I believe language plays a big role for artists to sell their records globally.
It is a fact that not every language is appreciated by all, and this can pose a challenge for artists who want to make it big outside their home countries. In Uganda, many artists fail to make it to the other side just because the Luganda language, which is predominant in the country, is not appreciated on the global stage.
The music industry is a highly competitive one, and artists need to be able to stand out in order to make it big. One of the ways to do this is by using a language that is widely spoken and appreciated by people all over the world. This is something that many Ugandan artists have failed to do.
However, there are some artists who have managed to break through and make a name for themselves on the global stage, despite using their native languages. The likes of Koffi Olamide, Salif Keita, Angelique Kidjo, and others have managed to do this by being extremely talented musicians who know how to compose and arrange their music with their respective country’s sound. They have managed to merge their traditional sounds with modern elements, making their music unique and appealing to a wider audience.
Unfortunately, this is not the case with the bubble gum pop artists of Uganda. Many of them know nothing more than just composing music for the TikTok community. They lack the depth and creativity that is required to make it big in the music industry. They also fail to understand that music is not just about making catchy tunes that people can dance to. It is also about telling a story and conveying emotions through lyrics and melodies.
If Ugandan artists could learn from those who do it perfectly, we would see more of our artists raising our flag high on the global stage. We need artists who are not afraid to experiment with different sounds and languages, and who are willing to push the boundaries of what is considered popular music. We need artists who can create music that is not just catchy, but also meaningful and impactful.
In conclusion, language plays a big role in an artist’s ability to sell his or her records globally. While some artists have managed to break through and make a name for themselves using their native languages, many others have failed to do so. Ugandan artists need to learn from those who do it perfectly and strive to create music that is not only catchy but also meaningful and impactful. If they can do this, we will see more of our artists raising our flag high on the global stage.