Tshaka Mayanja Calls for Professionalism to Elevate Uganda’s Music Industry

Renowned instrumentalist and Jazz Safari proprietor, Tshaka Mayanja, has shared his thoughts on how Uganda’s music industry can grow and reach global standards. According to Mayanja, the key to improvement lies in acquiring skill and treating music as a profession rather than a fallback option.

 

Mayanja made the remarks during the launch of the dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival, which took place today at the Kampala Serena Hotel. The festival, scheduled to take place on May 10th, 2025, promises to bring together the biggest national and international jazz stars for an unforgettable jazz experience that will fuse international and African music influences.

 

“What you need most is a skill,” Mayanja emphasized. “If you’re going to be a surgeon or an accountant, you need to study that, right? Nobody can be given a job as a surgeon if they’re not a surgeon. But for some reason, people think anybody can do music. That’s the mistake we have been making.”

 

He pointed out that many people enter the music industry not out of passion or dedication but as a last resort after failing elsewhere. This, he believes, has hindered the industry’s growth and excellence.

 

“There’s no shortcut to improving an industry. It has to be taken seriously, just like law, medicine, or any other professional field.” Mayanja stressed the importance of formal education and training in music. “Athletes train every day, they go through rigorous preparation. Why do people think music does not need that? Musicians should go through exams and structured learning processes to improve their craft.”

 

His message to upcoming musicians is clear: “Take music seriously. Learn it, study it, and work hard at it. Popularity is not excellence. If Ugandan artists want to be recognized beyond our small pond, they must commit to mastering their craft.”

 

The dfcu Jazz in the Pearl Festival marks a powerful cultural collaboration, aimed at not only entertaining audiences but also promoting Uganda’s jazz music industry. The festival will feature the talents of both local and international jazz artists, including Uganda’s celebrated saxophonist Isaiah Katumwa who has not performed in Uganda since he relocated to the United States of America – this is going to be his homecoming.

 

Katumwa will be joined by world-renowned saxophonist, Kirk Whalum, whose Grammy-winning artistry has captivated audiences globally, as well as Tshaka Mayanja and the Black Roots Academy of Soul, one of the most talented jazz musicians currently in Uganda.

 

The festival, which is part of dfcu Bank’s 60th-anniversary celebrations, aims to promote local talent, amplify Uganda’s rich cultural voice, and showcase it to the world. According to Hellen Namayanja, the Head of Corporate Affairs and Public Relations at dfcu Bank, music has the power to transcend barriers and bring people together.

 

“Music has an extraordinary way of cutting across barriers—whether those barriers are cultural, social, or even generational,” she said. “Jazz, in particular, is a genre that embodies freedom and creativity.”

 

Namayanja praised the local artists, saying they are “not just musicians; they are storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and inspirations to many.”

 

The festival is not just about entertainment, but also about promoting local talent and providing a platform for musicians to showcase their skills. “Uganda is brimming with gifted musicians who have stories to tell and rhythms to share,” Namayanja said. “Yet, many of them lack the platform to showcase their talent to a broader audience. That’s why dfcu Jazz in the Pearl is more than a concert—it’s a stepping stone.”

 

dfcu Bank has partnered with several organizations, including Pepsi, Next Media, Fenon, Malembe Styles, and Black Roots Academy of Soul, to make the festival a success.