Swangz Avenue artiste Elijah Kitaka has weighed in on the ongoing debate about the state of Uganda’s music industry, blaming the growing obsession with TikTok and social media for pulling musicians away from the core business of making music.Kitaka argues that the industry has gradually lost some of the standards and discipline that previously defined Ugandan music, with many artistes now appearing more interested in staying active online than spending long hours developing their musical abilities.
During an interview with a local television station, the singer expressed concern that musicians are increasingly spending their time talking, filming content and seeking online attention instead of concentrating on songwriting, recording and producing new music.“Musicians are doing a lot of talking instead of spending time in the studio,” Kitaka said, stressing the need for artistes to dedicate more time to the creative process.The singer believes the race for viral moments on TikTok has changed the priorities of some performers, as artistes increasingly chase trends, views and online engagement that can quickly generate attention but may not necessarily translate into lasting musical careers.Although he acknowledges the importance of social media in promoting music and reaching wider audiences, Kitaka cautioned that artistes risk losing their artistic direction when online popularity becomes more important than the quality of their music.
The “Daily Bando” singer urged his fellow musicians to return to the studio, sharpen their skills and place greater emphasis on creating music that can stand the test of time rather than relying heavily on social media trends.Kitaka’s remarks have added fresh fuel to the conversation about the future of Uganda’s music industry, with his message centred on one major appeal: artistes must reclaim their focus, make better music and work collectively to restore the industry’s standards.
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