Contribution of ghetto space to the development of popular music in Uganda: a case study of selected slums in Kawempe Division

Abstract

This dissertation explores the significant contributions of the ghetto space to the development of popular music in Uganda. We specifically deal with Bwaise and Kazo Angola in Kawempe (Kampala) to establish how guetto gives popular musicians space to create and perform their music. The study was driven by the need to reveal the processes and procedures through which popular music develops in ghetto areas despite the challenges and hardships faced by residents. The ghetto has proven to be a fertile ground for creative expression and innovation. The research argues that the ghetto space has played a crucial role in shaping the country's popular music landscape, fostering a unique sound and style that resonates with local and international audiences. Through a blend of traditional and modern influences, ghetto-based artists have created a distinctive genre that reflects their experiences, struggles, and aspirations. The ghetto space has also provided a platform for marginalized youth to express themselves, tell their stories, and showcase their talents, thereby empowering them and challenging dominant narratives. As such, this research highlights the ways in which the ghetto space has contributed to the evolution of popular music in Uganda, from the emergence of new genres and sub-genres to the creation of innovative production styles and lyrics that speak to the hopes and struggles of the urban poor. By examining the relationship between the ghetto space and popular music development, this study sheds light on the creative potential and cultural significance of marginalized communities, and shedding light on the power of music to transform and uplift people even in areas where they struggle with other aspects of life.