Culture

Ugandan Ghetto Kids make history with Britain’s ‘Got Talent’ debut

Published

2 years ago

April 17, 2023

“Uganda Ghetto Kids”, a group of young dancers made up of children who live in slums in Uganda, have made history with their debut on the “Britain’s Got Talent 2023” show, leaving an indelible impression on the judges and audience alike.

Their electrifying performance on their debut on Saturday, secured the group the Golden Buzzer in the middle of their performance as against the practice of pressing it at the end of a performance, a clear indication that the judges were really impressed.

The judges, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and Simon Cowell, could not get enough of the kids which led to Tonioli, an Italian choreographer, ballroom and Latin dancer, and Television personality, hitting the Golden Buzzer to give the Ghetto Kids a standing ovation at their very first audition at the competition.

“I was literally exploding. I am telling you, you should be proud of yourself. I can’t wait to see you back,” Tonioli told the “Ghetto Kids”.

Cowell revealed to the audience that the Golden Buzzer, which sends the act straight through to the competition’s live semi-final, had never been pressed during a routine but described the moment as “magical”.

“I think it’s incredible. You’re so young, you’ve flown all the way, no fear, this is an audition we’re going to remember and it was brilliant,” he said.

The winners of the competition will not only win the handsome prize of £250,000, they will also have the opportunity to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the royal family later this year.

Formerly called :Triplets Ghetto Kids”, the “Ugandan Ghetto Kids” was founded in 2014 by Daouda Kavuma, after he gathered talented children from the Katwe slums in Kampala together and set up a dance group.

The group have appeared on major platforms across the world including featuring in French Montana’s “Unforgettable” video and performing at a World Cup 2022 event in Qatar.

They came into limelight in a video dancing to Eddy Kenzo’s “Sitya Loss” music which went viral, accumulating over eight million views on Youtube and other social networks.

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Culture

Ugandan TikToker sentenced to 32 months for insulting President Museveni

Published

16 hours ago

November 19, 2024

Isaac Dachen

21-year-old Ugandan TikToker and content creator, Emmanuel Nabugodi, has been sentenced to 32 months in prison for allegedly insulting President Yoweri Museveni in a satirical video.

Nabugodi was found guilty by an Entebbe High Court for allegedly creating a video deemed insulting to President Museveni, a verdict which human rights advocates say further entrenches Uganda’s intolerance for criticism of government officials and holding them accountable.

During his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Stellah Maris Amabilis on Monday, Nabugodi pleaded guilty to four charges of defamation of character.

The content creator who gained popularity for his comedy sketches with over 20,000 followers, pleaded guilty to charges including hate speech and spreading malicious content about the president.

Local media report that the offensive video featured a mock trial of President Museveni, where Nabugodi depicted the leader being subjected to public flogging.

While delivering the judgement, Chief Magistrate Amabilis said the sentencing aimed to deter social media users from targeting others, including high-profile individuals like the president.

“This court hopes that by the time the convict leaves prison, he will have learned that abusing people in the name of creating content is unacceptable,” she stated.

Rights groups have frequently raised concerns about shrinking freedoms of expression in Uganda with critics arguing that Museveni, who has been in power since 1986, has little tolerance for dissent.

Nabugodi’s case is the latest in a string of arrests targeting social media users.

In July, another TikTok creator, Edward Awebwa, received a six-year prison sentence on similar charges, while three others are awaiting trial for their TikTok contents.

The convictions stem from Uganda’s 2022 amendment to the Computer Misuse Act, which criminalizes sharing content online that could “ridicule, degrade, or demean” others based on their identity or affiliation.

Human rights organizations have also accused Ugandan authorities of routinely violating freedoms of speech and expression, with many calling for reforms to protect citizens’ digital rights.

Culture

Davido to donate N300m to orphanages to mark 32nd birthday

Published

2 days ago

November 18, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Nigerian Afro-Pop superstar, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has announced plans to donate the sum of N300 million to different orphanages across the country and anti-drug advocacy initiatives to mark his 32nd birthday later this year.

The Grammy-nominated singer who revealed the plan in a post he shared on his official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Monday, said he would donate the whopping sum to orphanages and charities that help young people to avoid drug addiction.

The “Unavailable” crooner added that the donation is intention to support vulnerable children at the orphanage and combat drug abuse among youths, and the funds will be split between orphanages and organizations working to prevent drug addiction.

He also assured his fans that details of the donation, including beneficiary organizations and distribution plans, will be made public soon.

“Once again on my birthday this year, we donating to orphanages and a charity that helps young people stay away from drug abuse & addiction. This year is N300m. Details to follow soon,” the multiple award-winning singer wrote.