"This is the best time to be a musician" - Swangz Avenue boss

Julius Kyazze, the Chief Executive Officer at Swangz Avenue, a powerhouse in Uganda's music industry, said the music industry in Uganda and Africa, in general, is at a level where the best artists are getting their full rewards, regardless of the existing laws.

“People complain a lot about the music industry but one thing is for sure, the industry is at a place it has never been before,” he said.

“There is more money, there are more opportunities, the things that artists can do and the potential that is there is insurmountable. Of course, some people might not be happy and of course, we can do better, but don't get it wrong, this is the best time to be a musician.”

While acknowledging the need for improvement, Kyazze emphasized the increased financial gains and wider distribution channels available to musicians compared to their predecessors.

Kyazze's statement comes amidst ongoing discussions about copyright reform in Uganda. The Uganda National Music Federation (UNMF) and other musician associations have been advocating for a stronger copyright law to protect creators' rights and ensure fair compensation for their work.

Kyazze however, believes the focus should be on creating high-quality music first:

"People keep talking about copyright, but it will not help you if you don't have music. Even if that law is made in a way that favours you, you still must have a powerful product to sell to people. You cannot be screaming about copyright when you don't even have a product that needs to be protected," he said.

The Copyright and Neighbouring Rights (Amendment) Bill has remained on the shelf in Parliament for years.

The UNMF's proposal includes a more equitable revenue split from caller-back tunes, advocating for a 60% share for artists, a crackdown on the use of pirated content by broadcasters, and the imposition of a copy levy on devices capable of reproducing copyright-protected works.

Additionally, the federation urges a significant shift in broadcasting policy, recommending that a minimum of 90% of airtime be dedicated to Ugandan music, to fortify the promotion of local talent and ensure the cultural vitality of the nation's creative output​.