Uganda: DOADOA arts market announces full 2019 programme

This year's DOADOA will feature showcases, panel discussions, workshops and speed networking sessions.

The showcases will begin at 7pm and run until late at Zone 7 Bar, Restaurant, Café and Lounge from 1 to 3 May. The event’s grand finale showcase will take place at Design Hub Kampala on 4 May. 

This year’s line-up features Uganda’s Sandra Nankoma, Qwela Band, Sam Kimera, Apio Moro, Sammy Kasule, Joseph Sax, Evon, Sandra Suubi and Afrie. Ambasa Mandela and Pappilon are the confirmed Kenyan acts, while Wamwiduka Band, which was a favourite at Sauti za Busara festival earlier this year, will represent Tanzania.

“DOADOA has and always does look out for artists with great and appropriate content,” Bayimba Foundation programmes director Herman Kabubi told Music In Africa.

“The artists have to be professional, be great performers with the ability to showcase live and must be able to be booked or programmed on various stages.”

Kabubi says DOADOA receives hundreds of applications from artists and that the finale line-up “is influenced by the various delegates attending the market and the quality and relevance of the artists' content".

The Uganda Museum will host the workshops, panel discussions, presentations, one-on-one sessions and speed networking between 10am and 6pm from 2 to 4 May.

The workshops and panel discussions will provide a forum for cross-border discussions for the music business community by hosting key speakers from Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, the Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, South Africa, Belgium, Norway, UK, Australia, Nigeria and Morocco. 

The topics that will be covered include The Role of Public Relations in the Music Industry, How to Embrace the Digital Revolution Wave and Prepare for It Before It Hits the Continent and The Role of Music Publishers, among others. 

Kabubi said the topics were selected based on research of the East African performing arts sector.

“The vision for this year’s programming is to ensure that various professionals within the performing arts sector share experience and knowledge with those in attendance while finding solutions to the challenges faced,” he said.

“For example, in my opinion, artists, managers, PR companies, distributors and labels need to educate themselves on the proper usage of the various digital distribution platforms before feeding or uploading any content.” 

The 2019 edition of DOADOA is sponsored by Mimeta, Africalia, Institute Français, Stichting Doen and Bayimba Cultural Foundation in partnership with Igoda, Moshito, Music In Africa, Phat! Music & Entertainment and Kigali Up, among others. 

For information about this year's edition visit the DOADOA official website.