Frank Gashumba Questions Global Reach of Ugandan Music
Frank Gashumba has weighed in on the state of African music, drawing a sharp contrast between Uganda and some of the continent’s leading markets.
Speaking during an interview on Radio 4, Gashumba praised the global reach of South African and Nigerian music, pointing to genres like Amapiano and the long standing influence of artistes such as Brenda Fassie and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
South Africans and Nigerians have taken over. Your music stops here. You are local, whether you want to hear it or not. Which Ugandan songs are played in Germany?
At the same time, he questioned the international visibility of Ugandan music, arguing that it remains largely limited to local audiences.
South Africans and Nigerians have taken over. Your music stops here. You are local, whether you want to hear it or not. Which Ugandan songs are played in Germany? Amapiano has taken over, and remember, even when we were growing up, we used to listen to Brenda Fassie and Yvonne Chaka Chaka.
Despite his criticism, Gashumba acknowledged rising Ugandan talent, singling out Joshua Baraka as an artiste he has heard positive things about, even if he is not familiar with his catalogue.
Yes, I hear about Baraka, and he is very good. I will not lie, but I do not know his music. Still, I hear that he is very good.
His remarks add to the ongoing debate about how Ugandan music can expand its reach beyond local borders.
