MUSIC VIDEOS IN UGANDA AND EAST AFRICA:

The Essence of Music Videos in the Arts Industry

Music videos are an important part of the music industry in Uganda and East Africa. They help artists to showcase their talent, creativity and style, as well as to promote their songs and albums. Music videos also reflect the culture, identity and social issues of the region, and sometimes spark controversy or debate. 

In this blog post, I will explore some of the trends, challenges and opportunities of music videos in Uganda and East Africa, and highlight some of the most popular and influential videos of recent years. 

 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1B7lPe90PjfhDekd5VBTxv?si=-IK0uc_kQW6ElgthDfKmIg

Trends

One of the most noticeable trends in music videos in Uganda and East Africa is the use of dance as a central element. Dance is a powerful way of expressing emotion, energy and rhythm, and it also attracts viewers’ attention and admiration. Many artists collaborate with professional dancers or choreographers to create impressive dance routines that showcase their skills and personality. Some examples of dance-oriented music videos are: 

– Sitya Loss by Eddy Kenzo, which features a group of talented children from the Ghetto Kids dance crew. The video went viral in 2014 and received over 25 million views on YouTube. It also won several awards, including the BET Viewer’s Choice Award in 2015. 

– Jerusalema by Master KG ft. Nomcebo Zikode, which is a South African song that became a global hit in 2020. The song inspired a viral dance challenge that saw people from different countries and backgrounds dancing to the catchy tune. The official video has over one billion views on YouTube, making it one of the most-viewed African music videos of all time. 

– Tweyagale by Eddy Kenzo, which is another upbeat song that features energetic dancing by the artist and his crew. The video was released in 2020 and has over 30 million views on YouTube. It also won the Best African Act Video at the 2020 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). 

Another trend in music videos in Uganda and East Africa is the use of local scenery and landmarks to showcase the beauty and diversity of the region. Many artists choose to shoot their videos in natural or urban settings that reflect their identity and culture, as well as to attract tourism and investment. Some examples of scenic music videos are: 

– Love Nwantiti by CKay ft. Joeboy and Kuami Eugene, which is a Nigerian-Ghanaian collaboration that was shot in Kampala, Uganda. The video features stunning views of the city skyline, hills and lakes, as well as iconic landmarks such as the Independence Monument and the Gaddafi National Mosque. 

– Sauti Sol ft. Burna Boy – Afrikan Star, which is a Kenyan-Nigerian collaboration that was shot in Nairobi, Kenya. The video showcases the vibrant and cosmopolitan life of the city, as well as its cultural heritage and diversity. The video also features the Nairobi National Park, which is one of the few urban wildlife parks in the world. 

– John Blaq – Mpa Collabo, which is a Ugandan song that was shot in Jinja, Uganda. The video highlights the natural beauty and adventure of the town, which is known as the source of the Nile River and the home of bungee jumping and rafting in East Africa. 

 https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Dinr11o7PnLgn2aQwExhL?si=CFZFKJ1ZT6635j6jt3aEIA

Challenges

Despite the popularity and creativity of music videos in Uganda and East Africa, there are also some challenges that artists face when producing them. Some of these challenges are: 

– Lack of adequate funding and equipment: Many artists struggle to finance their music videos or access quality cameras, lights, drones and other equipment that can enhance their production value. Some artists resort to crowdfunding, sponsorship or self-funding to cover their costs, while others compromise on their artistic vision or quality standards. 

– Lack of regulation and protection: There is no clear legal framework or body that regulates or protects the rights and interests of artists, directors, producers and other stakeholders involved in music video production in Uganda and East Africa. This can lead to issues such as piracy, plagiarism, exploitation or censorship that can affect the income, reputation or safety of those involved. 

– Lack of exposure and recognition: Although some music videos from Uganda and East Africa have gained international attention and acclaim, many others remain unnoticed or underrated by global audiences or platforms. This can limit the opportunities and rewards for artists who invest their time, money and talent in creating quality music videos. 

Opportunities

Music videos are a popular form of entertainment and expression in Uganda, as well as a potential source of income and recognition for artists. However, many challenges and barriers exist for music video production and distribution in the country, such as lack of funding, equipment, skills, exposure, and regulation. In this blog post, we will explore some of the opportunities that music videos in Uganda offer for creative and economic development, as well as some of the best practices and examples of successful music video projects. 

