Uganda reknowned musician Bebe Cool has urged government to invest $8M in the creative industry annually to promote the industry to the rest of the world.
Speaking at the first ever coffee marathon and coffee business forum in Ntungamo District, the Gagamel singer explained that if this money is invested in the creative industry there is a big chance that Ugandan music will compete favorably on the global market.
He argued that other governments, including the UK and Tanzania’s are doing the same and the results are evident.
“The government should aim at supporting four artists each year; two female, two male, and support each of them with a minimum that is only $8Million every year, which is less than shs 25Billion to push those four artists every year to the rest of the world. The United Kingdom is doing that. Diamond (Platnumz) has given you the evidence,”Bebecool said.
Tanzania best musician Diamond Platnumz concurred with the idea and asked Uganda not to turn it into a socio-political debate but quickly fund the creative sector to have multiplier effect.
“When you invest in artists, it’s a big investment you make. You’re not risking your money. I came here with 24 people, all of whom have families, so I have 24 families here. If you invest that money, it helps a lot of people, and those people late double that money,” Diamond Platnumz said.
“A lot of jobs will be created by investing that money in Bebe Cool. As they (the government) invest in other things, they have to invest in musicians so that we can also empower more people,” he added.
Government intervention into the creative sector
The Ugandan government has expressed support for the music industry through various initiatives. These include pledges of support from President Museveni, fostering collaboration through the United National Music Federation (UNMF), and encouraging patriotic music that promotes national development
The UNMF is a collaborative effort involving musicians, industry stakeholders, and the government, aimed at unifying the music industry.
The Prime Minister Robinah Nabanja says government of Uganda has allocated Shs 48 billion to the creative and music industry for the establishment of regional arts’ theatres.
She revealed that Shs 11 billion has been channelled to the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC) from the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) for the implementation of the program.