The 8th Annual Uganda Hip Hop Awards are this Friday at the International University of East Africa (IUEA), continuing a tradition of honoring the culture, creativity, and pioneers of Ugandan hip hop.
The ceremony will once again spotlight both established legends and rising stars who continue to shape the sound and identity of Uganda.
Speaking at a press conference held at the venue, Nathan Mubembe, former IUEA Guild President and Project Manager of the awards, highlighted the significance of sustaining the platform.
“Hosting these awards ensures the genre’s continued flow into the mainstream, and it’s a pleasure to do this for an eighth year running. Thanks to all the sponsors, fans, and the wider hip hop community. Come through on 5th December as we celebrate the sound that defines the soundtrack of young Uganda,” Mubembe said.
Ugandan hip hop heavyweights Navio, Lyrical G, and Babaluku echoed the sentiment, emphasizing how far the genre has come.
According to Babaluku, the growth is undeniable: “If hip hop hadn’t grown and gotten credit, artists like Navio wouldn’t be selling out shows and concerts like he has.”
Navio added that hip hop’s influence extends far beyond the music itself, touching fashion, dance, and performance culture.
“All concerts in Uganda are headlined by hip hop artistes,” he noted. “Artistes like Feffe Bussi, Fik Fameica, Gravity, and others have a huge impact on events. We have been selling out shows and most recently, I held the first Hip Hop orchestra show that sold out at Serena.”
The Uganda Hip Hop Awards celebrate excellence across the industry recognizing artists, producers, songwriters, and the creative forces behind the movement. This year’s edition is sponsored by Bond 7, which is enhancing the fan experience with a gesture of appreciation: every adult with an ordinary ticket will receive a complimentary 200ml bottle on entry.
With its blend of live performances, cultural celebration, and recognition of artistic achievement, the 2025 ceremony promises to honor hip hop’s past while amplifying its bright future in Uganda.
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