ARTICLES

UG HIP-HOP AWARDS: CATEGORIES

Published

9 years ago

August 6, 2016

Album of the year

This award will go to an artist whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, by its excellence, better than any other album of an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards. All albums are judged on the following criteria:

Artist Ability
Popularity
Creativity
Production
Entertainment Value

Male artist of the year

This award will go to a male artist whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, by its excellence, better than any other works by a solo male artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Female artist of the year

This award will go to a female artist whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, by its excellence, better than any other works of a solo female artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Rookie of the year

This award will go to the new artist whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, by its excellence, better than any other works by a debut artist or newcomer into the UG Hip-Hop Awards. A newcomer is a recent entrant in the industry whose arrival has made an impact. The nomination panel will determine who qualifies as a newcomer.

Inspirational song of the year

This category is for entry by artists who release a song that promotes positivity, social consciousness or spirituality.

Song of the year

This award will go to the artist or group whose entry is a song that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other song entered in the UG Hip-Hop Awards.
(The song must be from an album that was released within the prescribed period being 1st January 2015 – 30th June 2016 OR singles commercially released during the entry period being 1st January 2015 – 30th June 2016. A written proof of release date may be required)

Collaboration of the Year

This award will go to two or more hip-hop artists whose entry is a collaboration that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other collaboration entered in the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Rap Fusion of the Year

This award will go to a non-hip-hop artist whose entry is a collaboration with a hip-hop artist that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other rap fusion collaboration entered in the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Video of the year

This award will go to the artist or group whose entry is a music video that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other music video entered in the UG Hip-Hop Awards. (Please supply music video link).

Best Producer

This category is awarded to a producer who has produced a recording of music by an artist who is eligible for entry to the UG Hip-Hop Awards and is judged on the following criteria:

Musicality
Audio quality
Cohesion
Interpretation
Creativity
Entertainment Value

Diaspora Artist of the year

This award will go to an artist recording and staying in the diaspora whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other works by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Eastern Uganda artist of the year

This award will go to an artist recording and living in the eastern region of Uganda whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other works by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Northern Uganda artist of the year

This award will go to an artist recording and living in the northern region of Uganda whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other works by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Western Uganda artist of the year

This award will go to an artist recording and living in the western region of Uganda whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other works by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Central Uganda artist of the year

This award will go to an artist recording and living in the central region of Uganda whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other works by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Lyricist of the year

This award will go to an artist whose entry, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better in lyricism, word-craft and technical ability than any other works by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards.

Hip-Hop Deejay of the year

This award will go to a DJ who contributed immensely to Ugandan Hip Hop during the eligible period, be it on radio, clubs or sessions.

Mixtape of the year

This award will go to an artist whose entry is that, in the opinion of the judges, by its excellence, better than any other mixtape of an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards. All mixtapes are judged on the following criteria:

Popularity
Quality
Visibility
Impact

Hip-Hop media personality of the year

This award will go to a the artist, journalist or other media personality who contributed immensely to UG Hip Hop in the past 18 months.

Sweet Sixteen

This award will go to an artist who raps a verse which, in the opinion of the judges, is by its excellence, better than any other verse by an artist entered into the UG Hip-Hop Awards. Verses to be considered must be 12 bars or longer.

SPECIAL AWARDS

These categories are not open for entry. The appointed UG Hip-Hop Awards panel will nominate the recipients.

Lifetime Achiever

The Lifetime Achievement Award is awarded by UG Hip-Hop Awards to deserving Ugandan artists/performers and personalities who, during their careers, have made significant contributions of lasting impact to the Ugandan hip-hop industry.

Hustler of the year

This award will be awarded by UG Hip-Hop Awards to deserving Ugandan artists/performers that have had major endorsements or any other brand building achievements acquired through Hip-Hop such as album sales, merchandise, TV/radio shows, events, charity engagements, etc.

ARTICLES

Apply Now: Koola Kampala Business Incubation Programme for Creative Entrepreneurs in Uganda.

Published

1 month ago

June 20, 2025

thetribe

If you’re a cultural or creative entrepreneur in Kampala looking to take your business to the next level, here’s a game-changing opportunity worth paying attention to. Africalia, in partnership with The Bold Woman Fund, has launched a new business incubation programme dubbed Koola Kampala, designed specifically to support and elevate Kampala’s creative and cultural sector.

Koola Kampala is a 12-month business support programme for legally registered creative businesses that are already generating revenue. It aims to build stronger, more sustainable enterprises by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and strategic guidance they need to thrive in Uganda’s rapidly growing creative economy. Whether you’re running a music label, fashion brand, media studio, design outfit, or cultural enterprise, this programme is tailored to strengthen the business side of your creativity.

This initiative is funded by Africalia and aligns with the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, the Sustainable Development Goals, and national cultural development policies. It seeks to invest in the people driving Uganda’s creative heartbeat, young innovators building impactful businesses at the intersection of culture, identity, and entrepreneurship.

To be eligible, you must be over the age of 18, based in Kampala, and running a legally registered cultural or creative business that has been active for at least one year. Your business must already be generating revenue and able to provide samples of work when requested. More importantly, applicants should demonstrate a strong motivation to strengthen their business management and growth strategies.

Photo supplied by Skyline Media.

