Takeaways

• Ugandan veteran musician Jackie Chandiru ignited an online firestorm by claiming there are fewer than ten true artists in the country.
• During a podcast, the former Blu*3 star argued that simply recording songs does not automatically make someone a refined musician.
• Chandiru used a blunt analogy about bubblegum and apple juice to question if organized industry bodies actually improve musical quality.

Veteran Ugandan musician Jackie Chandiru has sparked debate online after claiming that Uganda has fewer than ten genuine artists, questioning the distinction between people who make music and those who qualify as refined musicians.

Speaking during a local podcast appearance, the former Blu*3 singer was asked to share her thoughts on the state of Uganda’s music industry and what she considers a refined artist.

According to Chandiru, the growing number of people recording and releasing music should not automatically qualify them as artists. She believes that being a musician goes beyond simply entering a studio and putting out songs.

The Agassi singer estimated that Uganda has only between seven and nine artists who meet her standards, although she did not mention anyone she considers to belong to that category.

She also questioned whether the existence of musicians’ federations and associations necessarily translates into a better music industry, suggesting that having organised groups does not automatically improve the quality of the craft.

Using an interesting analogy, Chandiru compared the situation to mixing bubblegum with apple juice, arguing that combining different things does not necessarily produce something refined.

Her remarks come amid an ongoing debate in Uganda about the difference between a musician and an artist, with many questioning what separates someone who simply makes music from someone who demonstrates artistic depth, creativity and consistency.

Chandiru, who rose to prominence as a member of the celebrated Blu*3 group alongside Cindy Sanyu and Lilian Mbabazi, has remained vocal about the standards and direction of Uganda’s music industry.