Support Upcoming Artists (S U A)
The SANAAPRO's support to the Okoa Mtaa Foundation has been instrumental in shaping the cultural landscape of Arusha through the successful organization of the S.U.A event and Each One Teach One project in October 2023.
Last year 2023, through the SANAAPRO support, the Okoa Mtaa Foundation continued making S.U.A event a safe platform for upcoming artists, especially in Arusha, offering them a space to display their talents and express themselves through art. The participating artists demonstrated their youthfulness, creativity and significantly contributed to the culture and created an everlasting impact on history.
Eighty-five (85) upcoming artists actively participated (30 participating in the Each One Teach One workshop and 55 at the S.U.A Event). The enthusiasm of these artists resonated with an audience of more than 1,500 individuals filling the Peace Park grounds.
Each One Teach One Workshop
Through quarter two support of the SANAAPRO, the Okoa Mtaa Foundation worked on improving challenges seen in the first quarter of implementing Each One Teach One and S.U.A projects. In the second quarter, Thirty (30) artists were chosen to participate fully in the project. Selection criteria included the desire to enhance artistic skills, consistency from the last event, and participation in related events, self-discipline, and responsive communication.
The Each One Teach One workshop aimed to prepare the chosen artists for their stage performance at the S.U.A event. The purpose was to teach the selected artists how to creatively use their voice, body, and props when presenting their work on stage. The facilitators highlighted some important points for the artists to pay attention to.
- Microphone handling skills
Artists were shown and practiced how to handle the microphone correctly, keeping it at the proper distance for clear sound according to the voice variation.
2. Audience Engagement Skills
The facilitators and the artists shared and learned various creative ways to engage the audience. At the same time, onstage artists can appreciate the audience throughout their performance. Even if the audience seems disinterested, continue with the performance as they might have important people in attendance. Shootouts are good, but excessive talking should be avoided.
- Artistic appearance
Artists were advised to plan for clothing or props for their show uniquely. Facilitators insisted, "It's essential to plan your attire for the show, as it can impact your performance".
Proper preparation, including rehearsal and using the rhythm of your song effectively, is vital for an outstanding performance. Mistakes can be corrected without hesitation.
3. Stage Presence/Domination
Artists practically practiced participatory and creative ways of dominating the stage without distraction. This involved moving purposefully, not hurriedly, and maintaining a balanced stage presence.
"Always remember that stage performance time is the time to shine, so they must use it wisely and creatively every time".
#Back2S.U.A: Main Event
The S.U.A event in October 2023 was a vibrant and lively art celebration in Arusha, which contributed to awakening the city's culture in Arusha. The event occurred at the Peace Park (Impala) - Arusha on Sunday, 29 October 2023. The event had four segments that enhanced participation and celebration: Karibu S.U.A, Open Mic, Mzuka Wa S.U.A and Freestyle Battle.
Karibu S.U.A
This segment gave Deejays the platform to display their skills as entertainers and as a crucial part Hip Hop culture. Karibu S.U.A focused solely on the #Back2SUA playlist and Deejay session, playing songs from artists involved in the S.U.A and other Okoa Mtaa Foundation projects.
The segment also featured specially selected songs for the event, including some rare ones that didn't get much airtime on local media but were of good quality and carried a meaningful message. The legendary DJ. Ally (Mzee wa Kitu Juu ya Kitu) and the talented upcoming Deejay, DJ. Ben decorated Karibu S.U.A segment with their Deejay skills.
Open Mic
Usually, this segment is dedicated to all artists who have not attended the Each One Teach One workshop. It has been an outstanding segment for curtain raisers toward the main show. it's always open for the artists to show what they've got and a unique chance for all artists who want to hit the stage for the first time. This segment is also used to scout new great talents for further artistic development opportunities.
Breaking
The Art of Breakdance and Breaking was well represented at the S.U.A stage by the Arusha Breaking City. Their performance was decorated with fantastic breaking and Deejay skills as the original Hip Hop culture used to.
Breaking has been officially chosen to feature during the Paris 2024 Olympic sports program as a new sport, along with surfing, skateboarding and climbing.
Okoa Mtaa Foundation through S.U.A project has been and will still be equipping, supporting and connecting Upcoming artists in Breaking Art with relevant opportunities in and outside the country.
Rap Comedy
S.U.A event as it stands for supporting Underground Arts and once again, S.U.A stage hosted the Rap Comedy (Stand-up comedy session) by Arusha Comedy Club led by Msosa, the comedian. They made a good fusion of Comedy and Rap to entertain S.U.A audience.
Mzuka Wa Sua
This was the main show, where the trained artists/crews had the opportunity to showcase their performances as the A lists. This segment's main purpose was to allow the artists and the audience to enjoy the outcome of ‘Each One Teach One’ session and see what artists have been practicing from the workshops. A total of 55 artists were showcased in this session as follows: Ollachuga (Oldadai), GP-Mstaafrika (Kijenge), Mavijanaa (Kijenge), Four-GB (Matejoo), FlameBMC& Fataa (Bongonyo), Ommiric (Olasiti), Panther (Ungalimited), Slim C (Kijenge), We A Music (Darajani II), Wayahudi (Morombo), D.A.T Niggaz (Ngaramtoni) na Elisha James (Ungalimited)
Mo Plus Akiwakilisha Ndani Ya S.U.A
Freestyle Battle
Mapengo Boy (Sekei),Toxic Man(Sanawari), Dizzla (Sakina), Mashineboy Kevi (Kijenge), RMC(Kijenge) and Sobibo Khan (Morombo).
After several rounds of freestyling, the final round was between RMC and Sobibo Khan, and both of them showed competence and confidence in the Art of freestyling. The judge of this battle were the S.U.A crowd. In the final rounds, the crowd made the decision, and
Sobibo Khan was declared the winner.
For the love of the culture, the legendary hip-hop artist Mo Plus presented the prize to Sobibo Khan, crowning him the new King of Freestyle 2023. The prize for the S.U.A freestyle battle in 2023 was TZS.200,000/- and some cool gifts from Okoa Mtaa Foundation, like T-shirts and stickers.