Top panelists, performers to feature at Uganda arts market

DOADOA is an annual networking platform that gives stakeholders in the music industry and performing artists an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience. This happens in different formats – conferences, networking sessions and showcase performances by selected artists, as well as practical training workshops by experts.

The event kicks off on the evening of 3 May at the Uganda Museum with a discussion about new projects in the region. On the panel will be a representative from the Incubator for Integration and Development for East Africa (IIDEA), an East African Community initiative that develops small-scale, cross-border projects in the region by offering technical and financial support.

Representing the Music In Africa information and exchange portal will be its director, Eddie Hatitye, while African music enthusiast behind The Orchard, Ben Oldfield, and Mdundo CEO Martin Nielsen will also be presenting opportunities that delegates can tap into. The director of Uganda's Bayimba Cultural Foundation, Faisal Kiwewa, will moderate the discussion. Bernard and Alfred from Burundi and Orupaap Band from South Sudan will perform on the night.

Day 1 offers back-to-back conferences starting at 11am. They will discuss a range of issues – from the success of digital distribution in East and Southern Africa to surviving as an independent artist in East Africa. Generating income as an artist will also be a topic of discussion.

Panelists are drawn from the region and beyond and include the aforementioned music professionals as well as Eastern Africa Music Summit (ONGEA!) founding director Mike Strano, Kampala Arts Trust chairperson Simon Kaheru, Sheer Publishing managing director David Alexander, Espen Sorensen (Mzungu Kichaa) of The Beat Festival, Karengera Eric Soul of Afrogroov in Rwanda, Francis Manana of Milege World Music Festival, Sauti Academy director Natalie Lukkenaer and Angela Kelisungu of Culture and Development East Africa.

East African artists on the panels will be Kenya’s Charles Adamson (Makadem), Ricky Nanjero of Ricky na Marafiki and Uganda’s Maureen Rutabingwa (MoRoots).

British cultural producer Poppy Spowage and participating artists will present the East African Soul Train (EAST), a travelling residency that happens on the Kenya-Uganda railway. Now in its second year, the project brings together passengers and artists from different disciplines to share perspectives and nurture artistic collaborations.

The daytime programme will close with a speed networking session at the Uganda Museum Gardens, giving way to showcase performances by Ugandan artists Afrie, Derrick Komakech & The Olutukwons, Suzan Kerunen and Cindy Sanyu. Trezzor Band from Rwanda and Mutinda from Kenya are also on the line-up.

Delegates have until 15 April to register for DOADOA. A full pass is going for 50 000 Ugandan shillings ($14), while a daily pass, which gives access to either the evening showcase or the daytime market session, costs 10 000 shillings.

For more information visit the market’s official website.