Media critic and businessman Frank Gashumba has sparked controversy with his recent statement, calling all Ugandan artists “local.”
Frank Gashumba, two days ago, appeared on a talk show, noting that none of the Ugandan artists have managed to cross the international market. This caused mixed reactions among music lovers and artists alike. Despite the negative criticism, Gashumba still stands by his truth, calling the artists local with music that cannot qualify for international stages.
While appearing on Sanyuka TV, Gashumba explained that he made his observation based on Nigerian top stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who can fill up stadiums and arenas on a global scale. He noted that the only time Ugandan artists get the chance to step on big stages is when they have been invited but can’t stage solo shows outside their country.
Please show me any Ugandan who has done that. They instead perform in community halls with a Ugandan audience in East London. As Frank Gashumba, I speak the truth and not what you want to hear. They are local, and their songs cannot even be heard in those clubs, he said.
While at it, Frank Gashumba gave props to Joshua Baraka, whom he said had good music and was trying to break into the international scene. The rest, however, he said, were good for local events like weddings, concerts, and Kwanjula ceremonies.
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Even when they go to London, they sing for Ugandan communities. There is no difference between those who perform in Kalerwe. This is all because our musicians have failed to know their worth. Even when they find people at the birthdays of people they do not know, they will just perform, he said.
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