Blog Posts - Whitehead Communications

Alliance Français kicks of Fête de la Musique festival

6/14/2017

Alliance Français and partners present the Fête de la Musique in Kampala, Uganda this coming week. The festival will offer a range of fee culture and entertainment open to the public.

Initiated in France in 1982, Fête de la Musique has been a tremendously internationally popular event, free and open to all. Its purpose is to celebrate different music styles and showcase a variety of musical genres. In Uganda, Fête de la Musique goes by the name of World Music Day and is a hands-on, collective, festive event for the public organized by the Alliance Française de Kampala.

This year the Alliance Française Kampala in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Uganda, the Sheraton Hotel Kampala, the Ecole Franҫaise les Grands Lacs, the Pearl Rhythm Foundation, and the Que Pasa Restaurant bring you a weeklong programme of music, poetry and dance. The World Music Week will take place from the 18th to the 24th of June in various locations around Kampala.

Please find the event schedule below.

A press conference is to be held at the Alliance Français office on Bukoto Street at 11am on Thursday June 15th to provide more information.

Viva con Agua Spreads Water & Sanitation Message Through Music, Art & Sports

3/29/2016

Bobi Wine pumping water at a Viva con Agua project in Moroto, Karamoja Photo by Klabautermann Images

Artists from around the world came together with Viva con Agua this past week to support Viva con Agua water and sanitation projects in Moroto, Karamoja, through an artistic exchange and music collaboration. The project included project visits, workshops and performances in Moroto and Kampala, as well as the recording of a collabo between top artists from four countries (Uganda, Kenya, Switzerland, Germany).

Photo by Selector Davie (Firebase)

Photo by Selector Davie (Firebase)

On March 22, World Water Day, a group of local and international artists – both musical and visual – travelled with the Viva con Agua team from Kampala and some Viva con Agua colleagues invited from Europe to Moroto, Karamoja. The group visited pit latrines and water facilities that had been built by the local partners of Viva con Agua, and they met with the Karamojong community to learn about how to make the water and sanitation projects sustainable. That night, Viva con Agua Kampala with the support of Viva con Agua Germany put up a fundraising and awareness concert for the Moroto community, charging 500shs for adults and 200shs for children. Through these efforts, Viva con Agua Kampala can support own water and sanitation projects. Representing Uganda was Bobi Wine and Maro, who shared their experiences on their social media pages.

“We had a very long journey and went directly to Moroto, and this was kind of a crazy experience,” described Knackeboul. “Coming from Switzerland to Karamoja, it was like beaming in. It was very impressive: beautiful country, lovely people.”

“It is a blessing for me to be in Uganda,” said Megaloh. “I felt more at home in this one week than I felt in all my life in Germany. I’m very grateful and proud to be part of this.”

Viva con Agua's Michael "Muzungu" Fritz, The Ghanaian Stallion and Megaloh

Knackeboul performing in Moroto at the Wold Water Day concert Photo by Klabautermann Images

“I’m always critical with NGOs,” Knackeboul continued, “and I’m not always sure how much they connect, but what I saw with this group is there’s not only the support with water and sanitation, but also this cultural exchange. We go to Kampala and exchange with the artists from here that are on a similar level when it comes to arts and music. It’s not only like “here are the cool artists from Switzerland that we show to poor people; it’s like, we learn from them and they learn from us.”

Bobi Wine speaking with Moroto Municipal Primary School Photo by Klabautermann Images

In Moroto, Bobi Wine spoke of the importance of Ugandans taking responsibility for their own wellbeing at the Moroto Municipal Primary School.

“I want you to remember,” said Bobi Wine, “that as much as we have our Muzungu friends that come support us, most importantly it is us that can change our water from dirty water to clean water, from bad water to good water. So I want everybody to say ‘we can do it by ourselves’!”

