Bataka Squad (formerly Bataka Underground) is a 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. Founded in the mid-1990s, 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
Burundi (, ), officially the Republic of Burundi ( rn, Repuburika y’Uburundi ; Swahili language, Swahili: ''Jamuhuri ya Burundi''; French language, French: ''République du Burundi'' ), is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley at the ...
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 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.
"The festival was designed to promote intern ...
in
Hartford,
United States.
[New Vision, March 24, 2006]
Bataka Squad set for Hip Hop in United States
The group is also the subject of the ''Diamonds in the Rough: A Ugandan Hip Hop Revolution'' documentary.
Awards
*2007
Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) - Best Hip Hop Single ("Utake Anthem")
[Museke]
Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) awards 2007 winners - Uganda
References
External links
Bataka Squad
{{Authority control
1990s establishments in Uganda
Ugandan musical groups