Ugandan Rapper Ruyonga, real name Edwin Ruyonga, recently shared his thoughts on the current state of Ugandan music during a media interview.
Reflecting on 2010, the year he returned to Uganda, the “Tutuuse” singer described the music scene at that time as highly experimental.
He noted that the industry was still striving to establish its unique identity and sound.
Fast forward to today, Ruyonga feels that much of Ugandan music has gravitated towards mainstream, popular trends.
This approach, he explained, has its appeal but often results in songs that feel repetitive, with similar beats and only slight variations in titles or lyrical arrangements.
He acknowledged that some artistes may choose to stick to what has proven successful but questioned if this approach aligns with what they want to be remembered for.
He urged musicians to consider whether their music, when revisited many years from now, will reflect the realities of today.
Ruyonga clarified that he is not against such music and appreciates its role in adding variety.
However, he encouraged artistes to think beyond the commercial aspect, warning that focusing solely on creating marketable hits reduces musicians to commodities instead of representatives of their time and culture.
The rapper praised artistes like A Pass for daring to break the mold, push boundaries, and resist falling into the trap of sameness, where every song sounds like the next.
In his closing remarks, Ruyonga urged his peers to innovate and authentically represent their cultures, ensuring their music defines this era for generations to come.
