Union Launches "Yo Voice Be Hard" to Elevate Uganda’s Next Generation of Musical Talent European

The European Union, in partnership with EUNIC, Nyege Nyege, and NRG Radio, proudly announces the launch of "Yo Voice Be Hard" (YVBH)—a dynamic new initiative designed to empower and elevate Uganda’s rising musical stars.

“The European Union is committed to empowering young people across Africa, and especially
here in Uganda. The creative industries are not just about art—they are about growth
opportunities for the national economy, about innovation, and about jobs. That's why we are
investing in initiatives that nurture talent and open doors for them.
For YVBH, we received nearly 150 applications, which shows how young talents in Uganda are
eager to have their music and creativity heard!”
— EU Ambassador- Jan Sadek
This groundbreaking program will provide selected artists with mentorship, industry exposure,
and training opportunities to amplify their voices and refine their craft. Chosen from nearly 150
applicants, the finalists will participate in a series of capacity-building sessions and showcase
events.
“It is a privilege for us to partner with the EU, Nyege, and Nomad to be a part of this exciting
project! We are extremely elated at the prospect and impact of the YVBH project. We hope it
brings a big buzz to the creative industry—especially music—and more importantly, trains and
elevates creatives into professional entities.”
— NRG Radio
Meet the Selected Artists
 Hoaf Stain
 Chiron
 Nana Nyadia
 Kezerod
 Mitrikpwe Patricia
 Vini Mercy
 Single Dee
 Authentic Voices Africa
 Raso Mucki
 KaRungi
An exclusive launch event—by invitation only—will bring together Uganda’s vibrant creative
community to celebrate the official kickoff of this exciting initiative.
Yo Voice Be Hard – Overview Sheet
"YVBH is a talent accelerator amplifier. It offers skilling, content creation and social media
engagement, youth media features, boosted visibility, and integration into flagship events like the Nyege
Nyege Festival to ensure sustained exposure to handpicked young Ugandan talents.
This campaign, spearheaded by a dynamic partnership between the EU Delegation to Uganda, EUNIC,
Nyege Nyege festival and NRG radio, is set to support youth engagement and creative collaboration in
Uganda.
Participants will benefit from informal mentorship and creative exchange, complementing the formal
masterclass series delivered by EUNIC. A showcase will feature all selected artists on the occasion of
World Music Day, June 21st in Kampala.
The Nyege Villa will serve as the creative residency hub, hosting a Boot Camp, two campaign
activations, and access to studio space, rehearsal rooms, and equipment.
This collaborative effort is designed to spotlight Uganda’s Gen Z creatives, foster cross-cultural
mentorship, and elevate the next wave of artistic talent across the country."
Over 150 young creatives applied. From this pool, 10 outstanding artists have been selected to take part
in mentorship, industry training, and professional exposure. At the heart of it all is a grand opportunity:
to perform live at the Nyege Nyege Festival, one of East Africa’s biggest and most celebrated stages.
Since 2015, Nyege Nyege has remained committed to uplifting Ugandan talent through its record labels,
community studio, and annual festival.
“We are proud to be part of this effort to shine a light on the fabulous pool of Ugandan talent—and
hopefully showcase them at our 10th festival edition this year.”
EUNIC Uganda, founded in 2022, brings a strong focus on cultural collaboration.
“This event reflects our mission to co-create with local partners and uplift Uganda’s youth and creative
energy.”
For the European Union, this initiative is about much more than music.
“The creative industries are about growth, innovation, and jobs. That’s why we’re supporting initiatives
like this that open doors for young creatives in Uganda.”
NRG Radio, a youth-centric media powerhouse, is fully on board with YVBH:
“We are extremely elated at the prospect of the impact YVBH will bring. We anticipate a big buzz in the
creative industry. More importantly, it will train and elevate creatives into professional entities. It is a
privilege for us to partner with the EU, Nyege, and Nomad on this exciting project. Let the vibes blaze!
Your Voice Be Hard!”
An exclusive invite-only event will mark the official kickoff, bringing together key players from
Uganda’s vibrant creative community.
