Kampala, Uganda: Prominent Ugandan political analyst and media personality Frank Gashumba has sparked fresh debate after declaring that Uganda’s music industry remains deeply “local,” arguing that no local artist has achieved significant international traction beyond the diaspora community.
Gashumba, known for his outspoken views, said most Ugandan musicians perform only for Ugandan audiences even when they travel abroad, contrasting this with Nigerian artists who fill major international venues.
“All Ugandan musicians are local, their music ends at Nateete, Kyengera. You won’t tell them because you fear them,” Gashumba said. “When our musicians go to London, they perform for Ugandans in East London. Tell me one Ugandan artist that has organized a show at O2 Arena and filled it like the Nigerians.”
He singled out Jose Chameleone as the only Ugandan musician he believes can “sit on the same table” with renowned international artists, praising his consistency and ambition.
According to Gashumba, the wider industry lacks innovation and a grasp of showbiz dynamics. He said many artists overrate their impact despite failing to grow audiences beyond Uganda’s borders.
“There are artistes that go abroad to perform, but they are always performing for less than 100 people who are all Ugandans,” he said, accusing the industry of clinging to mediocrity.
His remarks come at a time when many musicians have raised concerns about the lack of a comprehensive copyright law, which they argue has crippled revenue generation from their work.
Gashumba, however, insisted that legal reforms alone will not propel the industry internationally without a shift in mindset, investment in production quality, and deliberate efforts to cultivate broader audiences.
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