Singer Rema Namakula has emphasised the need for a unified sound that defines Ugandan music, aiming to propel Ugandan hits across international borders, similar to the success of Nigerian and South African music on the global stage.

During her press conference at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, the "Kukaliba" singer suggested that the absence of a distinctive signature sound has hindered the country's presence in the international music market.

Drawing parallels to Nigeria's fusion of traditional beats and urban afrobeats, as well as South Africa's dominance in Amapiano, Namakula urged Ugandan artists to prioritise a specific sound for global recognition.

"We need a unique sound that represents our country, similar to South Africa's Amapiano and Nigeria's distinct beats. Conquering the world demands a concentration on one type of music rather than multiple styles," she emphasised.

Addressing language barriers, Namakula noted that Uganda's use of Luganda, while appreciated locally, lacks global popularity. She encouraged artistes to incorporate international languages like English into their songs to broaden their appeal beyond Ugandan borders. Additionally, she highlighted the lack of support within the Ugandan audience for artistes singing in international languages, urging unity and support for those exploring this avenue, citing examples such as A Pass and Joshua Baraka.

Rema's viewpoint finds resonance in Bebe Cool's "Love You Everyday," which, with English lyrics, achieved success beyond African borders. It also points to the successes of the late Philly Bongole Lutaaya, demonstrating that singing in an international language can be fruitful

Countries With Music Signatures

Over time, countries with distinctive musical styles have left a global impact. Latin American nations, including Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and Guatemala, amalgamated diverse music genres such as bomba, jíbaro, seis, danza, and plena, giving rise to hybrids like salsa, Latin trap, and reggaeton. Reggaeton, in particular, took precedence, making waves globally in the 2000s.

Similarly, Jamaica, with genres like mento, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub music, dancehall, and reggae fusion, prioritised reggae in the 1990s and dancehall in the 2000s, solidifying its dominance on the world music scene. The United States witnessed the ascendancy of hip-hop and R'n'B, while England embraced country and pop music. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lingala stood out, contributing to the global musical landscape. Many other countries have also carved their niches by prioritising specific signature sounds.

Rema Namakula is set to host the Melodies of Love concert on February 23, 2024, at Sheraton Hotel in Kampala