For the better part of a decade, the Hip Hop industry has been going from strength to strength. Not only is there a local emergence of indigenous rappers that have swept through the Concert circuit in the last few years, but hip-hop is still in the Top two most nominated Genres Continentally for Uganda. These two factors have led to an emergence of young listeners lending their weight to the lovers of old school Hip Hop. The brands associated with the UG Hip Hop Awards are not gambling in a Genre. They have seen that the slogan “The Voice of The Youth” rings true in the ears of listeners and have leaped into this so-called ‘wave’ early. From the Tupac and Biggie generation, through to the Jay-Z and Nas generation, to the Lil Wayne and now the Drake and Kendrick’s, Uganda too is forging a path that will go down in the history books. The award show is already the first of its kind regionally.
The sponsors as well are of the highest possible quality, excellence, and class. MTN is a market leader that has dominated both the economic and social scene, simply being the bigger, better and more beloved brand.
“MTN Uganda is a proud supporter of Ugandan music because we are cognizant that music, in all genres, continues to be a key driver of our bright Y’ello brand to our customers. Our support to the music industry over the years has enabled us to deliver top-notch artists both international and Ugandan to our customers here live on stage and MTN Caller Tunez further enable our customers to download their favorite Ugandan hip-hop song as their call back tune on *170#. Through events like the Ug Hip Hop Awards, we go a notch higher to seek and recognize excellence in the art of hip-hop. We view this as a platform through which the industry can continue to grow, and through which Ugandans with talent can firmly set their aspirations. Our sponsorship of the Ug Hip Hop Awards for the second year running is an attestation to this,” said Val Okecho the Corporate Communications Manager at MTN.
Adding, “We encourage all Ugandans with talent to try their luck at the MTN Cypher competition, a fun, additional platform to showcase your skills in rap and to be rewarded with cash prize Ugx 1million plus a video and audio recording production and other goodies.”
Club has excelled - perfecting their taste annually and converting customers who understand quality beer on a world standard in a cool way.
"Our main focus as Club is Music. Through the years we have supported various musicians and music events with the aim to raise the Ugandan music portfolio and showcase the talent we as a country have to offer. The UG Hip Hop Awards are urban, trendy and dynamic, all of which fit into our brand aesthetic impeccably. Events like the UG Hip Hop Awards also give us a chance to appreciate the Ugandans who drink our beer and have supported us to growing it to the strong brand it is today" said Maureen Komugisha, the Nile Breweries Brand Manager.
Face TV came into the market with a singular vision to promote Ugandan music and are now one of the most watched channels not only in Uganda but continentally too.
The Tribe is one of the most interactive East African websites and that is what it is all about- interactivity. The numbers that this event attracts and will attract in future years shows what The Tribe stands for Building solid foundations.
Creative Republik as well has gone from strength to strength, setting themselves apart as a creative hub of know-how and graphic excellence in Uganda.
These forces combining on “The UG HipHop Awards” for the second year in a row show you the potential for growth and just how far hip-hop is growing continentally. The pre and post promotional value is different from other Award shows almost by double. The Cypher allows for an artistic outlet where thousands of up and coming Artistes send in their phone captured rap video to compete. From there, The Tribe leaves it to hundreds of thousands of people online to vote on the best video.
The Award nominees themselves have a lot of clout. With a combined following of millions, they promote the genre, the award show, the sponsors, the MTN Cypher and the artistes themselves simultaneously.
The voting will be closing soon, however, the Cypher will continue through the Awards process. On Thursday the 14th of December at the Golf Course Hotel more history will be made as UG Hip Hop Titans compete for awards and perform for the fans that hold them, dear. There will also be showcased with the biggest acts in the game going back and forth in a friendly medley of their hits and freestyle ‘battles’.
Sponsors of local hip hop artistes in the last few years have seen a startling increase in concert attendance, downloads and profits from events of this kind. So in order to capitalize on the biggest future genre, The Tribe has taken it upon themselves to bring the genre into the light alongside the most competitive and revered sponsors. Please enjoy the prestigious second edition of the “UG Hip Hop Awards” 2017.
