Bataka Squad
Encyclopedia
Bataka Squad is a pioneering Ugandan hip hop group. The group was formed by Babaluku (a.k.a Sniperous MC), Saba Saba aka Krazy Native
and Big Poppa Momo MC. Found in the mid-90's, it is one of the earliest hip hop groups in Uganda.
The group was later joined by Newton now in L.A, La raat now in London, UK, Lyrical G who later joined Urban Thugs and eventually went solo. Chagga who left and joined Chameleone
as a background vocalist. Then came Shillingz who was known for his tongue twisting and now based in Toronto, Canada. Then came "Farious" a Burundi
an born who also returned home. Currently, Saba Saba, Babaluku and new member Tshila
are holding it down as Bataka Squad.
The word 'Bataka' means natives. Members wanted people to understand their background. The three founders were born and raised in Kampala, Uganda. The term Underground was meant to imply simply "Not Commercial". Bataka Underground began with the intention of letting Ugandans know that they are living in a new age.
They are working on a compilation CD intended to be released in 2007
In 2006, the group performed at the inaugural Trinity International Hip Hop Festival
in Hartford, United States
.
The group is also the subject of the Diamonds in the Rough: A Ugandan Hip Hop Revolution documentary.
Saba Saba aka Krazy Native
Saba Saba, also known as Krazy Native is a hip-hop artist and social activist from Uganda. Saba Saba began his hip hop career in 1993 with the group Bataka Squad. Saba Saba is now a solo artist, but remains a member of Bataka Squad, along with fellow members Babaluku and Shillingz...
and Big Poppa Momo MC. Found in the mid-90's, it is one of the earliest hip hop groups in Uganda.
The group was later joined by Newton now in L.A, La raat now in London, UK, Lyrical G who later joined Urban Thugs and eventually went solo. Chagga who left and joined Chameleone
Chameleone
Joseph Mayanja known for his stage name Jose Chameleon, Joe Chameleon, Jose Chameleone, or just Chameleone is a ragga musician from Uganda. He mainly sings in Luganda, English and Swahili...
as a background vocalist. Then came Shillingz who was known for his tongue twisting and now based in Toronto, Canada. Then came "Farious" a Burundi
Burundi
Burundi , officially the Republic of Burundi , is a landlocked country in the Great Lakes region of Eastern Africa bordered by Rwanda to the north, Tanzania to the east and south, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west. Its capital is Bujumbura...
an born who also returned home. Currently, Saba Saba, Babaluku and new member Tshila
Tshila
Sarah Tshila, a.k.a Tshila is a world-fusion musician from Uganda who first got onto the music scene in 2005 as a member of the pioneering Ugandan hip-hop group, Bataka Squad. She started out as the female MC in the group then later began to explore a solo career as an Afro-Fusion...
are holding it down as Bataka Squad.
The word 'Bataka' means natives. Members wanted people to understand their background. The three founders were born and raised in Kampala, Uganda. The term Underground was meant to imply simply "Not Commercial". Bataka Underground began with the intention of letting Ugandans know that they are living in a new age.
They are working on a compilation CD intended to be released in 2007
In 2006, the group performed at the inaugural Trinity International Hip Hop Festival
Trinity International Hip Hop Festival
The Trinity International Hip Hop Festival is a free music festival that brings together Hip Hop artists from around the world. It has been held annually at Trinity College in Hartford, CT since 2006...
in Hartford, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
.
The group is also the subject of the Diamonds in the Rough: A Ugandan Hip Hop Revolution documentary.
Awards
- 2007 Pearl of Africa Music AwardsPearl of Africa Music AwardsPearl of Africa Music Awards are annual national music awards in Uganda. The awards were first held in 2003. Since 2006 there has also been categories for musicians from other East African countries ....
(PAM Awards) - Best Hip Hop Single ("Utake Anthem")