Swedish Rapper Timbuktu in Uganda for Two-day Visit

Renowned Swedish Rapper Jason Diakité aka Timbuktu, is in Uganda for a two-day visit and cultural exchange.

The artist is accompanied by the MASAKA trio jazz band and Esther Kirabo.

During the visit,  they will participate in various activities aimed at fostering cultural exchange and artistic freedom in Uganda, climaxed by an exclusive concert that will showcase a fusion of hip hop and jazz.

They will also collaborate with Ugandan rapper and record producer Navio and Selam’s national partner Pearlwood on different activities including a workshops and live performances while in Uganda.

The group will also take part in a small performance with Navio and sign the Orange Pledge as a commitment to act against Gender-based Violence.

Additionally, Selam will host a round-table discussion in collaboration with Pearlwood to present the new Connect for Culture Africa (CFCA) initiative to key Ugandan stakeholders and to create a platform for policy dialogue around the challenges and opportunities of securing public funding for the culture sector in Uganda.

According to the Ambassador of Sweden to Uganda Maria Håkansson, “Culture builds bridges and creates understanding and I hope that this week’s visit will contribute to a platform for dialogue and exchange between Swedish and Ugandan artists, civil society, media and policy makers on the potential of cultural and creative industries and the importance of artistic freedom,” Hakansson said.

Selam’s CEO and founder Teshome Wondimu said the visit to Uganda will see the organization take forward its advocacy for increased funding to the culture sector by governments all over the world.

“We are excited to continue our efforts in Uganda and present our new initiative CICA Connect For Culture Africa, where we are advocating for increased public funding for the culture sector.”

Teshome explained that as part of the visit, they will later organize a roundtable discussion on the challenges and opportunities to access public funding for the culture sector in the country.

He said the visit is expected to strengthen the ties between the Swedish and Ugandan artistic communities, as well as raise awareness and advocacy on issues that affect both countries.