In the plight of artists requesting the amendment of the Copyright law bill, they also requested that media houses play 90% of Ugandan music.
Since the amendment is still in process as different legislators are working hand in hand to have the law implemented, the request to play 90% of Ugandan music hangs in the balance.
This is after the Parliament’s ICT Committee described the artists’ demand as both “unreasonable and impractical” to have 90% of their content command airspace in Uganda, saying talent globally is dictated by quality.
The demand was dismissed by Tony Ayoo the vice chairman ICT Committee as he gave his submission about the request that was made by artists.
The request that 90% of songs should be Ugandan is both unreasonable and impractical, as talent globally is dictated by quality. Ugandan music therefore has to match the quality of the music from elsewhere to receive adequate airplay.
Media is governed by consumer interests, as the market is liberalized. Ugandan music should thus appeal to the consumers who control and dictate the market and airplay. The proposed 90% music airplay will be challenged by the consumers for being unfair and an intrusion of their freedom and right to exercise their choice of content or entertainment.
Tony Ayoo, Vice Chairperson ICT Committee
It should be recalled that Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro, one of the newly appointed ministers has since spearheaded the Copyright law amendment in parliament which breathes fresh air in the speeding up of the bill since she is a very good friend to Eddy Kenzo, the president of Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).
As of now, we are waiting to witness what will be up next since the amendment has so far taken quite more than a year as it was earlier promised.
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