Spyda MC Says Competition Is Holding Ugandan Hip Hop Back
Spyda MC believes Ugandan hip-hop is sitting on untapped potential.
While discussing the state of the genre on NBS After 5, the veteran rapper praised the quality of music artistes continue to produce but questioned why the industry has struggled to turn that talent into broader growth.
There are so many artistes doing good hip-hop music, but none of it has benefited the industry.
In his view, the answer lies less in the music itself and more in the relationships between the people making it.
Spyda argued that artistes often approach each other as competitors rather than collaborators, creating divisions that limit the genre’s progress.
The problem with most artistes is that everyone wants to prove that they’re better than everyone else.
He encouraged musicians to build genuine relationships, understand one another beyond the music, and work toward goals that benefit the wider hip-hop community.
For Spyda, greater unity could help the genre unlock the growth that many artistes and fans have long hoped to see.
However, some artistes within the hip-hop community take a different view.
In a recent podcast appearance, The Mith argued that competition is part of the culture, comparing rap to professional sports where athletes constantly strive to prove they are the best.
But you have to feel that way. Let’s leave rap. With basketball, LeBron is going to be on court saying he is the best. Anthony Edwards is going to say he is the best. It is just like that. There is nothing you can do about it. That is how they feel and they show it.
While Spyda MC views competition as an obstacle to unity, The Mith sees it as a force that pushes rappers to improve, highlighting an ongoing debate about what Ugandan hip-hop needs most to reach the next level.
The challenge with hip hop is that everyone wants to prove they’re better than the next person.- Spyda MC #NBSAfter5 #NBSUpdates pic.twitter.com/4xqvUxOVjt
— NBS After 5 (@NBSAfter5) June 7, 2026
