A top official from the apex body that encompasses all associations in the arts industry has stopped short of describing so-called musical battles in Uganda as a marketing gimmick.
Charles Batambuze, the vice chairperson of the National Culture Forum (NCF), believes that battles hold significant appeal for the market, which primarily comprises music fans, as they tend to respond positively to the controversy associated with them.
“Since the market resonates with such content, it bestows upon art a rightful share of public opinion and talkability in the public domain, ultimately elevating art to the forefront,” Mr Batambuze says.
The comments come after the latest battle between songstresses Cindy Sanyu and Sheebah Karungi drew a huge crowd at the Kololo Independence Grounds this past weekend. While Batambuze is guarded with his comments, Diplock Segawa, a veteran artiste, makes it abundantly clear that the battles do not necessarily promote the music industry in a constructive manner.
“Although their respective fans relish this spectacle and often add fuel to the fire, it’s disheartening to witness two seasoned artistes embroiled in a war of words over trivial matters. Issues like property ownership, marital status, car ownership, and age differences,” Segawa notes…….CONTINUE READING…..