The collabo: Knackeboul, Octopizzo, Bobi Wine, Ghanaian Stallion, Megaloh & Maro Photo by Klabautermann Images

Bobi Wine and Octopizzo Photo by Klabautermann Images, from @Octopizzo Social Media

On March 24, the top artists from four different countries – Bobi Wine and Maro (Uganda), Octopizzo (Kenya), Megaloh and the Ghanaian Stallion (Germany), and Knackeboul (Switzerland) – went into Firebase studio together to record a collabo inspired by their trip, and a music video was filmed in the following few days. This song’s audio and video are due to be released in all four of the artists’ countries in May, 2016.

“I’ve had the beat for a while,” explained producer the Ghanaian Stallion (of Germany), “because Megaloh and I are trying to use more and more African samples. The compilation of African samples and modern drums has a lot of potential to be the new music in the next few years, because everyone in the world can relate. I had the beat and when we were sitting in Moroto, I was playing the guys the beats, and within 2 seconds Octo said ‘this is the one.’ There is a vocal sample that says something which is actually Swahili meaning ‘I have something to say,’ so we already had the message for the song. It turned out really great. Everyone delivered. Everyone killed it, actually.”

Abramz & Sylvester Photo by Stefan Groenveld

Lady Slyke and the Jahliya Band Photo by Stefan Groenveld

Maro performing at #WeLoveYouganda in Kamwokya Photo by Stefan Groenveld

On March 26, the collective of Viva con Agua artists performed again for free in the #WeLoveYouganda concert on the Kamwokya football pitch. Those who starred in this year’s recorded song were joined by other Ugandan artists who have been supporting Viva con Agua for years, like Sylvester and Abramz, Lady Slyke and others.

The Ghanaian Stallion Photo by Stefan Groenveld

Megaloh Photo by Stefan Groenveld

Octopizzo Photo by Stefan Groenveld

“We came up with a lot of musicians,” said Viva con Agua spokesperson Claudia Gersdorf, “and I observed in the audience that every singer and hiphopper inspired people. Everyone managed to send a message. The concert wasn’t just about music, fun and dancing together, but it was about important messages of change, responsibility, and dealing with their own life. The music collected the people. Musicians that I spoke to after the show want to stay in touch and exchange more in the future. Regardless of the country they come from, they want to continue this network and mission for a world where every person has access to water and sanitation.”

The #WeLoveYouganda crowd in Kamwokya Photo by Stefan Groenveld

The foreign visitors are now leaving the country, but their mission is being taken up by Ugandans working in Kampala. The founders of Viva con Agua Kampala, Latim Nobert, Papa Shabani and Adam Lakouch started to build up the crew more than one year ago, and with the support of the Ugandan network, they’re reaching a new level to change perspectives in this so-called NGO sector.

“I know I’m a white person working for an NGO from Europe,” added Viva con Agua spokesperson Claudia, “but it is also a challenge to change the perspective of Ugandans, because it’s about the people here in Uganda, the young generation – very skilled, very talented, very qualified – and we as guests in Uganda can learn a lot. We can find a new vibe of inspiration to bring back to Germany. In Germany, often the media are showing the same negative images of Africa, but thanks to some Ugandan journalists working for international media who came out to the #WeLoveYouganda Festival, yesterday they captured important stories of a talented young generation that gets active to change and build up it’s own country. With Viva con Agua, this changing of perspectives comes from connecting through music, art and sports. We all love to be on eye level with each other, we love Uganda.”

Viva con Agua Uganda team 2016 at One Love Beach, Busaabala Photo by Stefan Groenveld

Nobert Latim, founder of Viva con Agua Kampala, concluded: "This was the first time we were really going deep into organizing the festivals and workshops. It was really challenging, but in the end it was worth it! Seeing all the international artists, musicians and dancers work together was really a good example of the uniting factor of Viva con Agua. For the vision ALL FOR WATER – WATER FOR ALL."

Bobi Wine, other Ugandan & International Artists to Perform at 2nd We Love Youganda Festival

3/25/2016

Viva con Agua (VcA) – an international NGO supporting water and sanitation projects in Uganda – will be holding their 2nd annual We Love Youganda Festival on Saturday March 26th at the Kamwokya football grounds, next to the Kiira Rd. Police Station, from 4pm to 10pm.

