Ugandan singer and songwriter A Pass has voiced his concerns about the state of the country’s music industry, emphasizing the challenges artists face in appealing to global audiences. In a recent interview with Galaxy TV, A Pass offered a candid critique of the industry, highlighting areas for improvement and the steps necessary to elevate Ugandan music to an international stage.
The Struggle for Global Recognition
A Pass pointed out that many Ugandan songs lack the universal appeal needed to thrive in international markets. He explained that while the local sound resonates well within Uganda, it often struggles to gain traction abroad due to its limited adaptability to global trends and tastes.
“Our music cannot play anywhere in Nigeria or elsewhere,” A Pass stated, underscoring the need for Ugandan artists to focus on creating music with broader appeal.
Bebe Cool’s Efforts Acknowledged
Despite his critique, A Pass commended fellow artist Bebe Cool for his attempts to refine Uganda’s sound and push the industry forward.
“I think Bebe Cool is trying to do something. I feel like he’s trying to do something with the sound. It may be late or it may not be late because I don’t know what will come out. But with what I’m seeing in terms of sound, we can’t compete with something that can’t be played that side,” A Pass said.
He noted that while the efforts may not yield immediate results, they represent a step in the right direction toward achieving global recognition for Ugandan music.
The Importance of a Unique Ugandan Sound
A Pass emphasized the need for Ugandan artists to focus on developing a distinctive sound that blends native elements with international appeal. He cautioned against imitating foreign styles, arguing that such an approach often dilutes the authenticity of Ugandan music.
“Ugandans, we have to add the sounds we have and make one, or else it’s hard to penetrate in an area with a sound they aren’t familiar with. Our sound is very locally viable,” he explained.
The Role of Cultural Identity
According to A Pass, cultural identity plays a critical role in music’s global success. He believes that incorporating traditional Ugandan sounds into contemporary music can help artists create a unique offering that appeals to both local and international audiences.
Foreign audiences often gravitate toward music that provides a fresh and authentic experience, making it crucial for Ugandan artists to embrace their roots while innovating their sound.
A Call for Industry Growth
A Pass’s comments have sparked conversations about the future of Uganda’s music industry and the steps necessary to compete on a global stage. He called on artists, producers, and stakeholders to invest in improving production quality, mastering, and marketing strategies to enhance the international viability of Ugandan music.
Public Reaction
Fans and industry players have weighed in on A Pass’s remarks, with many agreeing that Uganda needs to refine its approach to music production and promotion.
One fan commented, “A Pass has a point. We need to stop imitating and start innovating. Our sound can be big if we do it right.”
Another added, “Bebe Cool has been working on improving sound for years. If more artists joined this effort, Uganda would be unstoppable.”
Final Thoughts
A Pass’s insights shine a light on the challenges and opportunities facing Uganda’s music industry. As the global music scene becomes increasingly competitive, his call for authenticity, innovation, and improved production quality is both timely and necessary.
With artists like A Pass and Bebe Cool advocating for growth and change, Uganda has the potential to carve out a unique space on the international stage, showcasing the richness and diversity of its music to the world.
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