Ugandan music curator and top DJ Selecta Jeff has recently shed light on a significant trend in the local music scene. Through his X account, he revealed that many DJs, including himself, mainly play Amapiano music not out of pure passion but as a practical choice to survive in the industry. According to Jeff, Amapiano has dominated the local music waves for the longest time after Dancehall and Reggae, making it the go-to genre for most DJs to maintain relevance and income.
Selecta Jeff’s candid admission provides a rare behind-the-scenes look into how market demands shape musical choices for DJs in Uganda. While Amapiano’s catchy beats and widespread popularity are undeniable, Jeff emphasizes that for many, it’s the economic survival tactic rather than artistic preference. This insight highlights the economic pressures faced by artists and DJs in Uganda’s evolving music industry, where staying profitable often means following popular trends.
However, for all the practicality surrounding Amapiano, Jeff’s true passion lies elsewhere—Afro House, a genre he believes offers a richer, more soulful musical experience. This honest glimpse into the tough balancing act of following trends versus personal artistic fulfillment opens up broader conversations about creative expression and commercial viability in Uganda’s music scene.