The festival will be FREE ENTRY, and will bring together music, art, culture and sports activities to support awareness and access to water and sanitation in Uganda. Saturday’s line-up includes a multi-national selection of celebrated music- and visual-artists, including:

Musicians: Megaloh & GhanaianStallion (GER) Knackeboul (SWISS) Octopizzo (KE )
Bobi Wine (UG) Maro (UG) Lady Slyke (UG) Abramz and Sylvester, Taye & Spyda MC of Tandika Essaawa (UG) MALIKA (Sphynx, Agee, Jojo-UG) Jora Mc (UG), Pryce Teeba & Abaasa(UG).

Artists:
Björn Holzweg (GER) Bobbie Serrano (GER) Oibele (CH) Ronald Ro Kerango (UG) Destreet (UG) Tindi Paul (UG) Jobray Writer, Mos Opten, The Ghetto Film Project and Watoto Wasoka

Dancers:
Break Dance Project Uganda (UG) Batalo East (UG) Mambya Dance Co. (UG)

Photo by Klabautermann Images

The 2nd We Love Youganda Festival follows a trip by the Ugandan and international artists this week to Moroto, where they have been visiting Viva con Agua and Welthunherhilfe water projects, and performing for the people of Northern Uganda.

An international collabo is being recorded during this trip by top artists: Megaloh and the Ghanaian Stallion (Germany), Knackeboul (Switzerland), Octopizzo (Kenya), Uganda’s own Bobi Wine and Maro to support Viva con Agua’s Ugandan water projects. They will also shoot a music video together, to be released in all four of their countries to promote VcA activities.

Creative Music, Art, Culture and sports workshops on water and sanitation will also be held at TLC (Treasure Life Centre, Kamwokya) on Thursday 24th, 2016.

"All for water – water for All:" Viva con Agua Uganda aims to create awareness on water, sanitation and hygiene issues and generate funds for clean water projects.

VcA’s Ugandan-based partners include: Welthungerhilfe, Bayimba International Festival of the Arts, Goethe Zentrum Kampala / Ugandan German Cultural Society, and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Youth & French Language Day Introduces Kampalans to French Culture

3/25/2016

Photo by Pius Kibazzi

A diverse crowd of international schools, francophone Africans and members of the Ugandan hiphop community gathered at Alliance Française in Kamwokya, Kampala, on Saturday March 19th to enjoy a wide range of French-inspired activities.

The event was put on in partnership between the Embassy of France to Uganda, Alliance Française, and Breakdance Project Uganda. BPU organized student workshops and performances in dance, music, art, poetry and theatre with Gayaza High School, Interaid Refugee Centre and the Makerere French Club.

Bus loads of uniform-sporting students arrived in the early hours of the afternoon, including École Française, Aga Khan High School, Taibah International School, City Parents’ School, and many others. Parents came to watch their children perform, and enjoy the French cuisine and drinks available outside by the main stage.

Photo by Pius Kibazzi

Inside, classrooms were converted into edutainment centres representing the “four corners of the Francophone world.” There were dance classes in the West Africa room, and speed-dating in the European room, among other fun activities. Upstairs, French animated film “Adama” was screened on rotation, and on the rooftop, dance groups practiced their moves before taking to the main stage.

After sunset, most of the families with young children left and were replaced by local music fans who enjoyed performances by Ugandan rappers Abramz, Lady Slyke, Yallah, and St. Nellysade, as well as Congolese rappers Cruz, Lebon and Sapiens.

Photo by Pius Kibazzi

In addition to introducing guests to French culture, the event also explored the themes: gender equality, peace and reconciliation, and the environment.

“Youth and French Language Day was a successful collaboration between Breakdance Project Uganda and the French Embassy,” said BPU director Abramz Tekya. “Together we encouraged Kampala youth to embrace both positive social change and French culture.”