One of the main opportunities that music videos in Uganda provide is the promotion of local culture and identity. Music videos can showcase the diversity and richness of Ugandan music genres, languages, dances, costumes, landscapes, and social issues. They can also celebrate the achievements and talents of Ugandan musicians, both established and emerging, and inspire young people to pursue their artistic dreams. Music videos can also serve as a platform for cultural exchange and collaboration, as Ugandan artists can work with international partners and audiences, and learn from different styles and techniques. 

Another opportunity that music videos in Uganda offer is the generation of income and employment for artists and other stakeholders. Music videos can help artists to increase their fan base, attract sponsors and investors, secure gigs and contracts, and earn royalties and revenues from online platforms and media outlets. Music videos can also create jobs and business opportunities for directors, producers, editors, cinematographers, actors, dancers, stylists, makeup artists, and other professionals involved in the production process. Music videos can also stimulate the growth and innovation of the local film industry, as well as the related sectors of music, tourism, advertising, and education. 

However, to realize these opportunities, music video makers in Uganda need to overcome some of the challenges and obstacles that they face. Some of these include: 

– Lack of adequate funding and resources: Many music video makers struggle to raise enough money to cover the costs of production, such as equipment rental, location fees, transportation, catering, salaries, and post-production. They often have to rely on their own savings, donations from friends and family, or loans from informal lenders. They also have limited access to quality equipment, such as cameras, lights, sound systems, computers, and software. 

– Lack of skills and training: Many music video makers lack the necessary skills and knowledge to produce high-quality music videos that meet the standards and expectations of local and international audiences. They may not have formal education or experience in film making or music production. They may also lack exposure to different genres and styles of music videos from other countries or regions. 

– Lack of exposure and distribution: Many music video makers find it hard to reach a wide and diverse audience for their work. They may not have access to popular online platforms or media outlets that can showcase their music videos to millions of viewers. They may also face competition from foreign music videos that dominate the market. They may also encounter censorship or piracy issues that limit their creative freedom or revenue potential. 

– Lack of regulation and support: Many music video makers operate in an informal and unregulated environment that does not protect their rights or interests. They may not have contracts or agreements with their collaborators or clients that specify their roles, responsibilities, payments, or ownerships. They may also not have access to legal or professional advice or representation in case of disputes or conflicts. They may also not have access to networks or associations that can provide them with guidance, mentorship, advocacy, or recognition. 

To address these challenges and maximize the opportunities that music videos in Uganda present, some of the best practices and examples that music video makers can follow are: 

– Seek alternative sources of funding and resources: Music video makers can explore various ways of raising money and acquiring equipment for their projects. Some of these include crowdfunding platforms (such as Kickstarter or Indiegogo), grants or awards from local or international organizations (such as the Uganda Film Commission or the African Music Video Awards), partnerships or sponsorships from private sector entities (such as telecom companies or banks), or bartering or sharing services or goods with other artists or professionals. 

– Invest in skills development and training: Music video makers can improve their skills and knowledge by attending workshops or courses on film making or music production (such as those offered by Maisha Film Lab or Bayimba Academy), participating in festivals or competitions that showcase their work (such as Pearl International Film Festival or Club Music Video Awards), joining online communities or forums that share tips and feedback (such as Ugandan Film Network or Music In Africa), or collaborating with mentors or experts who can offer advice or guidance (such as Isaac Oboth or Navio). 

– Expand exposure and distribution channels: Music video makers can increase their audience reach by using multiple online platforms or media outlets to promote their work (such as YouTube or Trace TV), creating social media accounts or pages that engage with their fans and followers (such as Facebook or Twitter), networking with influencers or celebrities who can endorse or feature their work (such as Eddy Kenzo or Juliana Kanyomozi), or organizing live events or screenings that showcase their work (such as concerts or premieres). 

– Advocate for regulation and support: Music video makers can protect their rights and interests by registering their work with relevant authorities or bodies (such as the Uganda Registration Services Bureau or the Uganda Performing Rights Society), drafting contracts or agreements with their collaborators or clients that outline their terms and conditions (such as roles, responsibilities, payments, or ownerships), seeking legal or professional assistance or representation in case of disputes or conflicts (such as lawyers or mediators), or joining networks or associations that can provide them with support, recognition, or advocacy (such as Uganda Music Association or Uganda Film Makers Association). 

In conclusion, music videos in Uganda have a lot of potential to contribute to the creative and economic development of the country, as well as to the promotion of local culture and identity. However, music video makers need to overcome some of the challenges and barriers that they face and adopt some of the best practices and examples that can help them achieve their goals. By doing so, they can create music videos that are not only entertaining and expressive but also impactful and profitable.