MC Wang Jok, the talented musician hailing from Gulu, a city in the Northern Region of Uganda, has been making waves in the music industry with his unique fusion of rap, poetry, and live African musical instrumentals. Born in 1989, Wang Jok’s journey into music began at the age of nine, when he listened to rap music on his father’s boombox. This early exposure sparked his passion for music and set him on a path to becoming a renowned artist.
Wang Jok’s Musical Roots: From Gulu to Global Recognition
Wang Jok describes his music as “LUO SYNTHESIS RAP UNIVERSAL,” a blend of Afro-fusion Hip-hop, Rap, and Poetry infused with elements of Luo culture. “It’s an expression of my unique artistic vision that combines diverse influences into a distinct sound,” he explains.
Wang Jok’s musical development can be traced back to his involvement in various underground groups that played a significant role in shaping the hip-hop and rap scene in Gulu City. In 2005, he, along with two others named Black Pool and Shawn, formed the rap group BNM Crew. Together, they recorded their first single, titled “Party.” Although the group eventually disbanded, Wang Jok’s musical journey continued.
In 2008, Wang Jok and his colleagues established the Underground Black Movement, aiming to create music with conscious messages. However, this group lasted for only one year. Undeterred, Wang Jok, along with two other artists, founded the “Bila Wa’ Movement” in 2009. Bila Wa Movement stands out for its unique approach of fusing rap/poetry with live African musical instrumentals such as the Adungu, Rigi Rigi, and the Xylophone. Their hit single “Lapiny,” produced and mastered by Skinny in 2013 at Infinite Records Kampala, gained significant recognition.
Nurturing Acholi Culture: Wang Jok’s Commitment to Tradition
Wang Jok draws inspiration from various sources, including the poetry of Okot P’ Bitek, traditional Acholi songs, and 90s American West Coast and East Coast hip hop. He deeply appreciates the Luo dialect, which is rich in meaning and has influenced renowned figures like Okot P’Bitek. The Acholi culture and performing arts also inspire him, with its 26 different cultural dances and a vast repertoire of songs that are unique in Africa. Wang Jok’s musical influences extend to artists such as Okot P’ Bitek, Geoffrey Oryema, Lumix, Otim Alpha, Ogwang Kilipa, Jagu P’ Lu A, and Leo P’ Layeng.
When asked about his dream venue to perform at, Wang Jok responded, “To be honest, the venue itself is not a major concern for me. Whether it’s my own living room, the Pentagon, or Westminster Abbey, what matters most is the opportunity to share my music with an audience.” As a poet, Wang Jok finds songwriting to be a natural process. While his trending songs are relatively easy to write, it is the more complex ones that challenge him. He delves into questioning meanings and utilises the original Luo dialect rather than the contemporary one, highlighting his artistic depth.
Describing his songwriting process, Wang says, “I rely less on pen and paper. My creative process takes place mostly in my mind, where I construct the skeletal structure of the song. Only a few lines from the verses are jotted down on paper to serve as a guide and keep me on track.” And when it comes to overcoming creative blocks or performance anxiety, he says, “Instead of resisting anxiety, I embrace it by exploring unfamiliar territories in my creative process. My music programmer/producer, Rax, has played a crucial role in this aspect. He consistently presents me with new instrumentals and styles that push me beyond my comfort zone. While it can be challenging at times, his encouragement and our collaborative efforts have resulted in numerous successes.”
Wang Jok’s Upcoming Album: “Min Obibii” – A Tribute to his Mother
Throughout his career, Wang Jok has had notable performances and tours. In 2013, as part of the Bila Wa Movement, he shared the main stage with international acts at the Bayimba International Festival of Art held in the National Theatre Kampala. These experiences have helped him establish himself as a captivating live performer, aiming to build a band and showcase his talent on global platforms in the coming years.
Talking about his collaboration wish list, he says, “The list is extensive, but some notable artists I would love to collaborate with include Guti Kwaro, Akello, Susan Kerunen, Michael Ouma, Moris Kirya, Mwana FA, Professor Jay, and Angelique Kidjo. These individuals possess a distinctive artistry that resonates with me.”
Being a musician in Uganda comes with its challenges, from piracy to a lack of government appreciation for the arts. Wang Jok and his peers face obstacles in their artistic pursuits. However, he remains resilient, and his commitment to his craft has been recognised through his involvement in various projects. In 2017, Wang Jok served as a facilitator for the AFRICALIA-funded “Youth and Hip-Hop Project Bootcamp” in Masindi, Uganda. In 2020, he participated in the American Embassy-funded “Arts for Peace Project” in Juba, South Sudan. To further support his music career, Wang Jok established his own music business entity called “Talent Avenue UG” in 2021, which handles production, marketing, and distribution.
Looking to the future, Wang Jok is excited about his upcoming album titled “Min Obibii” (Mother of the Beast). This album is a testament to his love and memory of his late mother, Grace Adee Ochaya. Set to be released on December 8, 2023, the album showcases his growth as an artist and his dedication to his craft.
