Western Uganda musicians (L-R) Peterson Ma, Nicklee Kembo, Nimrod Omunyankole and Eddy Mustyo addressing media at Asante Bar in Mbarara City on June 12, 2023. PHOTO/JULIUS BYAMUKAMA
By Julius Byamukama
Mbarara musicians and artists Monday afternoon called for unity amongst themselves to promote, elevate and market their content. During a press briefing at Asante Bar, local artists said that unity and togetherness is what will earn their music a sound market.
Secular artist Nicklee Kembo said: “We need unity in western Uganda’s art industry, let us be one and work together. Promoters, djs, mcs, presenters, influencers and other music stakeholders, this the right time to market our industry because I believe our western art industry is still virgin and hopefully soon we shall be where we want to be,” said Kembo.
Popular artist Eddy Mutsyo told journalists that the current local artists have a chance to market and promote their work once they unite.
“There is a tough competition in this new era and let us please believe in ourselves, then with time we shall be able to go to Kampala and make shows. Long time ago, we had advocates for unity but we had limited resources like media,” said Mustyo.
Gospel artist Peterson Ma cited jealousy amongst musicians as a stumbling block to the development of western Uganda’s art industry.
“Western Uganda music would be far away but the problem is everyone pulls to his side. No body wishes each one the best. We have so many artists in western who are having unhealthy competition,” Said Peterson Ma as he urged change.
He added: “We all need each other. Let’s support one another. Let’s leave greed and value ourselves and the music we do.”
Nimrod Omunyamkole, an artist and media practitioner advised his fellows to know how to use both social media and mainstream media if they want to promote what they do.
