Politics Has Crippled Uganda’s Music Industry, Artists Are Struggling for Bookings – Lydia Jazmine

Singer Lydia Jazmine has made a bold assessment of the current state of Uganda’s music industry, revealing that many artists are experiencing a sharp decline in bookings this year.

According to the singer, the industry’s slowdown is largely linked to the country’s political climate, which she says dominated the beginning of the year and disrupted business across various sectors.

She explained that the effects have been widespread, with the entertainment industry among the hardest hit.

“Politics affects the industry whether you want it or not. We can all agree that we started the year focused entirely on politics. Some of us even left the country during that period because there wasn’t much work going on,” she said.

Lydia Jazmine noted that the economic downturn has also played a major role, saying businesses are struggling and entertainment spending has significantly reduced.

“We’re not getting booked as much this year. Economically, business is down. You can ask people in different sectors—everything is on the low in the country, and it directly affects the music industry.”

The singer also disclosed that she has become more selective about the events she performs at, insisting that she no longer accepts every booking simply for visibility.

“I’m now past the level of performing everywhere. I know artists who perform at almost every event because they want people to think they’re getting bookings. Some events don’t even meet your rate card. That’s why you see artists performing and later fighting over unpaid balances. I’ve turned down several bookings and recommended other artists instead.”

Comparing this year to the previous one, Lydia Jazmine admitted that the difference in bookings is significant, adding that even artists who are securing performances are earning less than before.

“When I compare my bookings this year to last year, they don’t match. Even those who are getting booked aren’t making as much money as they used to, and it’s all because of politics.”