Alex Mukulu blasts artistes over failure to uplift industry at DOADOA

The 12th edition of DOADOA exhibition, a Bayimba Foundation initiative, was launched on Thursday, May 23, 2024. It was a two-day event with a workshop at Sheraton Hotel Kampala and a showcase at night at Speke Hotel Kampala.

The launch took place at Speke Hotel, Kampala and the guest of the honour was playwright Alex Mukulu, who held a Q&A discussion about culture and diplomacy with the guests about the Ugandan entertainment industry.

He addressed the lack of professionalism in the industry and artistes (including musicians, painters, screenwriters etc) always looking up to the Government to help them.

Mukulu expressed frustration with artistes, saying they have failed to uplift their industry; whereby they borrow money from the various arts associations and rather than invest it back in art, they invest it in “farming tomatoes.”

He urged artistes need to pay more attention to their craft and deliver their best selves rather than getting on stage and making noise while they take money from the crowd (kufuwa). Mukulu said this kills the integrity of the arts.

"And artistes who don't deliver are cursed by the spectators because these people work hard for their money and yet artistes have everything, but many want to fulfill their promiscuity with things like buying fancy car and houses," he said. 

Mukulu noted that art has no geographical and intellectual boundaries.

"So artistes should be like a rose flower, to be admired by everyone and those who don't like them are the ones with the problem," he added.

Singer Kenneth Mugabi entertaining guests at the 12th edition of DOADOA. Photo by Frank Ssentongo

Later there was an exciting performance from Kenneth Mugabi who later expressed how DOADOA was a stepping stone for him earlier in his career. 

Friday afternoon, May 24,  was the workshop which took place at Sheraton Kampala Hotel. It's was comprised of different industry professionals from the continent such as Eddie Hatitye, who is the director for Music in African- and initiative to establish a music information platform dedicated to the African sector. 

Another guest was Aziza Ongala from Tanzania, who is the founder of Ongala Music festival. Her festival is majorly aimed at promoting artistes who showcase traditional African beats , rhythm and fusion. 

They urged Ugandan artistes not to expect so much from the Government, but rather find ways of promoting their art and make money from it.

They also revealed that the industries in their countries are similar to the ones in Uganda but what might set their artistes apart for their Uganda counterparts is how they have learnt what the meaning of corporate social responsibility is and how to optimise it. 

Geoffrey Ekongot, the executive director at Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) and Charles Batambuze, the executive secretary of National Book Trust of Uganda, were also guest speakers who majorly addressed the issues with copyright in Uganda and how UMA is trying to rectify the issues and distribution of Ugandan content. They also added that artistes need to about registration of their content so it can be easy for UPRS to collect their royalties. 

Later that evening was a showcase at Speke Hotel Kampala with performances from Doryn Marshal, Spyda MC who gave a stunning performance using only local drums and Mwenye Cultural troupe. 

Other guests at the exhibition included comedian Kenneth Kimuli aka Pablo, Rapper Xenson, Phina Mugerwa and Abaasa.