Piny Odiya: Addressing Educational Obstacles Through Music
Choosing his personal favourite song from his current album, Wang says, “My personal favourite would have to be ‘Piny Odiya.’ This song is based on a true story that deeply resonates with me. It tells the tale of a young boy from Gulu who embarks on a journey to the capital city of Kampala for his secondary education. However, he faces a challenging setback when he is robbed of all his school necessities by a broker at the Buganda bus terminal. In post-war northern Uganda, where the conflict had a detrimental impact on educational opportunities, many middle-class parents opted to send their children to schools in the central region. Unfortunately, this predicament was one that numerous students encountered.”
Beyond Music: MC Wang Jok as an Entrepreneur and Farmer
Wang Jok’s music is known for its versatility and broad appeal. His ability to incorporate slang and fluent Luo language attracts listeners of all generations. His songs carry conscious messages and address societal issues, often drawing inspiration from real events and challenges faced by the Acholi community. Tracks like “Tim ma ilobo” highlight the world’s evils and unceasing human suffering, while “Atango Cinga” serves as a personal prayer for mercy on the Acholi community, addressing land conflicts and hatred.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Wang Jok is an entrepreneur and farmer. When he’s not creating music, he spends his free time overseeing his mixed farm and managing his business, reflecting his diverse range of interests and skills. Be the First to Experience the Exquisite Spring/Summer Issue of e-fab; Join the Fab community now!
MC Wang Jok’s Journey with the Kuonyesha Art Fund
MC Wang Jok’s journey with the Kuonyesha Art Fund began in early 2019, well before the world was gripped by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was during this time that he first learned about the fund, and he suspects that it was renowned Ugandan writer David Kaiza who recommended him for participation. Recognising MC Wang Jok’s immense contributions to the arts sector in northern Uganda, David Kaiza believed that he would be a valuable addition to the Kuonyesha community.
Soon after, MC Wang Jok received an invitation from CivSource Africa, a partner organisation of the Kuonyesha Art Fund, to attend a validation and programming event on July 11, 2019. Alongside a select group of artists from Kampala and Karamoja, he had the opportunity to contribute his insights and expertise to shaping the future direction of the Kuonyesha Art Fund’s grant programme. It was a collaborative and inspiring gathering, reflecting the diverse voices and artistic expressions of Uganda.
Inspired by the impact and possibilities offered by the Kuonyesha Art Fund, MC Wang Jok decided to take a step further and apply for a grant himself. In 2020, he submitted a grant proposal to finance a collaborative mini-album (EP) with the Aguma Local Band. The album aimed to address the prevalent issue of street violence while simultaneously preserving the cultural heritage of Acholi traditional music. To his delight, MC Wang Jok’s application was successful, and he received the necessary funds to bring his vision to life.
The mini-album, titled “Larema,” which translates to “my friend” in Acholi, became a testament to friendship and resilience amidst the challenging circumstances brought about by the COVID-19 lockdown. With the support of the Kuonyesha Art Fund, MC Wang Jok and the Aguma Local Band were able to produce and distribute the album globally, spreading their powerful message of unity and cultural pride.
MC Wang Jok treasures the opportunity to collaborate with the Kuonyesha Art Fund and witness the profound impact of their support. This experience not only empowered him to create art of significant value but also bestowed upon him the privilege of being consulted on matters related to the arts in his region. Recognising his deep understanding of the local artistic landscape and his dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of northern Uganda, this acknowledgment has allowed him to actively contribute to and nurture the development of emerging artists.
Since his successful grant application in 2020, MC Wang Jok’s involvement with the Kuonyesha Art Fund has become an essential component of his artistic journey. It has provided him with a platform to empower and inspire others through his music and poetry, further amplifying his impact on the artistic community. Stay up to date on the newest in the world of Fashion, Arts, Beauty and Lifestyle; Follow FAB on socials.
MC Wang Jok’s story is a testament to the transformative power of art and the importance of organisations like the Kuonyesha Art Fund in supporting and promoting artistic expression. Through their partnership, MC Wang Jok has been able to elevate his craft, preserve his cultural heritage, and contribute to the flourishing arts scene.
Words of Wisdom: Wang’s Advice for Aspiring Artists
Reflecting on his journey, Wang Jok emphasises the importance of staying true to one’s roots and embracing challenges along the way. He believes that an artist must never forget their origin, the obstacles they face, or their vision for the future. Wang Jok remains humble, honest, and connected to people from all walks of life, regardless of their social status. When asked about his advice for aspiring artists, Wang Jok highlights persistence, discipline, and teamwork as key factors for success in the music industry. He encourages artists to stay relevant, be original, and respect everyone, remembering that their work will continue to live on even after they are gone.
MC Wang Jok’s unwavering dedication to his art, commitment to preserving Acholi culture, and impact on the music industry make him a prominent figure in Uganda’s artistic landscape. With his upcoming album and future global performances, he is poised to leave a lasting legacy, inspiring generations to come.
Story Credit: Edna Rebecca Namugere
Associate Support: Kuonyesha Art Fund/Communications Support, CivSource Africa