From workshops to performance showcases, this is more than a program—it’s a movement. And it’s just
getting started.
Selected artists Bios.
1. Hoaf Stain is a young female rapper from Uganda, known for her energetic style and association with the
Ghetto Trust Music (GTM) collective. . Hoaf Stain is part of the new generation of Ugandan female rappers,
contributing to the growth and diversity of the country's music industry. She is active in the Ugandan hip-hop and rap
scene, producing music both as a solo artist and in collaborations with other local musicians such as Sultah Sojah.
She maintains a presence on YouTube, where she shares her music videos and engages with her audience.
2. Nana Nyadia is a Ugandan-born, South Sudanese-rooted, and Kenya-raised singer-songwriter known for her
genre-blending style that weaves African rhythms with soulful, global influences. She is signed to Party Wright
Records and has established herself as a rising talent in East Africa's contemporary music scene. Nana Nyadia is 23
years old and a student at Isbat University in Uganda, where she studies Graphics and Design. Her music career was
inspired by personal struggles with mental health, particularly following a difficult breakup during her school years.
Writing and performing music, especially her song "Sad Song," became a form of healing for her.
3. Kezerod (born Joseph Montenegro Watema) is a Ugandan Afro indie singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and
cultural commentator. He is recognized for his genre-blending music that draws influences from artists like Wanja
Wohoro, Keane, and Radiohead, resulting in a sound that fuses indie, pop, and African rhythms.
4. Mitiripkwe Patricia is a Ugandan musician recognized for her contributions to the local hip-hop and acoustic
music scenes. She was a nominee for "Collaboration of the Year" at the UG Hiphop Awards 2024, signaling her rising
profile within Uganda's contemporary music industry. Mitiripkwe Patricia is known for her live performances and
collaborations, actively participating in events such as the "Open Mic Acoustic Awakenings" at Nekosero, where she
showcases her musical talent. Her impact is growing and so is her reputation, particularly in collaborative projects
within the Ugandan hip-hop community.
5. Vini Mercy is a multi-talented Ugandan artist known for her work as a rapper, singer, painter, and actress.
Born on June 13, 1996, in Moyo, West Nile, Uganda, she was raised in Kampala and has become a prominent figure
in Uganda’s contemporary arts and music scene. Vini Mercy is recognized for her energetic hip-hop and rap tracks,
blending Ugandan influences with global sounds. Her notable releases include the single "Source Up," which
showcases her deep-rooted artistry and fusion of music with visual storytelling.
6. Single Dee (real name Deng James) is a South Sudanese singer, songwriter, and R&B artist who has become
a prominent figure in East Africa’s contemporary music scene. He was born on October 13, 1997, and is currently
based in Kampala, Uganda. He began his musical journey in 2009 while performing in his high school band. He
initially pursued a degree in medicine at the University of Nairobi but had to drop out due to conflict and economic
hardship in South Sudan.
7. Authentic Voices Africa (AVA) is a cultural connectivity and artistically collaborative movement founded by
Ras Benard Benzima. The initiative brings together hip-hop practitioners from various communities across Africa and
the African diaspora to collaborate on hip-hop projects, dialogues, exchanges, and gatherings such as festivals. AVA
aims to foster artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and unity within the African hip-hop community.
8. Raso Mucki (also known as Russell Mucki) is a fast-rising, multi-talented Ugandan musician. He is
recognized for his versatility as a guitarist, pianist, violinist, producer, dancer, songwriter, and vocalist. Raso Mucki is
active on various social media platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Threads, where he shares his music and
performances.
9. Karungi Sheila, professionally known as KaRungi, is an award-winning Ugandan singer, songwriter, actress,
dancer, and voice actor. She began her music career around 2019 and has released songs such as "Wetale,"
"Kalululu," "Jesus," and "Munda." KaRungi is known for her vibrant performances and creative artistry.
10. Chiron is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and writer whose music blends raw emotion with poetic depth. With
intimate lyrics and soulful melodies, they craft songs that resonate deeply, offering a sound that’s both
timeless and personal.