Ugandan singer John Blaq has challenged the government to invest in musicians and athletes before they achieve international success, arguing that Uganda cannot build a competitive creative industry by celebrating talent only after it has made a name for itself.
The singer, whose real name is John Kasadha, says emerging artists need financial support, professional guidance and stronger industry structures to develop their careers and compete internationally. He believes government involvement should begin at the grassroots rather than end with recognition ceremonies for successful performers.
John Blaq made the remarks while discussing the financial and structural challenges facing Uganda’s music industry, including the difficulties local artists encounter when trying to promote their work beyond the country’s borders.
His argument centres on the need for a deliberate system that identifies promising talent, invests in its development and provides the expertise required to turn artistic ability into sustainable careers.
John Blaq questions how artists would manage government funding
The singer referenced Gen. Henry Tumukunde’s position that artists should organise themselves formally to access funding available through the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, rather than expect money to be distributed directly to individual musicians.
However, John Blaq argued that access to funding alone would not solve the industry’s problems. He said many musicians lack the business and financial management skills needed to handle substantial sums without professional guidance.
“We artistes, many of us, we’re not educated. So even if you give us that money, we’re going to fail to manage that money,” he said.
He pointed to government involvement in football infrastructure and preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as an example of the kind of direct support he believes the music industry needs.
“But if you see how the government got directly involved in FUFA’s preparation for AFCON and constructed stadiums and an airport, it’s the same way the government ought to help the music industry,” he added.
His proposal goes beyond providing grants. It calls for an organised support system that combines funding with professional management, development opportunities and a clear strategy for taking Ugandan music to international audiences.
Eddy Kenzo and Joshua Cheptegei feature in his argument
John Blaq also questioned why government recognition often comes after artists have already established themselves, citing established musicians such as Eddy Kenzo as examples of Ugandans who have built successful careers.
He drew a parallel with athletics, pointing to Joshua Cheptegei and the recognition athletes receive after winning major competitions. In his view, more resources should be directed towards nurturing talent before it reaches that stage.
“Government should just stop waiting upon the few successful winners to take them for tea catch-up. It should get involved from the initial stages,” John Blaq said.
The singer’s position is that early investment could help more artists develop professionally, expand their audiences and contribute to Uganda’s international cultural profile.
Singer says Uganda needs bigger budgets and qualified professionals
John Blaq further argued that the financial resources allocated to the relevant federation are insufficient to transform the industry, insisting that responsibility for meaningful change rests with the government.
“Trust me, the government knows what to do. They just don’t want to do it, and that’s all. I don’t even blame the federation,” he said.
He described the funding available to the federation as inadequate and called for a substantially larger financial commitment to support artists promoting Uganda internationally.
“We need real support, not just tossing us bread crumbs,” he added.
The singer also called for qualified professionals with knowledge of the music business to help establish stronger structures, manage resources and guide artists through the commercial side of their careers.
“Those few billions are not enough. We need proper structures and hire people who are well educated in this field,” he said.
John Blaq maintained that the government must take a more active role if Uganda’s creative sector is to develop its international reach. He warned that without meaningful investment and institutional support, musicians could continue facing the same challenges throughout their careers.
His central message is clear: recognising successful artists matters, but building a system that helps more artists succeed is the bigger challenge.