The Uganda Musicians Association board sat to address a report to its members and invited musicians but it was poorly communicated and hence received a very low turn up, very much to the disappointment of the organizers. Other reasons as to why the artistes shunned their own meeting are yet to be known.
The meeting took place at Silver Springs Hotel Bugolobi, and musicians, comedians, producers and other invited members were expected to appear and discuss the strengths and weaknesses that the music industry is facing. Just a few artistes were told earlier, and invitations were sent out to the other members so as to ensure they turn up at the meeting, but it was all on short notice to most.
Some of them actually shared the invitation on social media to alert their colleagues about the meeting.
The meeting was set to begin at midday, but by 3pm just a handful of artistes had arrived at the venue. In the past meetings, uninvited guests were not allowed to appear at the venue but this time round, even kifeesi would easily have access to the meeting.
Nonetheless, the meeting went on and the few members in attendance included Maggie Kigozi, Capt. Mike Mukula (who was actually made the patron of the association), Navio, Mesach Semakula, Eddy Yawe, Ronald Mayinja, Swangz Avenue team, Eddy Kenzo, Feffe Bussi, and other few less exposed artistes. The creme de la creme of this industry were not fully represented, and media personalities totally did not appear apart from Tuff B who actually attended as an artiste.
The few who attended however addressed their issues which included; Unity, partnering with organizations, and ofcourse the copyright issue as well was tackled, among other issues. Maggie Kigozi emphasized unity among artistes saying it is the quickest way to developing the industry because if artistes fight as one, then they can achieve more than what an individual artiste would achieve on their own. She also urged them to partner with organizations like the Uganda Investment Authority and URA to help facilitate the association’s activities.
Artistes were urged to take on the responsibility and get fully involved in this initiative so as to register the desired success.