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Ugandan music legend, Jose Chameleone, has shared his candid thoughts on the current state of the country’s music industry, worrying over what he sees as a decline in quality and longevity.
In an interview with Rwanda TV in Kigali, Chameleone spoke of an apparent regression in Ugandan music and how the return of older artists might indicate the challenges facing the industry today.
Read: Mesach Semakula on how radios are killing Ugandan music
Music Has Lost Its Depth
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In his honest opinion, Chameleone believes that Ugandan music has been swept away by a trend that focuses more on short-term success rather than lasting quality.
He noted that while music should evolve and stay vibrant, the current state of Uganda’s music scene is a reflection of a deeper issue.
This is said could explain why older music is roaring back to the scene.
"In Uganda today, music is not going well. That is why the oldies are coming back," Chameleone said.
The industry, he said, seems to have lost its focus on lyrical messaging and depth.
"People are making it seem like it is easy to sing. The focus is much more on making beats," he explained.
According to the legendary musician, when he started his career, the focus was on combining catchy beats with meaningful lyrics.
" But today, the producers are focused more on making danceable beats, and the artists are just mumbling on top of the beats," he added.
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The Return of Old-Time Artists
Chameleone's critique comes at a time when there has been a noticeable reemergence of older Ugandan artists, many of whom enjoyed their peak in the 2000s.
These artists have seen their classic hits trending once again on the radio, TV, social media and digital platforms.
Some have even gone so far as to re-record their songs and reshoot music videos to suit modern tastes.
There is also an annual show known as "Tugende Mukikadde," which features these once-forgotten artists, bringing their music back into the limelight.
This resurgence of old-school music acts, Chamemeone says, is not only a nostalgia-driven movement but also a sign that fans are craving something more substantial than the fleeting hits dominating the current airwaves.
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Hope for the Future of Ugandan Music
While he remains critical of the current direction, Chameleone holds onto hope that Ugandan music will find its way back to the right path.
"I just want to hope that Ugandan music is not just heading in the wrong direction. I hope it is simply taking a rest and will walk again in the future," he concluded.