Kyazze challenges Ugandan musicians to sacrifice for global success

Swangz Avenue co-owner Julius Kyazze has challenged Ugandan musicians dreaming of international success to stop playing victim and take greater responsibility for their careers, warning that talent and hit songs alone cannot break them into global markets.

Speaking on the TUBTS Podcast, Kyazze questioned whether artists who talk about going global are prepared to make the sacrifices required, including investing years in building international networks, pursuing collaborations and growing audiences beyond Uganda.

He criticised musicians who take credit when their songs succeed but blame managers, promoters and other industry players when their careers stall.

“Everyone talks about it. Every musician will talk about it. They will tell you they are willing to do everything,” Kyazze said, questioning whether their actions match their ambitions.

He cited singer Joshua Baraka as an example of an artist he believes has sacrificed immediate financial rewards in pursuit of international growth.

According to Kyazze, Baraka continued chasing opportunities beyond Uganda even during periods when local bookings were limited, rather than focusing solely on performances that could have earned him money at home.

“I feel like Joshua has actually sacrificed a lot,” he said.

Kyazze’s argument challenges musicians to look beyond the glamour of international recognition and confront the less appealing realities of building a global career. This may mean spending money on travel, nurturing industry relationships and accepting that investments in foreign markets might take years to pay off.

However, sacrifice does not guarantee success. International recognition also depends on factors such as market access, distribution, strategic partnerships and audience reception.

For Ugandan musicians, the question is whether their global ambitions are backed by deliberate strategies and sustained effort or remain aspirations repeated in interviews.