Cypher Kabaka by Ancient Astronauts

 

After paying homage to Africa with their 2021 release "ZIK ZAK" album, Ancient Astronauts once again turn their focus to the black continent, this time honing in on Uganda. Their latest offering, "Cypher Kabaka," is a collaborative effort with the indigenous Hip Hop crew BA Cypher Kabaka, hailing from Kampala, Uganda. This crew is dedicated to utilizing Hip Hop as a tool for positive social change and cultural empowerment.

The connection to BA Cypher Kabaka arose through DOGU's frequent travels to Uganda and the collaboration between his label, Switchstance Recordings, and the Ugandan partner label East African Records. All members of Cypher Kabaka were part of the Nilotika Cultural Ensemble and crossed paths with DOGU during the recording sessions for their album "Nyabingi Resurrection." This encounter sparked numerous freestyle sessions and laid the foundation for the idea of an album collaboration.

With one of the youngest populations globally, Uganda stands as one of Africa's fastest-growing economies, yet it remains among the world's poorest countries. The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated these challenges for the Ugandan people. Fortunately, with the support of a special Covid-19 grant for music collaborations from the German Goethe Institute, Ancient Astronauts and BA Cypher Kabaka secured funding for this album project.

But who exactly are BA Cypher Kabaka? Their Hip Hop movement took root in 2014, starting with 7 core members. This album highlights the talents of Spyda MC, Phitzo Kiganda, DXL Magezi, Niina MC, Natural Calamity MC, Taye Mwasiba, and Nsonga Diasy. Also known as The Cypher Kings, they comprise a growing collective of rappers, singers, Hip Hop practitioners, Graffiti artists, DJs, and Breakdancers. Together, they represent various indigenous cultures of Uganda and strive to instill pride in African heritage and identity among youth by blending Hip Hop culture and elements with local languages within an indigenous cultural context.

Their music features conscious lyrics with uplifting messages, delivered in various local languages such as Luganda, Lusoga, Lunyole, Lulamogi, Runyaruguru, Runyankole, and many other dialects. Their message centers on addressing the challenges faced by ghetto youth and sharing African philosophies on self-knowledge, virtuous leadership, self-love, self-development, and confident expression.

Each year, BA Cypher Kabaka hosts the Ghetto To Ghetto Tour, an annual national Hip Hop celebration that connects with local MCs and aspiring rappers, strengthening the bond between Hip Hop practitioners and their communities. This tour employs Hip Hop artistic expression to address issues of social, cultural, and economic transformation, empowering young leaders in the ghettos to realize their value through discussions, skill showcases, rap cyphers, graffiti murals, and positive issue expression.

With a focus on initiating positive social change, BA Cypher Kabaka engages slum societies to create platforms that foster confidence in African identities among young people and inspire economic growth through creative arts.

Given Ancient Astronauts' commitment to conscious and positive messaging in their music, eschewing the capitalistic trappings of commercial Hip Hop, collaborating with BA Cypher Kabaka was a natural progression. Music as a catalyst for societal change, uniting people, instilling hope, and empowerment lies at the core of Hip Hop. The fusion of indigenous African rhythms with Ancient Astronauts' meticulous production and Cypher Kabaka's lyrical prowess renders this album a gem in African Hip Hop. Its rhythmic flow echoes the cultural history and groove of Mama Africa, specifically Uganda.