Music out, books in: Govt orders musicians to exit schools

Last week, the education ministry announced plans to ban musicians from performing in primary and secondary schools. It is the second time it is announcing such a ban, in as many years.

Last year’s pronouncement came after an upheaval that followed several social media videos in which musicians were seen performing inappropriately to minors.

Vyroota found himself under scrutiny after a controversial performance at a high school where he entertained underage students. The singer’s choice of attire, shirtless and sagging trousers, triggered a wave of criticism across various social media platforms. During the performance, captured on video, Vyroota was seen hugging young girls shirtless, leading to widespread outrage among viewers.

Critics were appalled by the singer’s lack of consideration for appropriate attire.

In the aftermath of the incident, concerned individuals swiftly called on the education ministry to take immediate action regarding musicians performing in schools. Culton Scovia Nakamya pointed out the irony in schools enforcing strict dress codes for women while allowing questionable behaviour during performances from musicians.

Two years ago, the Government put a temporary ban on the hosting of performing artistes in premises of primary and secondary schools. In a circular titled “Entertainment and extracurricular activities in schools”, the ministry said it was banning the activities due to the threat of promiscuity it poses to learners.

“On Monday, July 11, 2022, the country woke up to the shocking videos that were circulating on social media to portray the indecency that is allowed in our children’s schools,” the circular signed by Dr Jane Ekou-Egau, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the education ministry, read.

“It is now clear that there have been several of these totally unacceptable and offensive extracurricular and entertainment activities.

“If schools need to entertain themselves, then they can engage in acting plays or arrange concerts. However, inviting singers who dance erotic dances, naked in schools in the guise of extracurricular activities must be forbidden henceforth.” According to the circular, the decision to ban the artistes was made during a senior management meeting of the ministry.

The circular cautioned head teachers, and principals of both primary and secondary schools not to hire or allow any artistes to perform in schools. It said schools that fail to heed the directive would be held liable and disciplinary measures charged against them.

This came a few days after several video clips went viral on social media showing musicians Sheebah Karungi and Crysto Panda —both musicians — in postures that were deemed indecent before the learners in a private school.

Musician Crysto Panda performs.

Tororo Woman MP Sarah Opendi immediately called for the ban, claiming that such performances may affect the mental health of students. Opendi, also the chairperson of the Uganda Women Parliamentary Association, was disgusted by the dances and costumes of the musicians.

Despite the blanket ban, school children have since continued to be entertained by the same calibre of popular musicians. In some high-profile schools, it is the students who call the shots.

Once they demand and pay for a particular artiste, the administration simply grants their wish, without any due diligence.

However, the Government may have announced a ban on musicians performing in schools, but in reality, the stage is far from empty.

Across the country, artists continue to entertain students within school premises without any consequences. Some event organisers have cleverly rebranded these performances as ‘career guidance sessions’, but the reality is different students are often required to pay entrance fees to watch musicians, some of whom take the stage in revealing outfits. Despite the official stance, the blend of music and academics in schools remains as alive as ever.

Disbelief

The move by the Government to ban schools from hosting musical artistes left many musicians shaking their heads in disbelief.

The Ministry of Education claimed, in an August 1 circular, that this ban was as a result of moral decay in students as they copy and paste what they see.

“Head teachers and principals of both primary and secondary schools are cautioned not to hire or allow any of these artistes to perform in schools and according to the Ministry of Education and Sports, failure to comply would lead to school managers being personally held responsible and disciplinary measures charged against them,” went the warning.

Sheebah went all-out defensive. “Why do you want me to raise your children? Sit down with your child and counsel them. Tell them that even if they love Sheebah, they should not dress like Sheebah. Raise your child the way you want,” Sheebah scoffed.

“There are nude videos of students going around, doing what I do not even do. Am I also the one who taught them?” she added.

That was then. The singer has since become a mother, and that may have changed her attitude. Efforts to get a recent comment from her were however futile.

Liam Voice said: “If the minister found a problem with it, then it concerns other artistes, not me. My music is very good; there are no vulgar words in it or such dances.” Victor Ruz also thinks that a blanket ban is unfair.

“When I decided to make them (students) who are my target audience, I decided to change my appearance and music in general.

I even cut off my dreadlocks which I treasured for them to look up to me as a role model. Schools across the country should choose people who fit in their docket, and they could also brief the artistes about the dress code and behaviour,” he says.

Skimpy dressing

In 2019, Winnie Nwagi caused a stir when she went crazy at a school event, engaging in an erotic dance with one of the male students. Nwagi, who is infamous for her skimpy dressing and erotic dances, apologised to the public for her unbecoming behaviour. The boys in the single sex school located along Entebbe Road behaved like he-goats in season around Nwagi.

Singer Winnie Nwagi was forced to apologise after a performance involving a erotic dance with students.

Karole Kasita advises on the modalities of a school performance. “A good rule of thumb is kneelength or longer for skirts and dresses, while well-fitted trousers or jumpsuits can also work as long as they maintain a professional yet stylish look. Since schools have dress codes for students, we, as entertainers, must also respect that standard,” she says.

“Cleavage should be minimal or completely covered. Schools are spaces where we serve as role models, and we need to present ourselves in a way that keeps the focus on the music and message rather than appearance,” she adds.

Offering further guidance, she says, “Dancing is an important part of music, but in a school setting, we must be mindful of what is appropriate.

Twerking or any highly suggestive dance moves should be toned down or avoided altogether. Instead, we should focus on energetic and fun performances with engaging dancers but decent choreography. At the end of the day, we want to keep the music culture alive in schools without crossing any lines. As artistes, we can still put on great performances while respecting the ministry and school regulations.”