TAKEAWAYS

• Musician Roden Y Kabako slammed the need for a musicians’ president, claiming big stars wield more real power than official leaders.
• Kabako urged the government to stop wasting funds on political positions and instead help artists build actual wealth.
• He cited Tanzanian stars like Diamond Platnumz to highlight how a better organized industry leads to massive success.

Musician Roden Y Kabako has questioned the relevance of having a musicians’ president in Uganda, arguing that the industry has bigger personalities whose influence goes beyond holding leadership titles.

Citing veteran musician Mesach Semakula, Kabako said Uganda should focus on building a stronger music industry rather than creating positions that do not necessarily benefit everyone.

“Why do other countries operate without musicians’ presidents?” he questioned, arguing that resources allocated to the industry, including parliamentary funds, should benefit all musicians rather than a select group.

Kabako further criticised the industry for failing to create an environment where musicians can accumulate wealth and own valuable assets. He pointed to Tanzania, where Diamond Platnumz’s arrival in a private jet reflects the financial growth of its entertainment industry, alongside artistes such as Ali Kiba and Harmonize.

He argued that Ugandan stars such as Sheebah Karungi should be enjoying similar wealth, adding that the industry must become more commercially organised.

Meanwhile, Kabako, who is a close friend of Nina Roz, appealed to Swangz Avenue to reconsider the December 11 date for Jamaican star Konshens’ Vibe Republic concert, which clashes with Nina Roz’s debut solo concert at Lugogo Hockey Grounds.

He argued that Nina Roz deserves an opportunity to enjoy her first major solo concert without competing for the same audience.