Uganda: Pearl Rhythm announces virtual event programme

The foundation has programmed performances, a panel discussion and speeches by Ugandan music scholars. It will be streamed live on Pearl Rhythm Foundation's Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The concert, titled Tuliwamu, which translates to 'we are together', will see performances by Aloysiuos Migadde, Daphine Achiro, Andereya Baguma, Infectious, Suzan Kerunen, Hakim and Sekassi, Charles Obina and Haka Mukiga, Kenneth Mugabi, Faizal Mostrixx and Giovanni Kiyingi. Others are WD Alzain (Sudan), Herbert Kinobe (US) and Bernice the Bell (Burundi). 

The panel session will cover the challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, with the topic of discussion titled The Future and the Importance of Collaboration Between Ugandan Artists and the World. Speakers include Anita Asassira, Milton Wabyona and Andrew Kagumba. 

"This event seeks to address the issue of artists' immobility around the world in such unprecedented times owing to the COVID-19 pandemic," Pearl Rhythm founder Kerunen told Music In Africa.

"The local acts are alumni of the Pearl Rhythm Stage Coach annual music mentorship programme, which includes live performance techniques and studio production. In the digital age, new opportunities are presenting themselves for the arts to harness new technologies to develop and sustain creative activities through greater access to both national and international markets.

"We hope that through the event, Ugandan artists will embrace and foster a strong spirit of collaborations, which break barriers and create culturally aware artists in the digital space."

The event is sponsored by Alliance Française Kampala, the Uganda National Cultural Centre, SAMA International Music Festival Khartoum, the French embassy in Uganda, Turborays, and Makerere University.