Why Ugandan Music Has Failed to Grow Despite Having Talented Musicians

Kampala, Uganda – Walking down the busy streets of Kampala, one can hear the pulsating rhythms of Ugandan music pouring out of local bars and music shops. The distinctive sound of traditional African instruments blended with modern pop beats forms the backbone of Uganda’s unique musical identity. Uganda is a country with over 65 different ethnic groups and tribes, each with its own rich and diverse musical traditions.  The country has also produced some of the most talented and popular musicians in Africa, such as Philly Lutaaya, Chameleone, Bebe Cool, Bobi Wine, Eddy Kenzo and Sheebah Karungi. However, despite the potential and talent of Ugandan musicians, the music industry in Uganda faces many challenges that hinder its growth and development. Some of these challenges include:

Piracy and copyright infringement: According to the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), piracy is one of the biggest threats to the music industry in Uganda. Piracy involves the unauthorized copying, distribution and sale of music without paying royalties to the original creators. Piracy deprives musicians of their income and discourages them from investing in their careers. Copyright infringement involves the unauthorized use of music for commercial purposes, such as in advertisements, films, games and ringtones. Copyright infringement also violates the rights of musicians and reduces their earnings.

Lack of proper infrastructure and regulation: The music industry in Uganda lacks adequate infrastructure and regulation to support its growth and development. For instance, there are few professional recording studios, producers, promoters, managers and distributors in the country.  There are also few radio and TV stations that play local music, and those that do often demand bribes from musicians to air their songs. There are also few venues for live performances, festivals and concerts, and those that exist often have poor sound systems, security and sanitation. There is also no clear policy or framework for regulating the music industry in Uganda, such as setting standards, enforcing contracts, protecting intellectual property rights and resolving disputes.

Lack of innovation and diversity: The music industry in Uganda is dominated by a few genres, such as Kadongo Kamu, Afro Ragga (Kidandali) and Dancehall. These genres are influenced by traditional Kiganda music, Jamaican reggae and dancehall, and western pop and hip hop. While these genres are popular and appealing to many audiences, they also limit the creativity and diversity of Ugandan musicians. Many Ugandan musicians tend to follow the trends and styles of their predecessors or peers, rather than experimenting with new sounds, instruments, languages and themes. This results in a lack of originality and innovation in Ugandan music, which makes it less competitive and attractive in the global market.

Lack of exposure and recognition: The music industry in Uganda suffers from a lack of exposure and recognition both locally and internationally. Locally, many Ugandans prefer foreign music over local music, especially from Nigeria, South Africa and the US. This is partly due to the influence of globalization, media and technology, which make foreign music more accessible and appealing to Ugandan audiences. It is also partly due to the low quality and quantity of local music production and promotion, which make local music less attractive and available to Ugandan audiences. ³Internationally, Ugandan music is largely unknown or ignored by the global music market. This is partly due to the lack of proper distribution channels, marketing strategies and networking opportunities for Ugandan musicians. It is also partly due to the lack of recognition and support from international organizations, such as awards, grants, festivals and collaborations.

These challenges have prevented Ugandan music from growing to its full potential and reaching wider audiences. However, there are also some opportunities and solutions that can help overcome these challenges and improve the situation of Ugandan music. Some of these include:

Leveraging technology and social media: Technology and social media have revolutionized the music industry in many ways. They have enabled musicians to create, record, distribute and promote their music more easily, cheaply and widely than ever before. They have also enabled musicians to interact with their fans more directly, personally and frequently than ever before. Technology and social media have also created new platforms for discovering new talents, sharing new ideas, forming new collaborations and accessing new markets. Some Ugandan musicians have already taken advantage of technology and social media to boost their careers, such as Eddy Kenzo who won a BET Award in 2015 after his song “Sitya Loss” went viral on YouTube. ⁴ Other Ugandan musicians should also embrace technology and social media as tools for enhancing their creativity, visibility and profitability.

Promoting cultural diversity and identity: Uganda is a country with a rich and diverse cultural heritage, which can be a source of inspiration and innovation for Ugandan musicians. Ugandan musicians should explore and celebrate the different musical traditions, languages, instruments and themes of their various ethnic groups and tribes. They should also incorporate elements of their own personal experiences, values and aspirations into their music. By doing so, Ugandan musicians can create unique and authentic music that reflects their cultural diversity and identity, and that appeals to both local and global audiences.

Collaborating and networking: The music industry in Uganda is fragmented and competitive, which makes it difficult for Ugandan musicians to succeed individually. Ugandan musicians should collaborate and network with each other, as well as with other stakeholders in the music industry, such as producers, promoters, managers, distributors, media, venues and organizations. By doing so, Ugandan musicians can pool their resources, skills, knowledge and contacts to create better music, reach wider audiences and access more opportunities. They can also learn from each other, support each other and inspire each other to grow and improve as musicians.

Advocating and lobbying: The music industry in Uganda is affected by many factors that are beyond the control of Ugandan musicians, such as policies, laws, regulations and institutions. Ugandan musicians should advocate and lobby for their rights and interests as creators and contributors to the cultural, social and economic development of Uganda. They should also raise awareness and educate the public about the value and importance of Ugandan music. By doing so, Ugandan musicians can influence the decision-makers and stakeholders who shape the music industry in Uganda, and ensure that they create a conducive environment for Ugandan music to thrive.

Ugandan music has failed to grow despite having talented musicians, but it does not have to remain so. By addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities that exist in the music industry in Uganda, Ugandan musicians can achieve their dreams and make their mark in the world of music.