The Ugandan music scene is renowned for its rich, diverse sounds and cultural influences, but as the industry grows, one question continues to emerge: can Ugandan music compete on the global stage? A Pass, a leading figure in Uganda’s music scene, is vocal about the need for Ugandan artists to develop a unique sound that resonates with international audiences.
In a recent interview on Galaxy TV, A Pass discussed how Uganda’s current music industry is hindered by a sound that remains too localized to break into global markets. He expressed concerns that despite the talent and creativity of Ugandan artists, their music lacks the universal appeal necessary to gain traction internationally.
“Most of our songs can’t be played anywhere in Nigeria or in other parts of the world,” A Pass lamented. “Our sound is very locally viable.” He pointed out that while Ugandan artists are doing well in regional markets, they are still far from breaking into the broader African music landscape, let alone competing with music from major players like Nigeria or South Africa.
A Pass stressed the importance of artists staying true to Uganda’s musical roots but also adapting to global trends. He believes that artists should create a sound that is inherently Ugandan but has the flexibility to appeal to a wider audience. He argued that foreign audiences often have distinct preferences and that Ugandan artists must find a way to blend their native sounds with these preferences to ensure their music travels well beyond Uganda’s borders.
The criticism of the Ugandan music industry’s international appeal is not a dismissal of the efforts already made by local artists. A Pass acknowledged Bebe Cool as one of the musicians trying to evolve Uganda’s music, suggesting that Bebe Cool’s experimentation with sound could lead to a breakthrough. However, A Pass also pointed out that time is of the essence. He feels that Uganda’s music industry is not yet in a position to compete at the same level as other African countries that have developed an international presence, like Nigeria or Kenya.
For the Ugandan music industry to thrive globally, it must create a distinctive sound that can cross borders while staying true to its heritage. As A Pass puts it, it’s about striking the right balance between local authenticity and international accessibility.