Artistes urged to treat their craft as a career at Hip Hop Asili festival
Bagamoyo. Discipline, consistency, building connections, and staying active on social media are among the key ingredients that can help propel Tanzania’s entertainment industry to the next level.
This was one of the central messages shared during the opening of the panel discussion on the fifth edition of the two-day Hip Hop Asili festival, which kicked off at TASUBA grounds in Bagamoyo, bringing together a diverse line-up of creative from across the hip-hop ecosystem, including DJs, graffiti artists, MCs, and breaking dancers.
The festival, which celebrates the vibrancy and growth of hip-hop culture in East Africa, began with a lively panel discussion that underscored how digital presence and personal integrity can shape success in the industry.
A panel discussion featuring DJs, MCs, dancers, and other music stakeholders explores how hip hop can further contribute to the global economy. From left: Burundian producer KDagreat, French DJ PH, and East African stakeholders. PHOTO|CORTERSY
“Discipline and consistency are non-negotiable,” said a renowned breaking dancer from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Faraja Batumike.
“To succeed as an artiste, you must not only be disciplined but also work consistently. That’s how you stand out,” he added.
Mr Batumike further stressed the power of social media as a platform for visibility.
“It’s not just about creating, you have to show the world what you’re doing. Let people know where you are, what you represent, and what you’re building. That’s how you attract opportunities,” he added.
Adding to the conversation, a choreographer and event organizer, Ms Dorine Mugisha, encouraged artists to seek financial support through unconventional channels.
“You can’t wait for funding opportunities to land on your timeline. Artists need to step out of their comfort zones and actively look for grants and partnerships. Most of the time, these opportunities are hidden in networks you haven’t explored yet,” she said.
Kenyan hip-hop artiste Frank Onkwani echoed the need for professionalism, noting that passion alone is not enough to sustain a music career.
“Artistes should treat their craft like a real job. You may be self-employed, but that doesn't mean you shouldn’t be accountable. Be punctual, be responsible, and grow not just as an artist, but also as a person,” he said.
The panel also encouraged openness to collaboration, emphasizing that the hip-hop industry holds vast potential to create jobs and uplift communities if stakeholders work together.
The Hip-hop Asili Festival, which continues through the weekend, serves not only as a showcase for talent but also as a platform for dialogue, learning, and cultural exchange, a growing force in shaping the future of East African entertainment.
