When The Beat Dropped And Ugandans Sang About Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights

The legendary Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley sang “One good thing about music, when it hits you feel no pain.” Universally music has become a language through which we can communicate to people, even in languages we don’t share (cue in Sarkodie).

Albeit you have been out one day or listening to the radio, or even watching a music video on TV and a good Ugandan jam with such advocacy dropped. You probably danced to it or nodded your head in enjoyment. Could you have taken a moment to listen carefully to what message the artist was passing on? More than once, Ugandan artists have sang about key Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights messages. We take you through 10 of those examples in this article (in no particular order). You may want to read with some popcorn and earphones here.

Get up speak out by Geosteady Ft. Rockies Troupe

Message: Staying in School, Forced marriage

Tagline: Get Up, Speak Out, Show the world you got a point of view

This song released mid this year, the song has been praised as one of the most inspiring songs of 2017 by local music analysts. The song inspired by Reach A Hand Uganda’s Project “Get Up Speak Out”, encourages young people to always open up to sexual reproductive health challenges such as early marriages, teenage pregnancy and living an informed life.

Your Ways by Nyanda, Big Trill, GNL Zamba, Ray Signature Irene Ntale, and Maurice Hasa

Message: Abstinence, Self Awareness, Healthy Living

Tagline: We know who we are, shining like a star. 

We love this one because it is straight outta the RAHU musical project. It was just about the time that Nyanda (of the Brick and Lace duo) had taken the Ugandan music scene by storm. She teamed up with a number of Ugandan all stars, and together they gave us this track that empower young people to know and be proud of who they are, to delay sex before marriage, abstain and create a positive impact in life.

Baleke Ft. All stars (Navio, Naava Grey, Martha Smallz, Mun*G, Geosteady and Nutty Neithan)

Message: Girl Child Empowerment, Staying in School, Achieving your dreams 

Tagline: Where I come from, every child is a nation 

Just released this week, the song is going viral not only for it’s message that seeks to empower the girl child, but the lineup of top artists in Uganda which are Navio, Naava Grey, Martha Smallz, Mun*G, Geosteady and Nutty Neithan as well as it’s funky uptown beats that appeal to young people. It’s a song you can play, anywhere, anytime and any day.

Kaleke Kasome Remix -Ft all Stars

Message: Ending Rape

Tagline: She is still a child, let her finish school (translated from Luganda)

The song released in 2014, was a remix of Maurice Hasa’s 2005 song that was based on a childhood experience of a friend who survived rape.  The song become a phenomenon among Ugandan music charts. The song was covered by a group of RAHU icons who included Maurice Hasa the original composer, GNL Zamba, Ray Signature and Jody Phibi, a vocalist from Rwanda.

If its not on it’s not safe Ft. All stars

Message: Safe sex

Another one from us! This was one (if not the most) popular all star songs of 2015 that featured GNL Zamba, Lydia Jasmine, Big Trill, Ray Signature and Jody. The song which became popular in bars and the different happening places, was about encouraging people to always remember to use condoms as a measure of preventing unwanted pregnancies and STDS.

Jamila by Jose Chameleone

Message: Ending Gender Based and Sexual Violence

Dr Jose Chameleone displayed his musical diversity by releasing a song in Swahili about Jamila, a victim of constant physical abuse by her husband. In this song, Chameleon went all out to campaign against violence against women.

A Little Bit of love -Ugandan All Stars

Message: HIV Awareness (It’s your life, endeavor to protect it)

In 2006, a number of Ugandan artistes both gospel and secular came together to do a mashup of this massive tune reminding us to take caution and make wise decisions to safeguard our lives from HIV. The song also campaigned against stigma.

Everyone (Ugandan All Stars)

Message: Reducing Maternal and Infant Mortality (Save a child and save a mother, every child deserves a mother)

The stars here combined to raise awareness on the high rates of maternal mortality. Together, they rose their voices to say no mother should die giving birth.

Mwekume by Bobi Wine ft Weatherman (RIP)

Message: Condom Use. (loosely translated from Luganda) If you must trust anyone, they should have protection.

In 2004 when Fire Base Crew was one of the biggest music groups, Bobi Wine and the late Weatherman released this deep lyrical vibe reminding young people that as much as life is interesting,it is important to protect it because it is short. The video featured ad libs from the Late Philly Lutaaya, Chameleone and Navio.

Hopefully after this playlist, you picked an SRHR lesson. Now that you are informed, tell another and be the change the world needs.