Dogu: My Africa projects are about conscious hip hop

The two visited several towns where they interacted with upcoming rappers. Beguiled by the local talent, the two producers decided to record a few hip hop- and reggae-inspired tracks, which culminated in the 24 July release of Rhythm Is Life, a compilation aimed at promoting the unknown rappers from northern Uganda.

The success of Rhythm Is Life paved the way for Ancient Astronauts to embark on an East African tour dubbed Zik Zak alongside some of the artists that were featured on the compilation. The same artists will be part of the Zik Zak album alongside German-based percussionists from Togo, Guinea and Senegal. The album is scheduled for an early 2019 release.

Music In Africa spoke to Dogu about his latest projects and experiences in Uganda.

MUSIC IN AFRICA: What stood out from the participants during the workshops in northern Uganda? 

DOGU: There were many really talented artists who came to the workshops but they had no knowledge about the music business. Most of them needed a manager to promote them but we showed them ways in which they could package themselves to appear professional.

What are some of the tips that you shared with the participants?

We encouraged them to develop an online presence by creating a website that incorporates all relevant information. We also showed them that recording and production do not always need expensive studios and microphones. For example, we recorded them in a bus and behind a youth centre.

Were the songs featured on your recent compilation, Rhythm Is Life, written during the workshop?

Most of the lyrics were written during the workshops and also recorded there while some lyrics were written after, but they were inspired by the workshop tour. The music, however, was composed and produced in Germany by my music partner Kabanjak. 

What's special about the Zik Zak album?

The special thing about it is that we're not only collaborating with African artists but also work on a fair basis with them. There will also be nine or 10 different African countries represented on the album. The music is also conscious with positive messages.  

Which East African artists will be featured? 

We're featuring Uganda’s MC Yallah, Blessed San and Brazen Rule. We also have Kongoloko (Congo), Shoeshine Bwoy (Kenya), Olho Vivo (Mozambique), Postman L and Blaze 5th (South Africa/Mozambique), and Art Melody (Burkina Faso). The percussionists we recorded in Germany for the album are from Senegal, Guinea and Togo. We are working closely with East African Records Studio in Kampala.

Have you had a chance of listen to current East African hip hop? What is your opinion of it?

Most of the hip hop I heard on mainstream media is way too commercial. It's mostly like the commercial hip hop you see in Europe or the US. It's all about the bling, big ego, hot chicks and big cars. This has nothing to do with the real hip hop culture, which is supposed to pay respect to the art form and culture of the people.

How different are your releases from mainstream hip hop? 

We rap on hip hop and reggae beats with conscious and positive messages. Our music itself is a mixture of analogue and electronic sounds with a boom dub element to it. We aim not at the charts but at a worldwide audience that is interested in timeless, quality music and rappers who really have something to say.

Have any participants engaged in any project after gaining knowledge in Uganda?

Some of the participants have contacted me and showed me links to their new SoundCloud page or website. Brazen Rule, who was a workshop participant, is now working on new music that will be released under my record label. 

Zik Zak tour dates:

17.08 – Distant Relatives, Kilifi, Kenya
19.08 – Firefly, Bagamoyo, Tanzania
20.08 – Red Monkey Lodge, Zanzibar
21.08 – Gerry's Bar, Zanzibar
23.08 – Slow Leopard, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
24.08 and 25.08 – Ongala Music Festival, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Listen and download Rhythm Is Life here.