Prominent Media Perosnality and Musician Crysto Panda has urged fellow musicians to embrace financial discipline and long-term planning, warning that the music industry is no longer as rewarding as it once was.
He pointed out that revenue from music streaming in Uganda remains minimal, with most artists relying heavily on stage performances for income
“Stage performances too have become rare because event organizers are being taxed too much and sometimes they find themselves in a fix,” he explained.
Crysto Panda further advised especially upcoming artists to understand that industry trends have shifted. While new artists may initially benefit from excitement and frequent bookings, such opportunities are often short-lived
“When you realize that trends have changed, make something small like a business for yourself or join saving schemes where you can get a big loan to support you,” he urged
Using his own life as an example, he revealed that he has diversified his income streams beyond music. In addition to his career, he maintains a job and runs small businesses that support his lifestyle and artistic ambitions.
“If I need say 30 million, I can easily ask for a salary advance at work and have them deduct at least 2 or 3 million monthly,” he disclosed, adding that he often reinvests such funds into organizing events and shows to generate more income.
Crysto Panda is a prominent ugandan multi award wining entertainer ,musician and media personality known for blending Afro beat with high energy dance driven sounds. based in Kampala,
He is a TV/radio host on NTV Uganda and NRG Radio, rising to fame through songs inspired by street life and hustling
Practical Challenges
The Ugandan government has proposed a new 6% with holding tax on performance fees for musicians, comedians, and entertainers to increase revenue from the informal entertainment sector.
Promoters will be responsible for deducting this 6% tax from resident artists’ earnings and remitting it to the URA starting in the 2026/27 financial year.
The tax applies to local musicians, comedians, actors, and other public entertainers.
This measure aims to formalize the entertainment industry and enhance tax compliance, as artists have previously been difficult to track
The government intends to generate approximately Shs 4.2 billion in additional revenue for the 2026/27 financial year
Promoters may pass the tax burden on to consumers, leading to higher ticket prices for concerts.
Event organizers will bear the burden of tracking and remitting taxes, which may be complex for smaller player
