In a groundbreaking partnership with Kichwamba High School in Uganda, young artists from Pittsburgh and Uganda have united to create Suubi—a song that amplifies global conversations around sustainability, resilience, and cultural exchange.
This collaboration builds on The KRUNK Movement’s 2023 initiative with the Green Building Alliance, which integrated music into environmental education.
The Green Building Alliance works across all sectors and with communities to create spaces that are as healthy for people as they are for the environment.
Inspired by the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals, students used hip-hop, jazz, and spoken word to tackle pressing environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and social sustainability.
The project gained momentum when Dr. Thomas RaShad Easley, a nationally recognized author, hip-hop artist, and environmental advocate, joined the initiative.
His expertise helped shape KRUNK’s 2024 album, Su(Stained) Reality, which debuted on Earth Day and garnered significant attention, including a live performance at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
A Global Exchange Through Music
The KRUNK Movement took an ambitious step into international collaboration when Dr. Easley connected the program with Dr. Jennifer Verdolin, facilitating an exciting partnership with Kichwamba High School in Uganda.
Together, students from both countries embarked on a journey to create Suubi—which means “hope” in Lugandan—fusing distinct cultural influences into a powerful anthem for sustainability.
The exchange began in October 2024, with virtual sessions where Ugandan students shared their perspectives on environmental challenges in their communities.
Working with Keith Parr, KRUNK’s Equipment Specialist and Production Coach, the students in Uganda selected a track and contributed to the song’s chorus.
With KRUNK’s Naomi Allen leading the creative process, the song’s melody and arrangement took shape.
The chorus—primarily in Lugandan—captures the urgency of environmental preservation and the collective responsibility to protect the planet.
After weeks of remote collaboration, the track was officially recorded in Uganda on November 8, 2024, with Center of Life providing funding for the studio session.
A Song That Transcends Borders
Suubi was brought to life through the passion and dedication of young artists, producers, and educators from both Pittsburgh and Uganda.
With local producers and engineers from Kichwamba High School and the surrounding community, the song became more than just a musical composition—it became a symbol of cross-cultural solidarity.
The track was expertly mixed and mastered by Jory Strothers, KRUNK’s Emcee Coach and in-house engineer, while the cover art was designed by visual arts students within The KRUNK Movement program.
As the song reaches international audiences, it reinforces a critical message: sustainability is a shared responsibility that transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds.
This partnership has not only forged new artistic and educational opportunities but has also amplified youth voices in the fight for a greener, more just world.
Listen to Suubi & Join the Movement!
Stay tuned for the official release of Suubi and upcoming KRUNK Movement performances.
Follow Center of Life and The KRUNK Movement on social media to be part of this global movement-
Click Here for Suubi - A Global Anthem For Change.
Visit the project on Instagram and Facebook and Stream Suubi.
For press inquiries, interviews, or more information, please contact Naomi Allen at krunk@centeroflife.org.
[Posted: March 18, 2025] PA Environment Digest
