As an artist and creative, one of the ways I felt so starved of inspiration at a point towards the end of 2022, was because of the unfortunate fact that I hadn’t put in enough time and effort, or deliberate intention to be around other artists and creatives.
I remember the moment it hit; and I decided this was important to me, was at one of the early shows in January last year. For a time and since my last album release, I had been going through that need for a fresh perspective and novel direction, both musically and creatively before I could get back to intentional writing for possible projects. Why this is important, is that as an artist, my process is usually experiential- it needs to be embedded in life somehow somewhere, or it’s going to be difficult coming up with something I appreciate and trust as authentic especially.
One of my biggest dreams for the Ugandan music scene has and shall always be diversity. In 2018, I decided that in one way or another (for example through this blog), to the best of my honestly, limited abilities, I would make the loudest noise and give the biggest support to artists, platforms and whoever it was encouraging and allowing for a “different sound” in Uganda, because in my understanding and for so many reasons, diversity is a sign of a creative culture and is ultimately also its fuel for it to be even more creative.
For such a long time, I had felt that need more extrinsically; but suddenly there was so much more in my vision for myself and around me that I was observing could change or improve; cumulatively making it hit so intrinsically for me as a creative. I needed to find a musical community and spend time hearing expression of musical creativity to be inspired myself, and to celebrate that the opportunity to do this was even possible.
Why I say that is that in the very recent past in Kampala, there were about only a handful of places you could go to listen to musical artists; not just bands covering popular songs, but artists sharing their music, on a regular basis; and at the same time, spaces that weren’t exclusive and one-time concert like arrangements that have their own perks.
Keeping diligent and intentional was about making time and in some situations saving some ka money; but for sure, almost always, it was worth it. Here were my top spots I found exactly what I was looking for- to listen to more musical artists and their art last year.
XPRESSIONSUG
I find that this was one of the most exciting platforms for me to experience Ugandan artists and their art for so many reasons. Firstly, the clear ethos that cut through all their endeavors and initiatives which is a predominantly illuminating and distinctive; one you can see from their Artist spotlights and consistent musical updates for their Ugandan artist playlist, “Gems from the Pearl”; the fact that the time they put into developing the artists they feature is such a collaboration that you can ascertain and appreciate from visiting their YouTube channel; the intentionality of their team that wants you to know about the amazing Ugandan artistry out there by putting you on all the artists you most likely have never listened to or watched perform; not to mention the creative direction and sound/stylistic caliber consistently pulled off with each meet; a band and a set where the preparation was evident, the marketing work put out there for you to know about the events and who shall be at them performing, and I mean even radio interviews ba guy, not just IG posters; and so movingly for me, the consistent conviction expressed in making attendance affordable for all interested to show up and experience their events.
I respect that they put their time and resources and especially their creativity where their mouth is. So many have come and gone desiring the same but failing to consistently pull it off; myself included. By attending Xpressions Ug, I found myself surrounded by a musical community that I could constructively interact with and support and also find support from. Such a value add to myself as a creative and even as a person for the new connections, opportunities, relationships, and friendships I celebrate and enjoy today because of this space.
JAMESON AND FRIENDS and JAMESON HANG OUT
Just like Xpressions Ug and most likely because this space is also curated by a similar team (the superstar Shari Mwanika is the LCM and I shall always give her flowers), I enjoyed attending any Jameson event and hanging out in this space because of a different kind of intentionality- the intentionality of bringing people together for vibes.
I loved that it was a day party. I get so much anxiety being out for so long and in big crowds probably; because I’ve been doing it less as I’ve been getting older. So, to check in at like 4pm and have finished having a good time by 10pm or a little later was heaven sent for millenial me.
For a space that started out towards the end of 2022, it was amazing seeing it grow and to experience enjoying a ka public little secret of where to assuredly always have a good time with my people, doing other things apart from just drinking; like playing Jenga, and other games, meeting new people and also watching an awesome set of musicians do their thing.
Because of the upbeat experience it is, I find that this space was an opportunity for me to see that energy translated into an amazing live experience, outside the beats and studio sound I knew from a particular artist regarding their music. I think it was also so amazing to witness the organic growth and support of various artists with the people they pulled into Design Hub to support them.
I also love that this space taught some Ugandans time management because unless you checked in early, you missed a ticket, or the venue became super full, super-fast (ask the ones who stayed out of Ndere if they were ever late again).
