Hip Hop gets its groove at 'End of the Weak'

In the past, in Uganda, hip hop did not seem to draw as much attention as other genres that include afro beat, ragga and dancehall.

However, things seem to be looking up for hip hop judging by the droves of revellers that turned out for the 2016 End of the Weak finals at National Theatre on Saturday.  

Much as it was a competition, it was also a moment to celebrate the genre starting to make a mark in the entertainment industry at an event that brought together rappers, from the underdogs to the familiar faces in the industry, all entertaining their enthusiastic fans.

Bayidi Mc performing

 
The competition was first conducted in the regions where five finalists were selected to battle in a series of categories such as free style and original composition.

Bayichi MC, from Kampala, emerged winner courtesy of his prowess in rap and entertaining the audience. Besides the two microphones he walked home with, he will represent Uganda at the World finals of End of the Weak in Switzerland in October.

Other prize winners were Fenrico Lugga, also from Kampala, clinching second place; Naptali from Gulu; Maskukuche from Mbale, and Deezy Kristu from Fort Portal.

Saint Nelly Sade and Keko perform at ‘End of the weak' concert

 
The curtain-raisers at the events were upcoming soul rappers and rap groups.
There was apt use of diverse languages, different instruments, rap and beats by the rappers, much to the revellers' enjoyment.

The fans bobbed their heads hard and occasionally leapt onto their feet as they swung their hands in the air.

But the excitement bolstered as big names such as Lady Slyke, Keko, Navio Enygma and Saint Nelly Sade, the Ugandan ambassador of the competition.

Some of the revellers at the concert