"Situka" Lyrics & Credits by Bobi Wine

2/29/2016

Uganda's Bobi Wine released a new single this weekend called “Situka,” which is a motivational song meant to encourage Ugandans not to feel sorry for themselves, but to get up and continue to advocate for social justice and build their country.

Listen to Situka here

The following are the song's credits and lyrics in English translation, as provided by Bobi Wine himself.

Credits:

Situka artwork:
Concept by Bobi Wine
Graphic art by Atukwasize Chris Ogon

Audio production by Dan Magic, Dream Studio
Saxophone by Joseph Sax

Situka Lyrics (English Translation)

Introduction

When the going gets tough, the tough must get going,
Especially when leaders become misleaders, and mentors become tormentors.
When freedom of expression becomes a target of suppression,
Opposition becomes our position...

First Verse

My heart is broken, and I’m sure my brother out there, your heart is broken too.
Everywhere, people are beaten down and they are all silent,
Because what they expected is very different from what they are seeing.
Some of them are fed up and pushed to the wall,
Because they are so oppressed,
and they don’t even have somewhere to report a case.
Even if you try to seek justice, it is very hard to get justice,
But I’m saying to you, my brother, don’t stay down.
Every time the situation in the world beats you down,
Get up very fast and walk on.
There is nothing that comes easy in this world.
You must always remember, it’s a very long journey.
So just get up, and let’s walk together.

Chorus

Rise up, let’s walk together.
I know the situation is so discouraging, but don’t give up. Let’s walk.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
Don’t get tired. Let’s walk.
It’s a long journey, but if we persist, we shall reach there.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
The situation is so discouraging, but don’t give up. Let’s go.
Don’t get tired. Let’s walk.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
All the tears that you’re crying, let them role down your cheeks as you walk

Second Verse

It has been so many years,
and the oppression has also been so much, my brother
and the hope has been so high,
because we were thinking that at least we might see a little change, at least.
What I’ve just discovered is that the change you desire is right in your hands,
because the person in whom you have put your hope,
he has also put his hope in you.
The one you expect you act for you
is also expecting you to act for him.
The one from whom you expect a solution
is actually expecting solutions from you.
So every time you fall down, just get up and walk.
You will dust yourself off along the way,
because every time you fall down and show that you’re demoralized,
there are so many eyes that are watching you
and getting inspired from your courage.
That hard time that you’re going through,
so many people are going through it,
but we just persist and that way we always overcome,
because the fire that is burning in us
burns hotter than the fire that we are going through.
So every time we fall down, just try and get up.

Chorus

Rise up, let’s walk together.
I know the situation is so discouraging, but don’t give up. Let’s walk.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
Don’t get tired. Let’s walk.
It’s a long journey, but if we persist, we shall reach there.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
The situation is so discouraging, but don’t give up. Let’s go.
Don’t get tired. Let’s walk.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
All the tears that you’re crying, let them role down your cheeks as you walk

Third Verse

Now I’m reminding everybody who is sleeping,
And busy feeling sorry for themselves,
that my brother, just get up right now.
We have a big job of building a Uganda that the next generation will be proud of.
So, if you can’t run, at least you should walk.
If you can’t walk, at least you should limp.
If you can’t limp, at least you should crawl,
but whatever you do, just keep moving ahead.
Nobody is going to deliver peace to you at your doorstep on a silver platter.
If you’re not satisfied, it is better to raise your voice.
Always stay on your course, but always know your rights.
Don’t shy away from working for Uganda,
because it is your own country, even if your boss was not your choice.
Just play your part, because this is your country.

Chorus

Rise up, let’s walk together.
I know the situation is so discouraging, but don’t give up. Let’s walk.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
Don’t get tired. Let’s walk.
It’s a long journey, but if we persist, we shall reach there.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
The situation is so discouraging, but don’t give up. Let’s go.
Don’t get tired. Let’s walk.
Rise up, let’s walk together.
All the tears that you’re crying, let them role down your cheeks as you walk.

See more from Bobi Wine on his Facebook page.

