also the girls and women of Uganda.

St. Nelly-Sade Brings in the Beginning of a New Era

By Amy Hume

      The date is fast approaching for the beginning of a new Hip Hop era in Uganda. January 28^th 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?

 

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

JDM is Going Global

By Amy Hume. 23rd Dec 2013.

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.

King of MCs

Cyno MC's real names are Mpiima Moses. He was born on 8th July 1990 and grew up in one of Kampala’s largest slums, Katwe, a place mostly referred to as "the home of technology". He was raised by a Christian family, amidst eight siblings, but he felt he belonged within gangs and lived that life until he joined the Hip Hop community.

Moses always admired music and this influenced him to build on his rap  career, which started back in 2008. Through street cyphers and freestyles on hip-hop nights and a number of radio hits like C.Y.N.O, Abaana Bakka, Shine, Cyno MC  has captured a crowd of fans to his ecosystem. He is undoubtedly one of the most respected MCs in Uganda.

In 2009 he managed to beat MCs like Big Trill, now of Baboon Forest, Jungle de Man-eater Omusoga, and Kadeford Katanyenje of Luga Luga Squad during the second End of the Weak Kampala MC Challenge. Later he competed with MCs like Rugged Made and M33 Bwongo to become the first ever MC Champion from Uganda.
In 2010 Cyno MC represented Uganda and Africa at large in the End Of The Weak International World Finals in Berlin. At the same time he also appeared and performed at Jam On It and The Splash Festival in Germany.



The turning point
In April 2011, Nanna Schneidermann , a Ph.D. researcher studying Ugandan Music, took Cyno to visit a cardiologist after he confided in her about a pain in the chest that he had felt for the previous three months. The cardiologist confirmed that he needed heart surgery.

Cyno had a condition known as Aortic Regurgitation, defined in Merriam-Webster as the “leakage of blood from the aorta back into the left ventricle during diastole because of failure of an aortic valve to close properly”. With each heartbeat, more blood than usual enters the left ventricle causing the heart strain; serious cases can lead to heart failure.
“I started living my life like it’s about to end,” Cyno MC says. However, the turning point in this crisis came when Nanna Schneidermann convinced him that it was not the end, and encouraged him to get funding for surgery.

He was introduced to Rona, a young German intern at Makerere University Medical School, through DeStreet Art founder, Ayub Kabaati, who helped him raise funds for almost the entire amount needed for the surgery in Germany. “We started reaching out to different artists— but all the hip-hop artists turned us down,” Cyno adds. He started to question the credibility of hip-hop’s “elite” when the most popular stars of Ugandan rap told him they would pray for him. However, End of the Weak also helped arrange charity concerts to fundraise for his surgery.

End of the Weak showed Cyno MC what he calls brotherhood, offering utter honesty and support in the middle of his life crisis. Also Maurice Kirya, who had won the International Award at Radio France that year supported Cyno. Friends, family and the hip-hop community stood behind Cyno in this hard situation.

Cyno MC’s life story can be looked at as a collage of several hip-hop metaphors: hip-hop saved my life, hip-hop turned me away from gang violence, hip-hop gave me a sense of belonging.

Cyno MC was the booth host on One Mic Show, NTV and he is currently working as the host MC at the End of the Weak Uganda MC Challenge.

In 2008, End Of the Weak (EOW) photographer and organizer, Amy Hume went to Kampala, Uganda for the annual Hip Hop Summit, established in 2003. She discovered a boundless desire for Hip Hop culture in the East African nation, which proved to be fertile ground for the EOW MC Challenge.
The first MC Challenge was held in December 2008 with great success. After a year of research and development, the MC Challenge returned to Kampala in December 2009. Due to the diverse languages throughout Uganda, End of the Weak went on the road to find representatives from the Eastern, Western and Northern regions of the country.
Radio and television interviews were held in every region to introduce the concept of the movement and promote the event. In the following days, a forum was held for the local Hip Hop artists to inform them about the MC Challenge, to provide a space for them to share ideas, and to hold auditions to find six competitors for the MC Challenge. The following week, the events took place in nightclubs or youth centers. The events consisted of judges who were established Hip Hop artists, producers and DJs from the area, hosts who were radio personalities, and the top six competitors from the auditions. Every regional event was planned and facilitated within two weeks.
The MC Challenge was widely accepted by the artists, audience and presenters in every region. The people were motivated and interested in working with a project that would breathe life into their Hip Hop communities. The appreciation for the organizers was obvious, as displayed by the crowds of people who would stay after the events to talk to the founders, Amy and Richard Walakira. For the first six months of 2010, Amy and Richard, aka Burney MC, researched, traveled, and organized forums and MC Challenges throughout the cultural and resource rich country.
The 2010 regional winners were Mac Ten from Jinja (East), KY from Mbarara (West), CYNO MC, M33, and Rugged Made from Kampala (Central), and MC Rock from Lira (North). The Challenge of Champions was held 24th April 2010, in Kampala, where each MC represented their region, tribe and language. CYNO MC emerged as the Champion, winning a trip to the EOW World Finals in Berlin, Germany.
When CYNO and Burney MC arrived in Berlin, the accomplishments and achievements of EOW Uganda were solidified. The newest members of the End of the Weak family were able to share their experiences and dreams with people from Europe, South America and the U.S. They returned to Uganda with amplified confidence and enthusiasm to educate and empower their community.
EOW Uganda finished the second MC Challenge season 23rd April 2011. From October 2010 to March 2011, the regional competitions uncovered the talents of MCs BB Mwanvuwanvu and JaJa Nelly from Kampala (Central), MC Rock from Lira (North), Dafine from Mbarara (West), and Busta Kuchi from Mbale (East). The Challenge of Champions was a triumphant event that produced BB Mwanvuwanvu as the Champion.
End of the Weak Uganda has effectively brought together MCs, painters, graffiti artists, DJs, music producers, dancers, street ballers, radio and TV presenters, photographers, videographers, graphic artists and spectators from different nationalities, tribes, ages, and educational backgrounds. There are 72 languages spoken in Uganda, so the depth of this project is under constant construction. EOW representatives include people from the Acholi, Buganda, Bagishu, Busoga, Bakiga and Ankole, among other tribes that rap in a mixture of languages including Luo, Luganda, Lugishu, Lusoga, Lukiga, Lunyankole and so on. The utmost importance of staying true to the EOW MC Challenge is encouraging MCs to rap in their native language, which allows them to convey their emotions and knowledge as they know best. EOW Uganda includes judges from all regions so the competitors are evaluated fairly.