"This fast-paced documentary, which is narrated by Spearhead lead singer, Michael Franti, introduces audiences to the unique sound and style of Ugandan hip hop or lugaflow. Characterized by politically charged and socially conscious rap lyrics, lugaflow brings with it messages of both anger and hope. The film follows several Ugandan artists and illustrates both their influences and the impact they have on other young people in their own country and abroad.
For providing a perspective on global hip hop as a language of the oppressed and a closer and deeper look at youth culture in Uganda, the film is recommended."
- Linda Frederiksen, Educational Media Reviews Online
"Many forms of music, themselves with roots in many cultures, have diffused from the West to impact non-Western societies. Currently, some of the most powerful effects are coming from hip hop, which is the subject of the wonderful DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH, documenting the hip hop revolution in Uganda, the African continent, and the global community. This documentary is an important and appealing contribution to the discovery of the social power of music and of the arts more generally. Suitable for high school classes and college courses in cultural anthropology, anthropology of music, anthropology of development/community activism, and African studies, as well as for the general audiences."
- Jack David Eller, Anthropology Review Database
