World Music Day to spotlight Uganda’s rising music stars

Uganda will today join the rest of the world in celebrating World Music Day with a vibrant line-up of events aimed at showcasing and uplifting emerging local talent.

The main celebration, set to take place at the Sheraton Gardens in Kampala on Saturday, June 21, 2025, will begin at 4:00 pm and continue late into the night. The event is free and open to all music enthusiasts.

Organised by the European Union (EU) in partnership with EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture), Nyege Nyege Uganda, and local radio stations, the celebration will spotlight ten outstanding young artistes—finalists of the “Yo Voice Be Hard” (YVBH) talent initiative.

The YVBH competition was launched to identify and promote Uganda’s next generation of musical talent. Over 150 aspiring artistes submitted applications, from which the top ten were selected.

These finalists have since undergone intensive mentorship, training, and professional development in preparation for their debut performances.

For the first time, they will take to the World Music Day stage, bringing fresh sounds, vibrant energy, and a glimpse into the future of Uganda’s music industry.

EU Ambassador to Uganda, Jan Sadek, underscored the importance of investing in creative industries as engines for opportunity, innovation, and employment.

“The creative industries are not just about art; they are about growth, employment and empowerment,” Sadek said. “That’s why the European Union is supporting platforms like Yo Voice Be Hard that nurture talent and open doors.”

Sadek noted that through the programme, artistes benefit from specialised mentorship, training, and the opportunity to perform at major events such as World Music Day.

The ten selected artistes are: Hoaf Stain, Chiron, Nana Nyadia, Kezerod, Patricia Mtirikpwe, Mercy Vini, Single Dee, Authentic Voices of Africa, Raso Mucki, and KaRungi.

“With this project, we want to send a simple but powerful message: Built by young Ugandans and backed by the EU, music and the creative expression it enables can foster connection, celebrate diversity, and spark new possibilities,” Sadek added.

The ambassador reaffirmed the EU’s belief in the potential and power of young people.

“We see their creativity, hustle, and big ideas. We do not seek to shape their future; we want to support it. We are here to amplify their voices, open doors, and stand beside them as they invent what is next.”

Sadek congratulated the finalists and encouraged them to embrace the opportunity.

“It is a celebration of your voice, your vision, and your sound. So let us make some noise, tell powerful stories, and show the world what Ugandan creatives can do with talent, courage, and the right support. Let your voice be heard loud and clear,” he said.