By: Ismael Kasooha
KAMPALA
Performing Artistes and Musicians in the country have formed a Federation and asked the government to expedite the process of formulating a law that regulates the music industry in the country.
Through their umbrella body, the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), the performing artistes said that they don’t benefit from their efforts because of lack of a law to regulate the music industry.
The one-week training of artistes took place in Mutundwe and was organized by the ministry of Gender, Labour and social development.
The new body elected Edirisa Musuuza alias Eddy Kenzo as its President, with Sheebah Karungi, Pallaso, and Juliana Kanyomozi elected as Vice Presidents, while Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool will be in charge of finance, plus other regional representatives.
The musicians pledged to support the newly formed Federation saying their initiative aims to unite musicians and promote their interests in Uganda by bringing together all associations in the industry under one umbrella.
Idrisa Musuuza, aka Eddy Kenzo the newly elected President of Uganda National Musicians Federation and CEO of Big Talent said that the artists have been used by some people have not benefited from their sweat.
“If we work together as the Uganda National Musicians Federation, we shall win. We should partner with the government to protect us so that we protect it as well,” he said, promising to fight for the rights of musicians and return what has been stolen from them. We put in a lot of effort in the industry but we end up not benefiting because of self-seekers,” said Musuuza.
Kenzo said that the federation is not affiliated to any political ideology but rather meant to unite artists and performers to benefit from the industry.
“This federation is not affiliated to any political organization but meant for the good of the Music industry. Don’t bring in your politics in the federation but we want secure our future as musicians,” he said.
Shebba Karungi, the Vice president of the Federation said that they have tried to fend for themselves but their efforts have not been beneficial to them.
“We appeal to government to expedite the corporate law formulation to protect our industry. What will happen when I grow up and cannot perform on stage anymore?” asked Karungi.
Karungi said that they would like to partner with government for protection and develop the music industry.
Moses Ssali, aka Bebe Cool and the director finance in the federation said that the law formulation is at a snail speed yet its crucial for the good of the music industry.
The new federation according to the artistes will focus on collaboration and growth, creating new opportunities for musicians and stakeholders in the Ugandan music industry.
The prime minister Robinah Nabbanja in her response promised to fight for the rights of artistes and committed that the government will invest resources in the federation.
Nabbanja asked musicians to unite and work for their good and pledged government support to the development of the industry.
“Government is committed to support the music industry if you are united so that the music industry can grow,” said Nabbanja.
Below is the elected leadership team of the new UNMF body
- President: Eddy Kenzo
- 1st Vice President: Shebah Karungi
- 2nd Vice President: Pallaso (Pius Mayanja)
- 3rd Vice President: Juliana Kanyomozi
Committees:
- Finance Committee: Bebe Cool
- Research & Development: Daddy Andre
- PR & Communications: Phina Masanyalaze
- Special Interest groups: Moses Matovu
- Compliance & Regulation: Silver Kyagulanyi
- Disciplinary Committee: Nina Rose
- Chief Whip: Hanson Baliruno
Other Committees:
- Gospel: Pastor Bugembe/Levixone
- Kadongo Kamu: Fred Sebata
- And other regional representatives:
UNMF is a collaborative effort of musicians, industry stakeholders, and the Ugandan government, aimed at unifying the music industry in Uganda.
The association was formed after a series of meetings with Gen Salim Saleh, according to different sources.
END
