Spotify Masterclass Debuts in Uganda: A Game-Changer for Local Music and Artists.

On August 29th, 2024, Uganda witnessed a landmark event in the music industry with its first-ever Spotify masterclass. Hosted at MoTIV, the masterclass attracted an impressive audience of 200 distinguished guests, including artists, label managers, artist managers, and music distributors. The event was expertly produced by Skyline Media & Management Limited and co-curated by The Tribe UG, reflecting our ongoing commitment to advancing Uganda’s music scene.

The masterclass began with a compelling panel discussion focused on making Ugandan music more exportable to international markets. The session was skillfully moderated by James Propa, the Christian & Gospel ALP of Spotify Africa. He was joined by an esteemed lineup of panelists: Warren Bokwe, the Lead Music Strategy and Operations for Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa; Felix Byaruhanga, founder and Team Lead of Skyline Media and The Tribe UG; award-winning artist Joshua Baraka, who is also a Spotify Radar artist; and Marie-Franz Fordjoe, the Lead of MoTIV West Africa.

The discussion explored strategies for expanding the reach of Ugandan music and how local artists can break into global markets. Each panelist brought unique insights, highlighting the importance of digital platforms, innovative marketing strategies, and collaboration with international partners.

© Jamie Empire/The Tribe UG/Skyline Media & Management Limited

The masterclass concluded with an in-depth presentation by the Spotify team, detailing how artists can effectively leverage the platform to further their careers. The session provided valuable tips and tools for artists to optimize their presence on Spotify, manage their profiles, and use data analytics to enhance their music’s reach and impact.

This groundbreaking event marks a significant step forward for Uganda’s music industry, offering local artists and industry professionals unprecedented opportunities to connect with global audiences and advance their careers. The successful execution of this masterclass underscores the vital role of collaborations between local and international entities in driving the growth of the music sector.

At The Tribe UG we are thrilled to have facilitated such a groundbreaking event, marking a pivotal moment for Uganda’s music industry. By bridging the gap between local talent and international opportunities, this masterclass has set the stage for a new era of growth and global presence for Ugandan artist