OPINION:
Ugandan artistes have katijjo with international music. We came with a plan to push Ugandan music to the forefront as Galaxy FM. At the time we launched, many labelled us local because we played local music.
When you call many for interviews, they ‘feel’ yet will run to any international channel -even those with little or no reach- just because they are “international” . When a Nigerian artistes steps in this country, there is a stampede for those looking for collaborations . It’s embarrassing sometimes, what some go through to just get to sing with an international artiste, who often never promote their song in their local market.
If you check the videos people are doing here, we are copying the sound, dance moves, style of the Nigerians. Essentially, everything Nigerian is like everything from Kampala in my village. Even People from Nigeria, sorry Kampala, eat first at funerals and use forks.
If you check their phones, their play lists are full of Nigerian music . (Check the image of top songs on Apple music in uganda)
We have a rich culture with a variety of truly Ugandan influences . Why can’t we be proud of our own and stop hyping up these Nigerians? Why cant we support fully and proudly the media and entities that support Uganda talent?
We need our own song. Instead of Sooki and Azonto dances, we can do kadodi and Baximba. We can innovate our own distinguishable sound just like the Congolese have Lingala and South Africans have Kwaito. That would be unique. That would help us stand out. We cant compete with these Nigerians in their Nigerian culture. We will remain inferior. We need to be proud of ourselves, our culture . It’s that uniqueness that will bring more money to Ugandan art and make us very competitive globally .
We need to realize that by falling for the Nigerian vibe, we are giving them a high pedestal and making them dominate us here. They get to be paid more for gigs even get preferential treatment in our country which we can never get in theirs . It might take time but it’s possible.
Kati awo nebwentema… Kale muvume!
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.