This event was my safe space to energetically experience Ugandan art by shouting at the top of my lungs, cheering on those on stage and experiencing Ugandan DJs give us mad awesome sets, while releasing all my trauma by moving my body. While those that don’t know me usually wondered where all my energy came from, for those that know my passion for supporting artists and the imperative to let loose with the year I had, this was for sure a top tier place for me for sure last year.
MEAT AND BEATS 256
The Tribe Ug is another platform that for over a decade has been part of intentionally supporting and illuminating the amazing artistry of Ugandans in its diversity.
This was a space I am glad to have seen develop from conversations into its first edition and ultimately, into a must-not-miss experience every end of every month for me.
Firstly, I love that it started early always (shocker) because, that for sure meant I could leave early; but at the same time, in such a minimum amount of time experience Ugandan music. DJ Jefas would play Kenneth Mugabi’s “Naki” and then Peter Miles or East African Reggae Bashment crew, moving us from musical era to musical era for all to celebrate.
I also love the intentionally this space had to have an artist showcase and sing a couple of songs each and every time, usually centered around new releases and upcoming events which is such an important thing in an industry where it can be hard to find meaningful ways to let people know about what you are doing. For sure, because of this, the TribeUg has put so many people in touch and in the knowledge and appreciation of so many Ugandan artists that were more obscure before these opportunities.
Finally, the energy that Mark and Damzy as hosts bring is such an authentic experience for me because it’s like they are leading by example- genuinely enjoying and in awe of the music and transition from Jefas such that, if that energy doesn’t affect you, it’s really on you. A good time is always had in the intentional name of Ugandan music and that’s something that was so important for me to celebrate by attending last year.
BLANKETS AND WINE ( NU KAMPALA ACTS)
I started attending Blankets and Wine while I was still at university and it was for a similar reason as expressed in this post. As a burgeoning artist, it was always amazing to watch artists be artists. There was so much to learn and admire from them, especially regarding performance on such a huge stage; something that I am still growing in experience concerning.
At the time, the artists you had probably never heard of, as is still the case, begun the show. At some point, there were also cover bands in the beginning line up. However, very intentionally, in something House of DJs calls refers to as the NEW GEN, or NU KAMPALA acts, display of diversity is celebrated so brilliantly. I am more likely to go for one of these if there is someone, I can see perform for the first time and there were so many new Ugandan artists I got to see and celebrate on that stage because of this deliberate opportunity created for such artists to do so.
Even personally, I was only able to share my own art with what is my biggest crowd on my biggest stage to date because of this intentionality. I love that this still remains about this event and pray that it may continue of the prosperity of more Ugandan artists out there.
SWANGZ AVENUES’ CONVERSESSIONS
When the news towards the end of last year came out that season 2 of this amazing series curated by Swangz Avenue and sponsored by Tusker Malt was back, I was elated. To me, there has been for such a long time, the overlooked opportunity to put the spotlight on amazing art using digital spaces as well. I just think about how many artists that the world knows about just and only because of an NPR Tiny Desk Session put up on YouTube.
While from pattern, this is still more of a mainstream and established artist space, I certainly celebrate the diversification and re-imagining of classics from legacy Ugandan artists. I cannot get over Jose Chameleon’s or even Julianna’s sets and in my existence I doubt it shall ever be possible for me to do so. The standard of proficiency and professionality in execution and presenting the artist, their story, their history and all else that is evident discernable from what they put out goes to show that there is still vision for encouraging the much needed celebration of classic and amazing Ugandan artistry by Ugandan artists. I think that’s so exciting to me and for sure, every month since Season two; I have celebrated this space by watching and rewatching this series.
In life and art, I have ultimately discovered that the true magic lies in the diversity of collective voices in a thriving musical community; like that created in and by each and every one of these spaces that I experienced last year and hope to continue to experience.
There were and are so many other spaces that I didn’t manage to attend because I didn’t have the opportunity or possibly did not know about their happening. However I find that how that is affected in part is dependent also my own personal journey as an artist that is intricately linked with the pulse of this arose around me, in my society, in my culture, in my country and understand more and more very day that the power to shape this reality lies not inly in the individual endeavors we initiate but, in the celebration, and support of each other.
So much transformative energy is palpable when creatives unite, when dreams are shared and executed and when our messages and art is heard, acknowledged, and appreciated. It just makes me so excited about the testament to the boundless possibilities that could unfold because of spaces like this and more.
I’m so thankful for each and every one of these spaces as augandanartist and I am sure, I am not the only one.
Let me know where I can find more of this energy this year if there’s a space I should check out!
augandanartist.com 