“People Were Curious”: Underground Kampala Is Creating A Techno Culture In Uganda
In a place where technology is lacking, Underground Kampala creates a haven for dedicated fans. Hosting monthly pop-up parties in Kampala and other hidden corners of Uganda, the group is slowly building a movement.
"We created Rave to create a space for social connection and positive interaction, where participants immerse themselves in free space while removing social pressures," says founder Richard O'Doi.
"For us, that means no fear of sex, no homophobia, no aggression, no racism, no hope, just a mutual understanding of self-expression."
In 2020, his friend Richard slowly built it during the shutdown on his birthday after connecting party techno platforms and international DJs and DJs in Uganda. Led by Richard and a host of other DJs, audio professionals, lighting designers and producers, all bound by a shared love of electronic music.
The crew and the team behind revolve around a love for artistic and mystical values. "Kampala is a bit difficult for producers, especially in a scene like this, some people want to go to an event because it's popular or worry about the number of people available and forget that it's the music itself."
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But Underground Kampala seeks to move away from a commercial approach by adopting a do-it-yourself philosophy and focusing on the needs of its community. Parties are held in abandoned buildings, parking lots, lakes and other locations away from the city's main hospitality sector to provide a safe and secluded place for dancers to discover new music and make connections. The group does not want to preserve gender, but they ensure that this space is free from social perception and stigma.
Now the team is ready for the next step. The group collaborates with outside techno artists and DJs and aims to create a permanent space to serve as a second home for their community. They are currently raising funds to upgrade the foundation's equipment.
"Pop-up raves in different places can be fun, but it's also a challenge. We have to think about logistics, because sometimes it's hard to move a lot of equipment and make sure it's safe. Now, we want a place permanent, which means the first in Kampala, for Techno".
We spoke to founder Richard Odoe about gigs, how he chooses his motorhome, the stigma associated with Ugandan rabies and the international friendships forged on safari.
