Crysto Panda, fresh off the success of his recent Champanya Festival, has shed light on the often unseen financial challenges that come with organizing major music events in Uganda. Despite impressive crowd turnouts, Panda revealed that he frequently relies on loans to fund his shows, sometimes even risking his own land title as collateral. “People never know the pain I pass through. They see the crowd but don’t realize I’m under pressure, having staked my land title to secure a loan. That’s the hustle we go through. If you want to gain in life, you must take risks,” he explained.
The costs of putting together such events are staggering. Advertising alone can cost up to UGX 3.7 million, while venue expenses range from UGX 15 million to UGX 25 million, depending on the flexibility of the venue owner. Even with a turnout of 4,000 people, Panda says the expenses for services, artists, and logistics often outweigh the profits. His candid admission highlights the high-stakes environment behind Uganda’s vibrant music scene, where financial risk is a constant companion for event organizers.
