TAKEAWAYS

• Cindy Sanyu says Uganda’s film industry should learn from the music industry’s approach to personal branding.
• She believes actors can package themselves better to attract audiences and investment.
• Cindy also spoke about MC Fish’s health, saying musicians would seek ways to support him.

Musician Cindy Sanyu has urged Uganda’s film industry to borrow strategies from the music industry if it is to grow and become one of the country’s leading creative sectors.

Cindy, who has featured in several local drama series, said filmmakers and actors need to learn how to package and market themselves as individuals, just as musicians have done over the years.

According to the singer, musicians have become better at building personal brands, attracting audiences and creating opportunities around themselves, a strategy she believes could also benefit actors and other players in Uganda’s film industry.

“The film industry can learn a lot from the music industry, especially when it comes to packaging individuals and selling themselves. Musicians have learnt how to sell themselves and attract funds to their brands,” Cindy said.

She believes adopting such an approach could help players in the film industry attract more investment while making the sector stronger and more competitive.

Cindy was also asked why musicians who have ventured into acting do not form an association to spearhead some of these initiatives.

The singer explained that she is already involved with the Uganda Musicians Association and does not want to take on more responsibilities than she can handle.

“I already have responsibilities with the Uganda Musicians Association, so I don’t want to carry too many things on my head. There are people in the film industry who understand it better and can take this forward,” she said.

Cindy added that musicians should not enter the film industry assuming they know everything, noting that the sector has experienced professionals who are better placed to lead such efforts.

She also spoke about comedian and musician MC Fish, who is currently battling liver complications, saying they would look for ways to support him during his difficult time.