Uganda to host music entrepreneurship dialogue

The How to Sustain Yourself in the Music Industry public dialogue will be moderated by DJ Nimrod and feature singer Shifah Musisi, rapper and activist Sylvester Kabombo, and dancehall musician and actor Vampino.

“The event is meant to connect our CASE alumni with aspiring and emerging creative entrepreneurs in Uganda, in addition to leading local and global experts in the creative industry,” CASE facilitator Paul Lemi told Music In Africa.

Lemi said the dialogue would create an environment for creatives to learn about how to achieve sustainability in the music industry from experienced industry players.

“The panel shares real-life experiences about sustaining themselves in the Ugandan music industry. At the moment, it’s not easy to have 10 years of experience as a full-time artist. So, it’s important to understand the dynamics of the Ugandan industry.”

He said musicians should focus on excelling their music to ensure a constant flow of income. “From a personal point of view, a musician can build their musical art to make all the income that can come from their level of creativity including endorsements, record sales, concerts and so on."

Kabombo said the discussion could help musicians find success beyond the stage. “I am on this panel as someone who is willing to share with people and also learn from their contributions,” he said.

Kabombo runs a clothing line that has popularised his music, with many of the messages on his T-shirts and hoodies bearing song titles or phrases.

“Initially I was just creating another avenue for promoting my music because it was not being played on radio and TV as often as I wished,” he said. “I was already getting paid as a performing artist and also had a day job. However, I still needed something permanent. So instead of complaining about airplay all the time I opted to invest in merchandise.”

Kabombo said apart from staging shows and dealing in merchandise, musicians could look into writing music for film, composing for other artists, emceeing at events, recording voice-overs or becoming radio and TV presenters.

Friday's CASE talk will take place from 6 to 8pm.