The programme is structured in four key phases. First is the selection phase, during which 15–20 promising businesses will be shortlisted based on eligibility, motivation, and programme fit. This is followed by a 3-month pre-incubation phase, where selected participants will undergo a diagnostic assessment of their businesses, receive both group and individual coaching, and be trained on key business fundamentals. At the end of this phase, 12 businesses will be selected to move forward into the main incubation phase, which spans 9 months of intensive training, weekly one-on-one coaching, strategic growth support, and specialised modules tailored to the needs of each participant.

Once the incubation phase concludes, the programme enters its final phase—post-incubation—where participants will walk away with a tailored action plan for their business, deeper entrepreneurial skills, refined business models, and access to both national and international expert support. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to apply for seed funding to support the implementation of their business plans.

Applications are now open and will close on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 6 PM (Kampala time). Interested entrepreneurs can apply through the online form available here. For further questions, Africalia and The Bold Woman Fund can be reached via africalia@africalia.be or contact@boldinafrica.com up until June 29.

For Kampala’s creatives, this isn’t just another programme—it’s a doorway to long-term growth, sustainability, and impact. If you’re ready to build a business that lasts and contributes meaningfully to Uganda’s creative ecosystem, Koola Kampala is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.

ARTICLES

Kohen Jaycee’s ‘Gundeze’: A Soulful Anthem of Love.

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

Am I the only one imagining how a mix of Kohen’s “Gundeze” and King Saha’s “Gundeze” would sound in a DJ set? And I’m not saying that just because King Saha’s concert is kicking off as I type this. Maybe it’s just me.

From his critically acclaimed album, RWEBEMBERA: The Raising Echoes, Kohen Jaycee’s “Gundeze” is a vibrant celebration of love wrapped in his signature RnB and Afro-fusion style with a sprinkle of Amapiano’s log drum. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythm make it a soulful anthem for anyone who cherishes the beauty of love. The lyrics are simple yet profound, with Kohen professing unwavering devotion to his partner:“I love you, Gundeze / I feel you, Gundeze / I want you, Gundeze / I need you, Gundeze.”

The music video for Kohen Jaycee’s Gundeze perfectly complements the song’s soulful and romantic essence. Staying true to Kohen’s signature style, the visuals are minimalistic yet captivating, set against the serene backdrop of a lush forest. The video follows Kohen as he alternates between intimate moments with his significant other and heartfelt solo performances amidst nature. This simplicity allows the focus to remain on the song’s message of love and connection, making the video a beautiful extension of the track’s uplifting and heartfelt vibe.

The chorus, repeated like a mantra, draws listeners into a melodic trance, while the verses paint a picture of intimacy, trust, and connection. Kohen’s soothing voice and heartfelt delivery elevate the song into a timeless ode to love. Whether it’s the wish for stars to align or the plea for mutual vulnerability, Kohen’s “Gundeze” resonates with anyone who has experienced the magic of love. The simplicity of the video enhances the song’s essence, focusing entirely on the connection between two souls.

“Gundeze” is more than just a track; it’s a reminder to cherish the ones we hold dear, dance to the rhythm of love, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. Kohen Jaycee has once again proven why he’s a standout artist in Uganda’s music scene, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next move.

ARTICLES

On the Move by Denesi: A Powerful Anthem of Hustle and Ambition

Published

6 months ago

January 24, 2025

thetribe

Denesi’s “On the Move,” the opening track on his debut album Everything Is Real, is an anthem of ambition, resilience, and community, underscored by a gritty hip-hop aesthetic. Produced by Northbound Beats, the track captures the pulse of Kampala’s streets, blending hard-hitting lyrics with a hypnotic beat that mirrors the hustle it portrays.

The accompanying video brings the song’s narrative to life, embracing the classic hip-hop imagery of camaraderie and grind. From the corner store to the stage and finally to the laid-back moments of planning the next move, the visuals reflect Denesi’s journey and the community he’s built. Cameos from collaborators like Lagumtherapper, Akeine, Lucass Blacc, and Manly add depth, showcasing the collective spirit that defines his artistry.

Lyrically, “On the Move” is both a reflection and a manifesto. Denesi paints vivid pictures of Kampala’s dualities: the sunlit streets masking a tougher reality, where survival demands creativity and grit. Lines like “Welcome to the city of the dogs and the criminals / You ain’t making money, you ain’t working, you ain’t real enough” set the tone, balancing raw honesty with undeniable swagger.

The hook, with its repeated refrain of “Who dat on the move, me I’m on the move”, is a declaration of aspiration. It positions Denesi as a trailblazer, reaching for heights beyond the ordinary while staying grounded in his roots. The mention of his collaborators in the hook reinforces the communal ethos of his work, a nod to the people who’ve shaped his journey.

Denesi’s storytelling is sharp and layered. He captures the struggles of navigating Kampala’s streets (“You know Kampala streets, man, the trouble’s never over”) and dreams of transcending them (“When I make a billy, prolly settle down / Maybe buy a villa, buy the whole town”). His versatility shines as he shifts from local struggles to global ambitions, even hinting at cross-border hustles with lines like “I trap on some Lingala shit, they pay me plus the benefits”.

The production complements the lyrical intensity, with Northbound Beats crafting a soundscape that feels both contemporary and rooted. The beat’s steady rhythm mirrors the relentless drive described in the lyrics, while the layered instrumentation adds depth and texture.

Overall, “On the Move” is a powerful introduction to Denesi’s world. It’s a song that celebrates ambition, acknowledges struggle, and underscores the importance of community. With its infectious hook, sharp lyricism, and dynamic visuals, the track sets the stage for what promises to be an impactful debut album. Denesi isn’t just on the move—he’s carving a path to the moon, and he’s taking his people with him.