“If You Do Not Want It, Do Not Buy It or Listen To It,” Rickman Tells Music Critics

In a recent social media post, singer Rickman Manrick, real name Derrick Ddungu, expressed his frustration with ongoing criticisms of Ugandan music.

The “Bango” hitmaker took to his X account to voice his opinion about the constant negative remarks surrounding the music scene.

Rickman’s words were clear: “I am tired of hearing the phrase ‘The Ugandan music industry has no music’ or ‘Artistes are not making good lyrics,’ blah, blah.”

He pointed out that art, in any form, has no fixed formula or limits, allowing artistes the freedom to express themselves however they choose.

According to Rickman, if critics and listeners do not appreciate a particular style or message, they are free to ignore it.

“Art has no formula and no limits you can be as less educative as you want or very educative in your craft. If you do not want it, do not buy it or listen to it,” he wrote.

Rickman’s post comes amid a series of comments from other critics and musicians, including Alexander Bagonza alias A Pass, who has been very vocal about his dissatisfaction with the state of the industry.

Also read: Ugandan Musicians Are Dead People Walking – A Pass

A Pass has frequently labeled some of his fellow artistes as “dead people walking,” accusing them of being “mediocre” and focusing more on financial gain than the actual development of the art.

Also read: The Majority Of Ugandan Musicians Are Mediocre – A Pass

While Rickman acknowledges the criticism, he emphasizes that music, as an art form, should not be bound by the expectations of others.

The clash of opinions from Rickman and A Pass reflects a deeper conversation about the future of Ugandan music.

Will artistes remain focused on self-expression, or will they succumb to the pressure of pleasing critics?

Only time will tell.

Iam tired of the phrase Ugandan music industry has no music simanya artists are not having good lyrics blah blah…. Art has no formula and no limits you can be as less educative as you want or very educative in your craft. If you don’t want it, don’t buy it or listen to it.

— Rickman Manrick (@RickmanManrick) January 20, 2025