Ugandan Musicians Face Revenue Challenges Due to Live Concert Streams

 

Jaja Ragga Dee Addresses Revenue Losses from Live Concert Streams in Uganda

Jaja Ragga Dee commonly known as Daniel kazibwe, a prominent figure in the Ugandan music industry and the patron of the Uganda Musicians Federation (UMF), has raised concerns over the financial losses Ugandan artists face due to live concert broadcasts by various media houses. In recent statements, he highlighted how these live streams on different social media platforms deter many potential concertgoers from attending events, opting instead to watch the performances for free from the comfort of their homes.

Jaja Ragga Dee pointed out that a concert which could potentially attract around 8,000 attendees often ends up drawing only about 3,000 people. The primary reason for this significant drop is the free live broadcasts. While media houses offer free advertisements in return for streaming rights, they do not provide hard cash, leading to substantial revenue losses for the artists.

He urged his fellow musicians to address this pressing issue and find a viable solution. According to Jaja Ragga Dee, this is a major reason why many Ugandan singers are struggling financially, earning only a fraction of what they should from their music shows and concerts.

Drawing a comparison with the United States, he explained that sports events generate revenue both from stadium ticket sales and from viewers streaming the events at home. He emphasized that a similar model could be beneficial for Ugandan artists.

In a bold move, Jaja Ragga Dee announced that for his upcoming concert on January 25th, 2025, he will not allow any streaming of his performance unless media houses and partners agree to provide financial compensation. He hopes this stance will set a precedent and encourage other artists to demand fair compensation for their work.

By addressing this issue, Jaja Ragga Dee aims to create a more sustainable financial model for Ugandan musicians, ensuring they receive the support and revenue they deserve for their artistic contributions.