The Politics of Language in Ugandan Hip-Hop

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Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 “Luga Flow” according to Babaluku – first author of this paper – stems from the Swahili word lugha which means “language”. Notice that there is an “h” added to the word in its Swahili context. For Babaluku, who is a Luganda speaker, the “h” was dropped and the word kept as “Luga”. In essence, the mission of the Foundation is to promote the preservation of all 56 indigenous dialects spoken in Uganda using Hip-Hop culture, and that is where the “Flow” comes in. The Foundation recognizes the poetic practices that were traditionally in each dialect, where knowledge and wisdom were passed on through stories around the fire, and the community would gather around in a circle – which is called the cypher in Hip-Hop. Here, a gifted orator would channel and tap into an artistic spiritual recital element that enlightens, teaches, and entertains everyone in the ritual space. “Flow” represents tuning into the spirit and energy vibration to convey powerful sound frequencies that not only have a powerful way of conveying a message but, more importantly, carry healing power that impacts and transforms each individual who comes into contact with the spirit of Hip-Hop culture.

2 “n.k.” means “and so forth” in Swahili. Other emcees include Bavubuka Allstarz, Ba Cypher Kabaka, Ram MC, MC Fassie, Tshila – The African Queen, MC Flower, Yala MC, Lady Slyke, MC Twigy, Forever MC, Sp Omugunjule, Phitzo Kiganda MC, Saint Nellysade, Bana Mutibwa, Ship Crew, Cyno MC, New Hope Squada, Taye Mwasiba, Tandika Esaawa, Gp Rowdix, Hustla Jay Mau Mau, Kamaa, Abaana Beeka, Shemy B, and T’Bro.

3 See https://www.facebook.com/bavubuka/

4 See https://www.facebook.com/b2thesource/