New investments from technology companies suggest AI is becoming as important to Africa’s creative economy as affordable cameras and smartphones were a decade ago. Rather than focusing solely on discovering talent, companies are increasingly investing in the tools, financing and infrastructure that allow African creators to produce world-class content …
Read More »Uganda Media Centre launches ‘Sauti Ya Uganda’, Sh100 million up for grabs
Kampala, Uganda | CAROLYNE MUYAMA | To combat a significant civic crisis and reduce tribal divisions, the Uganda Media Centre (UMC) and the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance have initiated Sauti Ya Uganda (Voice of Uganda). This nationwide anthem contest offers a grand prize of Shs 100 million …
Read More »Zert Essential and the business of building a digital brand
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s creator economy has lowered the barriers to entry into film, digital media and brand marketing. It has also blurred the line between public profile and public record. Few emerging creators illustrate that tension more than Kizito Sirajje, known professionally as Zert Essential, whose …
Read More »Power, pleasure and patriarchy: Why The Polygamist on Netflix is captivating viewers
ENTERTAINMENT | GRACE KHUNOU | The Polygamist is a Netflix series that has soared up the streaming platform’s charts and triggered a global conversation about men who cheat in relationships. It tracks the fatal ruptures in what seems like a successful upper class family, the Gomoras. Although the story plays out in South Africa, the …
Read More »Ugandan artists look beyond borders as Africa’s music business evolves
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | As Africa’s music industry becomes increasingly interconnected, Ugandan artists are steadily turning to regional platforms to build collaborations, strengthen their understanding of the business side of music, and expand into wider African markets. Among those navigating this shift is recording artist Mungu Feni, who …
Read More »Gems of Intuitiveness
Felix Lubega’s small sculptures reveal the artistic ingenuity typical of informally trained artists, while navigating the theme of finding opportunities everywhere and in everything, exemplified by his journey from carpenter to sculptor ARTS | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI | For a minute or perhaps more, one will be caught staring …
Read More »Topistar Di Congo, artist who has risen from the ashes of the Kyaka Refugee settlement
Kampala, Uganda | NEWS CORRESPONDENT | It is a story of one rising from the ashes. Congolese-born Christophe Biluge Birhakabulirwa—known globally as Topistar Di Congo—is set to make his mark in the capital, Kampala. The 21-year-old has made his name navigating from the stark realities of the Kyaka II …
Read More »A portrait of humanity’s complex existence
In the exhibition, Unknown Occupant, the artist works with symbolism to explore the tension between visibility and anonymity that we grapple with as humans Kampala, Uganda | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI | John Baptist Sekubulwa’s new solo show at the Naguru Summit Residences is about the ambiguity of life …
Read More »A boundless energy to creative expression
In the exhibition, Toward Spontaneity, the artist works against common expectations and predictability to show that everything is possible for him on canvas Kampala, Uganda | DOMINIC MUWANGUZI | I am naturally impressed when an artist can surprise with their work. It is a sign of being unpredictable …
Read More »Taylor Swift tops UK chart for seventh time
LONDON, UK | TASS | A song by US star Taylor Swift has topped the UK singles chart for the seventh time, The Official Charts Company, which compiles and publishes music rankings in the United Kingdom, said. The song in question is “I Knew It, I Knew You” from the …
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The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price