Watch Diamonds in the Rough: A Ugandan Hip Hop Revolution

Diamonds in the Rough: A Ugandan Hip Hop Revolution is a 2007 documentary film that tells the story of the Ugandan hip hop culture as it emerges from the ashes of a brutal civil war. The film follows the lives of several talented young artists as they strive to express themselves through music and dance, despite the many challenges they face.

The film is directed by Brian Leckey and produced by Gina Belafonte and her production company, Sankofa. It features interviews with several prominent figures in the hip hop community, including Abramz, the founder of the Breakdance Project Uganda, and Michael Franti, a popular musician and political activist.

The film begins with a brief history of Uganda, including the wars and political instability that have plagued the country for many years. We learn how the rise of hip hop culture in Uganda is intimately linked to the struggles of the young people who have grown up in this environment. Through interviews with several young artists, we see how hip hop has become a powerful tool for social and political protest, as well as a means of expressing personal pain and struggle.

One of the most compelling stories in the film is that of Abramz, who grew up in the slums of Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. As a young boy, Abramz was fascinated by break dancing, and he quickly became a highly skilled dancer, winning several competitions and gaining a reputation as one of the best b-boys in the city. But he soon realized that break dancing alone was not enough to address the many problems facing his community.

In 2006, Abramz founded the Breakdance Project Uganda, a non-profit organization that uses hip hop as a means of empowering young people and promoting social change. The film follows Abramz as he works tirelessly to teach young people the skills they need to break dance, rap, and DJ, while also providing them with a safe space to express their feelings and ideas.

Another important figure in the film is Michael Franti, who travels to Uganda to perform at a hip hop festival organized by Abramz and the Breakdance Project Uganda. Franti, who is known for his socially conscious music, is deeply moved by the passion and talent of the young Ugandan artists he meets, and he becomes a strong advocate for their cause.

The film also features several other young artists, including Sylvester, a rapper who uses his music to speak out against corruption and inequality; Sharon, a female MC who challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes; and Biks, a DJ who educates young people about the dangers of drug abuse and HIV.

Through these stories, the film shows how hip hop has become a powerful force for social and political change in Uganda, giving young people a voice and a platform to express themselves and to fight for a better future. Despite the many obstacles they face, these artists are determined to make their voices heard, and they are inspiring a new generation of Ugandans to join the hip hop revolution.

Overall, Diamonds in the Rough: A Ugandan Hip Hop Revolution is a powerful and inspiring documentary that shines a light on an important but often overlooked aspect of the global hip hop community. Through its intimate portraits of these talented young artists and their struggles and triumphs, the film reminds us of the power of music and art to bring about positive change in even the most difficult circumstances.