2017 — FIRST YEAR

It took almost a whole year of planning the RHYTHM IS LIFE tour. As we planned to take a group of professionals from Germany and one of the hardest
parts was making sure they were all able to travel at the same time for the maximum 2 week stay. It took a lot of long distance conferences calls and hundreds of emails before we finally reached the promo point.

Working closely with DJ DOGU, LEE BASS and ALEX WURM, we developed a plan of how the workshop would be delivered based around the different levels they fell under, in the music industry.

THE FIRST WORKSHOP

– LIRA –

A SLOW START INTO THE PROJECT

Getting to work in Lira our first town started off in a slow “don´t know what to expect” way. We set up and just waited for anyone to turn up. with only a few finding their way in the mid morning hours. During lunch hours we had a radio interview set up in Radio Lango and it surprised us that after the interview, people started responding for they must have thought the workshop might not happen.

By the time we reached back at the hall, there was a huge crowd of youth all waiting to take part. The beginning was a bit uncomfortable, for many of the artists think when someone come from a foreign country, it is all about handing out freebies. Some were disappointed, but eventually they begun seeing the importance of building knowledge and by the end of day one everyone was feeling comfortable and being creative in all ways. From then on the deejay, music production and music business skills workshops were welcomed.

That very evening we were invited for a show in which some of our workshop attendees were performing. Being picked up in a 4×4 in this little town and passing through a caar junk yard, opened up to reveal a different world we had not expected. There was a massive crowd going going wild to the music of their local heros. Everywhere we turned merry people dancing and having a great time. For us seeing the youth perform… it was fascinating.

THE SECOND WORKSHOP

– KITGUM –

WE HAVE A CROWD!

Arriving in Kitgum there was already a crowd waiting for us. The team quickly set up and got to work. By the end of the workshops the youth were showcasg their skills in dance, vocals and music one of them a really great music producer.

Day 2 was much different as it was from the hall and out into the outside world of creativityd showcase. A huge number of young ones turned up, youngest being a 2 year old. The Kitgum youth centre was buzzing in all corners. In
the little hut Dogu was teaching one of the young producers deejay skills on how to command the dance floor with many showing off their best moves, on the court a game of volleyball was being played, next to the main building Alex set up the backdrop and was clicking away with his camera as the kids should in line.

Lee turned the tour van into a recording studio and the youth were fascinated! None of them could ever have imagined music production in a van, as they were fixed
on the usual pay someone to sit in a room with a computer and singing booth. The excitement of running around to hire traditional instruments and the process of tuning the different instruments was an amazing process of its own. By the time all was set and the vocalists climbed into the hot warm van one by one, we could only imagine how good it was by the beam on Lee´s face.
By the end of the day we wrapped up by dancing on the streets as the sun set and got cut off, a normal routine that often happens in Uganda.

THE THIRD WORKSHOP

– GULU –

WRAPPING UP

The “highlight” of the tour was the concert at “Smiling Panda” in Gulu. The importance of this concert was not necessarily for a sell-out show, but more as a great chance for the young artists to network. Seeing them all perform on the stage one artist after another and the others cheering them on from the audience just went to show that we achieved our goals not only to give some of them the opportunity to perform on a stage for the first time, but getting them to build friendship and staying in touch. ”

“A progression regarding self-esteem and confidence was clear for all to see as creative expression grew from nervous beginnings to confident end performances.
All in all, the Rhythm Is Life team worked with a core group of between 150 – 200 young people, and considering the work and time space, the project was a great success! The youth involved felt a lot more confident in their ability to perform and keen to push themselves further. They wrote their own lyrics, voiced and with a fusion of Ancient Astronaunts and Gato Preto´s music, managed to create 5 original songs.”

Everyone worked hard and the efforts ensured that the project was a great experience for our professionals and made a positive impact on the youth in Uganda.We enabled the young people the chance to express and develop themselves both personally and creatively.

Having realized there is a lot of talent in the rural areas and most not knowing the essentials of the music industry or having money to afford recording studios, we see a need to continue our annual tours.
Through partnership with other professionals, organisations and institutions, we shall be able to create bonds between young people in Uganda and elsewhere based on the appreciation of each other’s respective talent that can be developed further and continuing the support by empowering them in all ways to reach a level of earning a living through their ART.

FINAL THOUGHTS

– CONCLUSION –

A LOOK AHEAD

The first year of Rhythm Is Life highlighted the significant amount of musical talent among young people in Uganda, including those living in communities where access to professional music facilities, industry knowledge and recording opportunities can be limited.

The experience strengthened our belief in the importance of creating opportunities for young people to develop their talents through music, creative education and meaningful connections with professionals and organisations.

We believe that, through partnerships and cultural exchange, young people can learn from one another, develop their skills and gain the confidence to pursue their creative ambitions. Our long-term aim is to support young people in turning their talents into meaningful opportunities and, where possible, sustainable livelihoods through their creative work.

BUILDING CULTURAL CONNECTIONS

The development of Niyabo Foundation in the UK has allowed us to extend this vision beyond Uganda.

Our work in the UK is focused on creating opportunities for children and young people to explore both their own cultural heritage and the cultures of others. We believe that understanding identity and culture from an early age can help encourage respect, curiosity and stronger relationships between communities.

We also recognise the value of intergenerational learning. Older people hold knowledge, stories, experiences and cultural traditions that can be shared with younger generations. We believe that creating opportunities for different generations to learn from one another can help preserve cultural knowledge while strengthening community connections.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Niyabo Foundation’s ambition is to build meaningful connections between people and communities through music, culture and creative education.

Our experience in Uganda and the UK continues to shape our approach as we develop new projects and partnerships. We hope to connect young people from different backgrounds and countries, giving them opportunities to share their talents, learn from one another and appreciate the richness of different cultures.

Rhythm Is Life was an important part of this journey. Its first year demonstrated what can be achieved when young people are given opportunities, encouragement and a platform to express themselves.

We remain committed to building on that experience and creating opportunities for future generations to learn, create, connect and thrive through music and culture.