Creator Academy seeks to equip Uganda’s producers with skills

Uganda has no shortage of music producers, beatmakers and songwriters, but turning studio talent into sustainable careers remains a challenge.

That gap is now being targeted by Creator Academy. The academy comes at a time when Ugandan music is finding increasingly wider audiences, with local artists collaborating with international acts and Ugandan sounds appearing on global platforms.

Yet behind the music are producers and other creatives who often have limited access to structured training, professional networks and international commercial opportunities.

Moise Chitwara, founder of the academy, says the idea grew out of his experience working in music licensing and exploring markets beyond Uganda.

“We realised Uganda doesn’t have a talent problem. It has an infrastructure problem. We have gifted producers, artists and songwriters, but too few structured pathways that prepare them for international commercial opportunities,” Chitwara said.

Other than studio training, there will also be studies in music business contracts, intellectual property, branding, taxation, pitching, partnerships and monetisation.

Carol Mugide, project manager at Innovation Village, said the approach is intended to accommodate creatives who already have production experience.

That could prove particularly relevant in an industry where producers can contribute significantly to hit records but may struggle to negotiate contracts, protect their work or benefit financially from the music they help create.

A major focus of the academy is connecting Ugandan music professionals to international opportunities in music publishing, licensing, synchronisation and distribution.

The programme is also expected to provide access to production equipment. For Chitwara, the ambition goes beyond producing better beats.