Hiphop For Society 2016

2/1/2016

“I am having fun meeting new people, fresh faces and learning a lot about art and culture,” said Mathius Onen at the end of the 9th annual HipHop For Society event on Sunday at Sharing Youth Centre, Nsambya.

“Hiphop is really inspiring when it is packaged like this, especially with so many youth who are so talented and vibrant.”

The sentiments by Onen summarize the mood at the end of yet another successful event organized by Breakdance Project Uganda (BPU).

Yet again, the event was a mix of entertaining dance, rap and beat-boxing performances, competitions, and educational workshops and talks by partnering NGOs.

When one sees people from all walks of life in one place, sharing together and cooperating, it is amazing. I attend the Breakdance Project Uganda events because they are youthful and so full of energy and also because most of my friends are involved in the breakdancing and rap,” said Henry Newman.

The year’s theme was cooperation, and it attracted a mixed crowd of different ages, races, economic, cultural and educational backgrounds. Not only did Hiphop For Society entertain the crowd, but it gave people an opportunity to network and learn from each other.

“The most important part of this event is not hiphop,” explained Abramz Tekya, Founder and Director of Breakdance Project Uganda. “We want to make sure people get access to information. We partner with organizations that youth do not think are cool, because they are important for development.”

St. Nellysade performing

Introducing Save Street Children Uganda (SASCU) performance

“This has been a wonderful experience for the children. The children love it and training was just awesome with people like Nina [Breakdance Project Uganda member] helping a great deal,” said Nichole Zweigler, Save Street Children Uganda volunteer. “We are so grateful for the opportunity to have been given a table in the tent, because we got to talk to a lot of people about what we do and the response was generally good. On top of the entertainment, there are great forces going on here: energy, communication, more action, and so many new people from different cultures with different experiences to share.” Zweigler added.

Johnny Muhanuka competing in the kids' breakdance battle

Sharing hall was filled to capacity for the annual Hiphop For Society, which presented a mix of entertainment and eduction. The theme was cooperation, and it gave people an opportunity to network and learn from each other.

Check out #HH4S2016 on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook to see live coverage of the event

Fahadhi enjoying free water provided by Viva Con Agua

Capoeira Senzala showcasing and teaching

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAM

Free workshops and teaching by Bgirl Teresa from Sweden (dance), Street Lights Uganda (craft-making), Educate! (entrepreneurship), Capoeira Senzala (capoeira), The U.S. Embassy Information Resource Centre, etc.;

Breakdance battles: kids, Bonnie & Clyde (male-female teams), and 5-on-5;

Beatboxing: performances by incredible BPU-trained youth & young-adults;

Rap performances by St. Nellysade, Snooty Fredo, Sylvester and Abramz, Zulu Nation and others;
Dance performances by: Save Street Children Uganda & EWAKA, People Concern Children’s Project, Flawsome crew of bgirls from BPU, and many cyphers (freestyle dance) by BPU members

Tents showcasing work by partner NGOs

BPU bgirl group Flawsome

WINNERS OF BREAKDANCE BATTLES

Kids: Bboy Ivan from BPU Gulu branch and Bboy Hassan from BPU Kampala

Bonnie & Clyde: Drichiru Key and Naganzwa Eric Sama

5-on-5: BPU bboys Eric ‘Fullmoon’ Egesa, ‘Mosh Kakole’ Moses, Abdudallah Latif, Kyasi Smith and Kamya Michael

ADDITIONAL QUOTES

…FROM GUESTS

“It is my second time to attend this event and from what I have experienced, I know for sure,there will be a third time for me. This event is marvelous and relatable. Everyone here feels at home and is free. This is the real deal!” – Evans Mwebaza, guest

“It is my third time attending this particular event. I just love the energy on stage. Everyone is doing their best even the little children who have been very entertaining. I am only waiting for the battles and my day will be complete” – Luweesi Nicholas, guest

…FROM ORGANIZERS AND HIPHOP PERFORMERS

“It’s always an intense feeling filled with anxiety, excitement, fun, energy, execution of moves. That’s how I feel battling. The event was so remarkable, engaging, full of life and indeed memorable: a great way to start a new year!” – Drichiru Key, BPU member and winner of the Bonnie & Clyde battle

