Ugandan musician Azawi has expressed strong criticism against the government, the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), and telecom companies for their failure to support and protect musicians’ rights and interests.
Azawi who was speaking at a radio talk show in Ghana highlighted the challenges faced by musicians in Uganda, particularly regarding copyright enforcement and fair compensation for their work.
She emphasized that despite music being a lucrative industry, copyright infringement remains rampant, with music being sold on the streets without artists receiving any compensation. Azawi commended fellow artists like Eddy Kenzo for advocating for stronger copyright protection.
One of the major issues raised by Azawi is the high cost of internet in Uganda, which she described as exploitative by telecom companies. She urged leaders to address these issues and prioritize the welfare of Ugandan artists and citizens.
Pointing out that a significant portion of Uganda’s population is young and engaged in arts and sports, Azawi criticized the government for not adequately supporting these sectors, which have the potential to promote the country and boost tourism.
Azawi also lamented the lack of streaming platforms in Uganda, stating that existing organizations responsible for collecting royalties on behalf of artists are not effectively doing so.
She highlighted the disparity between artists’ earnings and the revenue generated by telecom companies from services like callback tunes, which artists do not receive fair compensation for.
Furthermore, Azawi expressed concern about potential repercussions for speaking out against telecom companies and other influential entities in Uganda, suggesting that artists who challenge these practices may face consequences such as having their music blacklisted from radio and TV stations.
