In a bold statement that has garnered attention across the entertainment industry, dancehall artist Alien Skin has declared that journalists will be required to pay to attend his highly anticipated concert on February 21, 2025, at Lugogo Cricket Oval. The announcement came as a direct response to what the artist perceives as the media’s role in spreading gossip about him and his career.
Alien Skin’s concert, which was initially set to take place at Hotel Africana, had to be relocated after the venue canceled the event over security concerns. Now, with a new venue secured at the Lugogo Cricket Oval, the artist is making it clear that media coverage will no longer come with the traditional complimentary passes.
“Journalists will pay entrance fees to get into my concert. They cannot tarnish my name for free. Why don’t you invest in gossip?” Alien Skin told journalists after confirming the change of venue. The artist went on to say that the press must start respecting his music and image instead of focusing on negative stories and rumors.
Each journalist will be required to pay an entrance fee of Ugx 20,000 to Ugx 50,000, depending on the type of access they desire. For those seeking more exclusive access, the option of purchasing a table for Ugx 3 million is also available, where they can “spread the gossip authoritatively,” as Alien Skin put it.
The decision to charge journalists has sparked debates in Uganda’s entertainment circles, with some agreeing that media personalities should be held accountable for their actions, while others argue that the press plays a crucial role in promoting artists and their events. Regardless of the public reaction, Alien Skin’s stance highlights the growing tension between artists and the media in Uganda.