Bobi Wine uses hip-hop for activism

Robert Kyagulanyi is a man on a mission. As a freshman legislator in his home country of Uganda, he has been fighting incessantly against what he feels is an oppressive government. This story may not seem any different from other young politicians in countries around the world, but the tools he uses to engage his base are not standard for most politicians.

Understanding the global impact of hip-hop might make you more apt to believe that under the name Bobi Wine, Robert Kyagulanyi has been expressing his resistance to those currently in power through rap music. In the process Bobi Wine has built an impressive following, not only as an artist, but has had the opportunity to engage the youth of Uganda around his political causes as well.

He’s become a polarizing figure, often being accused of using homophobic language, and for inciting violence. The latter, has gotten him into hot water with country officials, as he and several other protestors are facing treason charges for allegedly throwing stones at Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni’s motorcade, smashing the back window.

Wine vehemently denies the accusations, and says that he has been unfairly accused because he disagrees with the President. Wine was released from prison in November, after being jailed since August. While he was imprisoned, he suffered serious injuries – some of which required him to seek medical attention in the United States. Since his return to Uganda, the government has thwarted each of his attempts to host concerts in public spaces, citing fears or riots.

Wine’s popularity is often attributed to his popularity with the youth, which speaks to a growing trend in African politics continent wide. According to The Economist, the median age in Africa is 19.5, while the median age of leaders across the continent is 62. With the economic gap ever widening in some of the continent’s least wealthy countries, uprisings and protests have been seen more frequently than ever.

Nia Azikiwe, whose family immigrated from Uganda to the United States when she was two, has been inspired by what she’s seen happening in her home country.

“Freedom is important. I understand that better after really growing up here in America and seeing how different things are for me than they are for some of my family members who are still in Uganda,” she shared. Nia is a student at Rice University in Houston Texas.

“Bobi Wine has really engaged young people. I like to think about it in the same way like Obama did here in America. He knew that if the young people got behind him, he would have a chance to win. That’s the same thing that’s happening with Bobbi Wine. He is a guy who really understands culture, comes from the culture and knows what the problems are in the communities that are being overlooked by the people in power. If he wins, it will be challenging for him, but to me just the idea of him being able to bring attention to the poor people, and the young people in Uganda is a big deal.”

Wine is awaiting indictment for the charges levied against him, as law enforcement continues to collect evidence to build a case. In the meantime, Bobi Wine will not allow his voice to go unheard.

Do you think hip hop can work as a tool for political action? Let us know in the comment section.

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Posted By

Andrea Brown

As the Founder and Editor in Chief of Next News, Andrea Brown is focused on telling stories that are often overlooked. When she's not breaking the latest news, find her listening to the latest music, watching the latest film, or enjoying time with family and friends.