“The event went well and we met our goal of mixing education with entertainment and highlighting the positive roles of hiphop in society. The Hiphop For Society event suprises us every year with how much support we get from the artists and entire community, both national and international.” – Mark Kaweesi, BPU administrator

“I love Hiphop and I know for a fact that what people like Abramz Tekya have done here is legendary. Here we feel loved and free to share and experience our dancing. We are family.” – Shafik Musisi, dancer

“I dance and I breathe hip hop. Hiphop is everywhere and this event reminds us of that fact especially when we see different people gathering here today. There is fun, both inside and outside the hall. The girls are dressed nicely” – Brighten Oty, Marvels dance troupe member

“Whenever I go up on stage, I always have a need to inspire, because I know there are so many youth out there who will replace us some day when we are not here. I am a teacher of beat boxing and sometimes I help out with breakdance. Teaching in schools like KISU and organizations like BPU, Save Street Children Uganda (SASCU), Little Light, Kids Africa and others helps me give back to the community, and also I get so much satisfaction and happiness from seeing this hiphop culture grow, seeing as there is still so much untapped opportunity in it.” – Scooter Beatboxer, Breakdance Project Uganda member

…FROM NGO PARTNERS

“We come to these events to reach out to the youth, because our programs are targeting them. Such events attract a lot of useful attention for the youth and those who attend are those who are willing to have a great mark on society. We want to tap into that audience and teach them entrepreneurial skills so that they can be able to use their available resources and achieve more. Uganda is made up of almost 70% youth and these are the people who are building our society in un-imaginable ways.” – Paul Tinkaman, youth mentor at Educate!

Breakdance Project Uganda To Hold 9th Annual ‘Hiphop For Society’

1/24/2016

Hiphop For Society is an annual event that uses popular interest in Hiphop to create positive social change. The event will be held on Sunday January 31st at the Sharing Youth Centre Nsambya, Kampala, from 2pm – 9pm, and entry is free.

Pictured: Mwaka Simon Peter from BPU Gulu branch, Photo by Kibuuka Oscar

The first Hiphop for Society was organized by Breakdance Project Uganda (BPU) in 2007 with the objective of promoting the positive roles of Hiphop in society. BPU aims to promote formal and informal education and increase people’s access to both. Over the years, the event has welcomed people from all walks of life to participate in entertaining dance/rap showcases and competitions, visual art exhibitions, educational speeches and workshops, video screenings and discussions. The event provides a platform for artists and NGOs to set up stalls and present their work to the public. Many partner organizations come to Hiphop For Society to engage youth and the general public, as well as reach out to new potential partners.

The theme of this year’s event is cooperation. Many different organizations and individuals will be networking at the event to see how they can support each other.

Abramz Tekya, director of BPU, said of the event: “Hiphop For Society encourages NGOs, schools, artists, and others who are working toward the same goal to cooperate, because everyone has something that the other doesn’t, and we can multiply our impact by working together.”

2016 Program highlights
Rap performances by Ruyonga, St. Nellysade, Sylvester & Abramz, and more;
Performances choreographed by female members of BPU;
Breakdance battles, including: bboys and bgirls, individuals and crews;
Educate! running a social entrepreneurship workshop;
Food Rights Alliance teaching about nutrition, farming and food security;
Whitehead Communications talk about cooperation with media;
U.S. Embassy Information Resource Center setting up a mobile library;
Kampala International School Uganda (KISU) PTA talk;
French crash courses;
Dance workshops;
Visual arts workshops… and much more.

Partners
Educate!, Food Rights Alliance, People Concern Childrens Project (PCCP), Save Street Children Uganda (SASCU), Street Lights Uganda, U.S. Embassy, Viva con Agua.

Sponsors
Breakdance Project Uganda, French Embassy, Gagawala Graphics, Talent Africa, Whitehead Communications, YAEP, Ziva Muntuuyo clothing.

