Essays of a Revolutionary MC: Meeting President Barack Obama

Author

Bana Mutibwa
March 29, 2024

March just slipped by so quickly, didn't it?

Let me kick things off by sharing a quote from the book I'm currently diving into:

đź’­ Every moment it is possible to think, say, or do something that inspires hope, forgiveness, and compassion. You can do something to protect and help others and our world.

- The Art of Living, Thich Nhat Hanh

Among the various things that kept me occupied, the highlight of my month was being invited to spend an evening with President Obama. This marked my third time meeting the president, and each encounter has been truly special. The first was at the 2022 Copenhagen Democracy Summit. Then, I had the honor in Athens, Greece, as an Obama Leader last year. And now, in Næstved, Denmark, as an alumnus of the Obama Foundation. Each moment spent with President Obama resonates deeply with the essence of the quote I just shared.

President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and Bana Mutibwa

But let me take you back a bit. My desire to meet President Obama traces its roots back to a Tuesday night in January 2009 at Club Rouge in Kampala, Uganda. I was at Rouge to attend the Spoken Truth night—a weekly event initiated by my earliest mentor and rap teacher, Babaluku. Those nights were raw, yet they filled me with hope, compassion, and inspiration, being surrounded by my heroes then, and Uganda's elites. I was from the slums of Kampala, and the Spoken Truth provided a space for me and others to be seen and heard.

Bana Mutibwa and Babaluku, the Founder of Bavubuka Foundation and Spoken Truth

That particular night on January 20, 2009 was unlike any other. It coincided with President Obama’s inauguration. We were witnessing history unfold before our eyes. The atmosphere at Club Rouge was electric, filled with jubilation, silences pregnant with significance, and a sense of hope and togetherness. It was at this intersection of history and personal growth that I found my true potential in rap. A week before I had competed in the first End of the Weak MC Challenge in Uganda, finishing among top five. A week later, this pivotal moment inspired a shift in my artistry—from merely rapping for fun to using my voice and organizing skills as a tool for deeper self-expression and uplifting my community.

Fast forward to my selection to the Obama Leaders program, where I made a conscious decision to return to music and utilize it as a means to channel hope to and for those without a voice in Uganda and beyond. In line with this decision, I released Nkomyewo, meaning "I am back." This track will feature on my upcoming album, "Essays of a Revolutionary MC." Please allow me to take you back.

Let me end on expressing my gratitude to all of you who have responded to my work, and a special shoutout to Dennis for his kind words. Your support means the world to me.

đź“ťSelect Response

đź’­Good stuff, Bana Mutibwa. I remember back when I was a rookie journalist covering the arts for Daily Monitor.  I remember the light-skinned kid under the wings of Ugly Emcee; the quiet, thoughtful lad that always brought the roof down everytime you grabbed the mic. Your affection for the rap game was unfettered. Little wonder you are out there now, standing tall and representing. I will check out more of your works. No doubt. Many thanks and blessings.

- Dennis

Thanks for tuning in, and here's to inspiring hope, forgiveness, and compassion in every moment of our lives.

Only 1 email per month where I will tell something about my music, life in Denmark or about Uganda. If you enjoyed reading, don’t hesitate to follow up and (or) even share with a friend.