Renowned artist A Pass, whose real name is Alexander Bagonza, has criticized the ongoing efforts to amend Uganda’s copyright law, labeling them as a misguided approach for artists in the industry.
A Pass argues that the financial gains from copyright and royalties are minimal compared to the revenue generated from live performances and streaming. He points out that even artists whose music is featured in films receive only a fraction of what is earned from concerts and streaming platforms.
“Calculating the revenue from copyright shows it’s just a small portion of an artist’s income. Many artists focus too much on copyright, which I believe is a narrow way to view the industry,” A Pass stated. He emphasized that significant earnings come from live shows and streaming, as seen with international artists who earn substantial amounts through these channels.
Regarding Eddy Kenzo’s recent appointment as Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, A Pass chose not to comment extensively. He expressed indifference towards the visit to the State House, focusing instead on the broader issue of genuine support for the music industry.
“I don’t have much to say about Kenzo’s appointment or the State House visit. What I do urge is for the UNMF president and other industry leaders to genuinely support artists. We need to be able to benefit from our music without political strings attached,” A Pass added.
He concluded by reiterating the need for artists to focus on maximizing their earnings through concerts and streaming rather than relying solely on copyright revenues.