Hiphop For Society Social Media Links

Breakdance Project Uganda on Facebook
HH4S2016 event page

Breakdance Project Uganda on Instagram: @breakdanceprojectuganda1

#HH4S2016 Hashtag Stream on Twitter

Hiphop For Society Youtube videos

Hiphop For Society 2014 recap

Hiphop For Society 2012 recap

First ever Hiphop For Society in 2007

Navio releases 'The Chosen' album

12/14/2015

Photo by James Wasswa

Navio released his fourth solo album ‘The Chosen’ on Dec. 12, 2015, in a social nightclub setting at Panamera in Kampala. The artiste calls ‘The Chosen’ album “a snapshot recording,” most of which was produced within two weeks by Samurae at Talent Africa studio, and mastered at Audio Central by Dawoo, in Kampala.

“It is a clean image of my thoughts right now. As my next album will be all conscious music, I decided to make this an unapologetic snapshot into my feeling right now. It’s the raw Navio of old.”

The reigning king of Ugandan Hip Hop released his album at Panamera bar on Saturday night, competing with several other highly anticipated entertainment events around Kampala. The event attracted a mix of die-hard Hip Hop fans and the general public, and the crowd grew toward midnight, when Navio stepped on stage to reveal his latest music.

Navio performed a mix of old songs and new alongside other collaborating artists, including songs off the new album like Crazy with Keko, You Want It with The Mith, Wine Up Ya Ting with Silvastone, as well as his previous works like Nawuliranga and Glory Road with Ruyonga.

Before and after his performance, Navio mingled with the crowd, gave one-on-one interviews with attending media, and spoke with fans about the new music.

Photo by James Wasswa

“This album release was a different experience for me,” Navio reflected. “We are used to trying to get masses through the door, but we tried something different. It was a relaxed event where I got to interact with the fans and friends about the album. Whether it was one of my fans, friends, special guests or news reporters, I got to interact with people one-on-one. That’s what made the event a success. I could perform brand new songs, then share insight on them immediately – a great luxury.”

The Mith, Navio’s life partner in rap, said of the release party: “it was dope seeing fans who’ve been riding with us from the start of our journey, as well as new fans. It was also dope seeing them react to the new music. The feedback was dope. A good night for #UGHipHop.”

Abramz Tekya, veteran Ugandan Hip Hop artist and MC at the release, said: “The crowd got to experience both the new and the old Navio. His interaction with the crowd both on and off stage made the event special.”

Keko, who performed at the release, said: “The album release was insightful of what the album is gonna sound like. I love the way Navio keeps reinventing himself. Every track on the album sounds different and interesting, which makes for good listening. Very hip, young and fun.”

Photo by James Wasswa

Ruyonga, who also performed, said of the evening: “The night was awesome – a really organic example of how Hip Hop and support for it is alive and well - the crowd was hype! Asking for more looong after it was done. Fun performance!”

Alan Kasujja of the BBC, who was in the audience, spoke highly of the rapper, saying: “I’m a huge fan of Navio’s. He’s a trailblazer! A real Hip Hop soldier. This album has the versatility that’s made him consistently relevant. It is definitely an elevation of his game.”

‘The Chosen’ album is now available for sale in Kampala stores, on iTunes, Soundcloud, Deezer, Spotify, Myziki and for delivery on Jumia.ug.

Break-Fast Jam Holds 5th Annual Finals at YMCA

11/17/2015

Break-Fast Jam and Breakdance Project Uganda have partnered with the U.S. Embassy in Kampala to bring one of the world’s most celebrated bboys to Uganda for the 5th annual Break-Fast Jam Finals, to be held at YMCA in Wandegeya, Kampala, on Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of November, 2015.

The Break-Fast Jam Finals will be 2015’s crowning event following elimination rounds in Eastern and Central Uganda and Kenya. Exceptional dancers have also been invited from DRC, Rwanda and Tanzania. Entrance is 5,000UGX and free for kids 10 years and below.

