TAKEAWAYS

• Rema Namakula has urged Ugandan artists to embrace local languages instead of forcing foreign accents when singing in English.
• She says artists should focus on clear pronunciation and singing in languages they fully understand and are fluent in.
• Rema praised Joshua Baraka’s ability to articulate his English lyrics, saying it has helped him cross international borders.

Singer Rema Namakula has urged Ugandan artists to embrace languages they fully understand and are comfortable singing in, arguing that artists should not feel pressured to imitate foreign accents in an attempt to break into international markets.

Speaking about Ugandan artists singing in English, Rema noted that the Ugandan accent can sometimes make it difficult for international audiences to understand the lyrics. She cautioned artists against deliberately twisting their accents, saying it can make them appear like “wannabes.”

“If you’re not educated and haven’t travelled enough and get to know how people speak English in a way that everyone else can understand, our accent isn’t so good,” she explained.

Rema encouraged fellow musicians to appreciate what they already have and confidently use their local languages in their music.

“If God blesses you and you cross borders while singing in your language or in English then well and good,” she said.

She emphasized that singing in a local language should not be viewed as a limitation, noting that music can still cross borders regardless of the language in which it is performed.

Rema cited Joshua Baraka as an example of a Ugandan artist who has successfully attracted international attention. She attributed part of his success to the way he sings and articulates his English lyrics.

“You have to try so hard to pronounce some words in a way that other people will understand but if you’re unable to, it doesn’t mean that you can’t produce good music in your local language,” she said.