Uganda: Gospel Singers Struggle for Breakthrough

 

Uganda: Gospel Singers Struggle for Breakthrough

The Monitor (Kampala)

15 February 2008
Posted to the web 14 February 2008

Nansamba O. Karema

When you mention local gospel singers in Uganda, Pastor Wilson Bugembe and Judith Babirye come to mind. If someone is deeply in gospel music, then Betty Namaganda will also be on the list. These are some of the Ugandan artistes that have gained fame by sticking to only gospel music.

However there are many gospel singers, whose music was last listened to in the production studio, plus a few close friends and family members who were personally given a copy by the artiste. "That was good," they will be complimented by the few people who listen to them, and that will be the end of the song.

For the lucky few, their music has gone further to entertain the congregation at their churches. But this is not financially rewarding and cannot sustain their careers, not with the high studio fees. So, many have taken to secular music that can earn them a living and the fame that comes with it.

Qute Kaye is one of those who quit gospel music and began doing what he prefers to call 'inspirational', music. Until 2006, Kaye was singing in his church and with gospel singer Phiona Mukasa's band.

When he realised that he was not heading for any prosperity, he quit, and decided to sing for those who would appreciate and support his music.

According to him, gospel music is not growing because Uganda has many religions, and not all of them embrace it. And for those religions that embrace it, the Christians don't want to spend on supporting gospel singers.

Even the churches where these young people go, are not willing to boost them. When launching their albums, made out of the struggle, with hopes of earning something that would help them cover the heavy debts incurred during the process, the little money is shared with the church.

Even on the launch, people will not attend when asked to pay as little as Shs2,000.

People think that anything related to God is free, and thus want to be entertained free of charge. The price for the Christian tapes and CDs is the lowest compared to that of secular music. For the beginners, they reach an extent of giving them out free, because they are not marketable.

Even the Christian radios and televisions which are expected to play and show this kind of music to promote the beginners, instead repeat the songs of the popular gospel artistes and pay no attention to the beginners.

While most of the blame is pushed to the side of public and the church, the musicians also stand to be blamed for their failure to make it to greater heights. They are not creative to fit the audiences that are more dynamic and influenced by the western world.

According to Pastor Martin Ssempa, you must know the interests of the person you are going to reach with the message, and use appropriate message to reach them.

However, most of these artistes are stuck in the past and they think the public still wants to hear church hymns. They do not want to accept the forces of change.

This rigidity seems to be resulting from a belief that since what they are doing is ministry; they don't have to bend down to human standards. They think ministry is not about entertainment but serving God. They thus stick to old styles, which are not appealing to their audience.

According to Richard Kaweesa, the president of the Music Forum, an organisation that aims at reforming the lives of musicians, Ugandan gospel artistes don't want to cross over to genres that are demanded by the audiences they are targeting.

Gospel artistes who have adopted music styles close to those of western gospel singers like Kirk Franklin and others have been able to make it, Martin Sseku is one of these. He does ragga, reggae, dancehall and Africa beats. His songs are full of creativity, just like his mentor, Pastor George Okudi.