Since the 1950s, the music and arts sector in Uganda has often been regarded as "disorganized," and there have been varying opinions on this assessment, which may be justified.
Despite dissenting voices and differing perspectives, the ultimate goal has always been the same: to generate income from artistic talent. However, the execution of this goal has been flawed.
Over 15 years ago, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) initiated efforts to streamline the arts industry in Uganda, encompassing music, a field in which I am primarily involved. During that time, meetings were held, facilitated by General Salim Saleh, a respected individual with a genuine passion for music and the arts.
Numerous photographs captured artists meeting with General Saleh, and these images have been widely circulated in the media over the years. Additionally, organizations like UPRS, NCF, and UNCC were established to unite artists and work towards their collective welfare, aiming to ensure they receive rightful compensation for their talent and compositions.
However, many popular artists did not fully embrace these organizations, thereby creating a gap in their effective implementation.
Regrettably, due to this situation, some individuals who were in charge of these associations took advantage of us musicians and exploited us. In Uganda, musicians and artists have primarily relied on earnings from live performances on stage.
However, other potential revenue streams, which are actually more significant than stage performances, were neglected. As a result, artists suffered losses.
Fortunately, artists have now recognized the importance of presenting a united front to advocate for their rights and fair compensation. A collective voice always carries more weight than individual efforts.
The recently established Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) serves as a bridge to bring all artists together for a common purpose: fair remuneration. Interestingly, many of the pop stars who had previously shown little interest in unification have joined the federation, filling a crucial gap.
This federation aims to unite artists from all over Uganda to fight for their rights and what is rightfully theirs. It works on behalf of all of us, the artists.
The federation will enable musicians to earn from their works even without performing on stage. In well-organized music industries, artists earn less from live performances and more from royalties, the internet, fair distribution of Caller Ring Back Tones (CRBT), private copy levies, and other sources.The federation introduces over eight new channels for artists to generate income, in addition to stage performances.
This is the primary goal of our new federation. As we have consistently emphasized, we are only serving in an interim capacity. Regarding the political landscape (Government versus opposition),
When musicians and artists come together, as we have done under the UNMF, the opposition perceives it as a disadvantage. It's worth noting that one of the prominent figures in the opposition is a musician, and unfortunately, he sees the UNMF as working against him. However, the federation is designed to benefit all artists, including that individual.
Efforts to streamline the music sector require policy changes, and policies are implemented or influenced by the government. In one way or another, musicians must engage with the government.
Regrettably, the opposition leader, Bobi Wine, views this engagement with the government as a disadvantage to him. Musicians are engaging with the government to secure their rightful earnings, and that is our objective, which no one can divert us from.
All federations work in collaboration with the government. For instance, organizations such as FUFA (Football Association), medical associations, farmers' unions, and even the opposition party itself (NUP) are part of the government structures, as stipulated by law.
The NUP receives a significant amount of funding from the government, and it has never rejected that funding. So, why should government funding towards the musicians federation be questioned? Instead, the focus should be on how the funds will be distributed and how the government can guide and support artists to develop the sector.
An excellent example is FUFA, which receives substantial annual funding from the government. It's evident that sports and entertainment directly or indirectly employ or influence a majority of the youth in Uganda today. Therefore, if sports receives government funding without scrutiny, why should the funding for the musicians federation be questioned? The concern should be on how the funds will be utilized and how the government can assist in the growth of the sector.
The Nigerian government directly invests in its music industry, which has become one of their biggest exports. So, what's the issue here? Bobi Wine needs to let go of individualism.
Certainly, the Ugandan National Musicians Federation (UNMF) is not fighting against Bobi Wine; rather, it is fighting for him as an artist. Bobi Wine knows that if musicians are financially empowered, he may lose some influence. Therefore, he engages in uninformed discussions to intimidate his fellow artists and manipulate them into falling into his trap.
He has consistently tried to present himself as the endorser or patron of concerts, falsely believing that if he doesn't support a music event, it will fail. However, that's a misconception on his part. He assumes that everyone should share his beliefs, but that's not the case. We simply want better laws that benefit all of us.
Bobi Wine's outburst at the burial of the late Kato Lubwama was not only insulting but also a complete disregard for musicians. As artists, we do not take his foolish remarks lightly.He desires to be seen as our savior, but that's not how things work. What we need are improved policies that streamline and prioritize our industry, ensuring that we receive what rightfully belongs to us.
It's not solely about the federation, though. Numerous stakeholders have been advocating for better copyright laws. Consultations were conducted, fully funded, and overseen by the government. By the way, Bobi Wine was in Parliament but did nothing for the arts sector.
Now, it is crucial for all stakeholders in the arts sector to come together and raise their voices. As Bebe Cool, I encourage all artists to stand their ground with confidence and join the collective voice.