Every Tuesday, a group of artists under the Uganda National Musicians Federation for their weekly Iconic jam sessions to celebrate Ugandan music at Allure Hotel and Suites, Mutundwe.
In these sessions, the president of the federation, Eddy Kenzo hands over awards to different artists with an aim of creating their own version of the Grammy Awards.
Although he has not yet won any Grammy Awards, Eddy Kenzo believes that through the nominations he has received, he has garnered enough experience that can help improve the awards system back home.
“When I sat in these awards, I saw how they celebrated each other. This gave me so much joy. That is when I knew that we are dying of poverty because we fight against each other. Every time you do not wish well for the other, it means they will not get and the cycle continues.
I dedicated myself to concentrate to improve the music back home. I’m glad many artists have bought my idea and been supportive,” he said.
Partnering with Reach A Hand Uganda, the federation chooses the artists to celebrate and on their night, they are given a UNMF certificate and an award of recognition to thank them for a job well done.
“We use this night to celebrate someone by singing along, dancing and show love to the artist. We give them some small money as part of the package,” Kenzo said.
According to Eddy Kenzo, 90% of the awards at the Grammys are won by the Academy members and to qualify to be a member, you have to submit your work as proof that deserve to be one of them.
“After they recommend you, they make research on your work to see if you deserve to or not to be a member. You can’t wake up one morning and vote someone in the Grammys,” he added.
Kenzo wants to bring this culture in the Ugandan industry and when it grows big, they would be considering the artists that are registered under the federation.
“We will be celebrating the ones who have bought the idea, not selecting randomly from outside. Those who believe in the beauty of unity under the federation and walks with us, will be considered. It will skip from these small celebrations to big stadiums with real awards. We will have the biggest music nights in Uganda.” he said.
To celebrate an artist in a jam session, the federation considers a number of different factors including the years he/she has spent in the music industry, and their music catalogue.
