Musicians federation opens office in Masaka

The Uganda Musicians Federation (UMF) has opened a regional office in Masaka.

The new office, which is located at the Williams theater, aims to serve as a hub for artists across the nine districts and a city that constitute the Greater Masaka region.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Michael Kalumba, the chairman of the Greater Masaka Musician Association who emphasized the importance of the  office in uniting artists and fostering a collaborative spirit.

Kalumba highlighted the potential of the new office to bring together musicians from the various districts, including Masaka City, under one roof.

"This office will serve as a central point for all artists in the region to come together, collaborate, and share their talents," Kalumba stated.

He encouraged artists to use the facilities to strengthen their unity and work towards common goals.

Kalumba also emphasized the pride artists should take in their work, pledging continued support from the federation.

"We are here to support you and ensure that your voices are heard, your talents are developed, and your contributions to the music industry are recognized," he added.

Musicians in Masaka expressed optimism about the new office, noting that it would help them unite and enhance their musical abilities.

The instruments and resources provided by the federation are expected to play a significant role in improving the quality of music produced in the region.

"This is a great opportunity for us to come together and sharpen our skills," said Richard Lubega aka Ricky Ricky a local artist.

"The resources available here will help us improve our craft and take our music to the next level."

Despite the optimism, some female artists in Masaka raised concerns about the challenges they face in the industry.

They highlighted issues with managers who exploit them instead of supporting their careers.

"Many of us have faced situations where managers demand favours before offering any real help or opportunities," Shantel Lenese, a female artist lamented.

"This needs to change for us to truly progress. And right now I do not have the manager, I use my own money to record my music but we request the managers to support us not asking for other things before even a single help.”

Male artists in the region also voiced their frustrations, particularly regarding the slow progress of their music careers.

"We put in a lot of hard work, but the industry is tough, and it often feels like we are not moving forward," Ricky Ricky shared.

"We hope that with the federation's support, we can overcome these challenges and see more success."

Musicians said, the opening of the UMF office in Masaka marks a significant step forward for the local music industry.

It promises to provide a much-needed platform for artists to collaborate, develop their talents, and address the challenges they face.