Special guests:

Crazy Legs (USA) is a pioneer of breaking from the 1970s as part of New York’s Rock Steady Crew. He featured in the films The Freshest Kids, Beat Street, Wild Style and Flash Dance. Crazy Legs has battled in and judged so many competitions around the world, and he will be offering a free workshop and judging battles at Break-Fast Jam.

Bgirl Locca (Switzerland) is part of the Chinese Southeast Crew, and she will be conducting workshops at Breakdance Project Uganda and judging at Break-Fast Jam.

J Snuff (UK) is part of the Universal Zulu Nation and will be DJing the Break-Fast Jam event at YMCA.

Crazy Legs and Bgirl Locca will judge breaking battles along with Ugandan dancers, and will lead dance workshops for Break-Fast Jam participants. They will also teach during Breakdance Project Uganda’s free classes for the public at the Sharing Youth Centre, Nsambya, on Wednesday November 18th and Monday the 23rd.

Break-Fast Jam is an annual breakdance event held in Uganda and Kenya, which brings together participants from East African countries and the rest of the world. Its overall aim is to cultivate a positively enriching breakdance culture in Africa. This initiative empowers participants socially and economically by elevating them with practical skills, knowledge, inspiration and experiences on a neutral platform. Break-Fast Jam's activities include: workshops, competitions, performances, exhibitions and educational discussions.

Event partners include: Breakdance Project Uganda (BPU), The U.S. Embassy in Kampala, NTV, Whitehead Communications, The French Embassy, Newz Beat, Young Artists Exchange Program (YAEP), Infinit3 Studio, Talent Africa, Nile Water, Ezange Ziva Muntuuyo, the Pearl Rhythm Foundation, Top Nation, SUW, and Cypher Code.

For more information please contact:
Anne Whitehead
0741771111
anne@whiteheadcommunications.com

Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization Launches Fundraising Campaign With Kampala Golf Tournament

9/23/2015

UWOCASO Trustee Mrs Specioza Kabwegyere handing over a certificate of participation to Vodafone Direct Sales Manager Commercial Roland Nkwitsana Uhuru

The Uganda Women’s Cancer Support Organization (UWOCASO) has kicked off an intensified awareness and fundraising campaign with their annual golf tournament at the Uganda Golf Club on Friday September 18th. Several Ugandan organizations sponsored teams, and the tournament was able to raise 9,000,000UGX in cash, with additional funds pledged for UWOCASO’s programming. The winner of the tournament was Hariss International.

“On Behalf of UWOCASO I want to thank The Uganda Golf Club, the captain and Lady C for supporting another successful event. Special thanks to your sponsors, Crystal Images for the beautiful trophies, and Margaret for coordinating. We are forever grateful.” - UWOCASO Chairwoman Rebecca Kizito-Mayengo.

The organizations below sponsored golf teams for 500,000UGX each:

Sponsor ---- # of Teams

Lake Bounty Ltd ---- 4

Harris International (Riham) ---- 3

Case Medicare ---- 2

Bollore Africa Logistics ---- 2

Stanbic Bank ---- 1

Ms Byarugaba Nabel ---- 1

Topline Investments ---- 1

Vodafone ---- 1

Ultra ---- 1

Pinnacle security ---- 1

Ferdsult Engineering services ---- 1

Asili coatings ---- 1

Crane Bank ---- 1

Owek. Taban ---- 1

Crystal Images Ltd provided trophies

Crown Beverages Limited (Pepsi) provided drinks

The funds raised will go toward: patient support (volunteers assisting those afflicted with cancer to navigate the health care system) outreach (awareness campaigns, cancer camps, providing free screening) and lobbying the government and other stakeholders for proper investment in patient care, as well as covering basic expenses of the NGO, such as transport for volunteers.

This is only the beginning of an intensified 2015 campaign by UWOCASO to encourage people to get tested for cancer, and to support those they know who are fighting the disease. We have been in talks with several great media houses who are choosing to provide coverage to the cancer fight in Uganda, and we are signing on longer term sponsors who will be associating their brands with UWOCASO’s mission. More news of these developments will be announced soon.