Ugandan Hip-Hop: “no bling”

It might just sound like some place on a map, but Uganda also has its “yoof”. And they have things to say - which is hardly surprising when you see the chaos they have to deal with. Like in most African countries these days, Hip-Hop acts as the pressure valve, social commentary and popular entertainment. Check this teaser of a documentary about Ugandan Hip-Hop. As one guy points out, “they’re not interested in listening to bling-bling”. We have that much in common, then.

First spotted on African-Rap.com.

“Bunny” Benaissa sells rap video

Rappers are doing it for themselves! Although there is a perception that rap artists roll around in Mercs drinking Crissy with their female companions, the reality is different. In Europe particularly, they have only themselves to rely on. There are big labels, but rap is not their priority.

So performers have to make sure their name is out there, by doing shows and promoting their work. “Bunny” Benaissa is a Moroccan-born rapper working in Germany. In addition to producing his own material, he also produced a clip for the track “Set Language”. Is this the way forward? For many performers, the answer is “yes”. But it means that they must become mini-labels in their own right. And not everyone has what it takes to produce videos, promote endlessly, book gigs, etc. <>

<>What’s cool in the case of Benaissa is that if you download the track (for just 25c), you can sell it from your own site, blog or mailing list. Check it out.