Gulu City’s concert scene has hit a rut, and it’s a rut the people are tired of. Same venues, same lineups, and the same well-worn stages have left concert-goers yawning. This weekend’s much-anticipated concert headlined by Rudeboy should’ve been a golden opportunity to showcase the North’s top-tier talent. But, as renowned artist BSG Labongo bluntly pointed out, the lineup lacks the local flavor and talent that could truly elevate the event.
Northern Uganda, specifically Gulu, has an abundance of gifted musicians, but for some reason, the same small group of performers always ends up in the spotlight, taking the stage over and over again. It’s like clockwork, with mainstream acts who may not even resonate with the local vibe being given the spotlight, while incredibly talented, homegrown artists are sidelined. Labongo isn't alone in voicing his frustration; fans have been echoing these sentiments, pointing out that it’s time for Gulu’s music scene to step up and shine, highlighting artists who have made waves in their community and beyond.
When international or national artists visit, they come to Gulu, perform, and leave with the impression that there’s little musical talent here. This isn’t due to a lack of talent but rather a lack of proper representation. Imagine the impact if a concert featured Steve Jay Omar, Big Mosh, Conspiano, Klex-B, and Akello alongside giants like Leo PaLayeng Kenna, Tempra Aka Omona, and Eezy. This isn’t just about showcasing big names but about fostering an environment where local talent can challenge and even complement the visiting “GOATs.” These artists bring a distinct flavor, a representation of Luo culture and life, that can’t be matched by imported acts.
By ignoring Northern Uganda’s hidden gems, concert organizers are doing more harm than they realize. Events lacking a proper mix of local and visiting talents fail to capture Gulu’s unique spirit, leaving the audience feeling disconnected and unsatisfied. And as Labongo stresses, this isn’t just about the current lineup; it’s about a pattern of malicious or, at the very least, shortsighted behavior from event organizers and industry insiders. By playing it safe with tried-and-tested acts, they’re undermining the best that Gulu has to offer, forcing its top talents to sit in the shadows rather than grow in the spotlight.
BSG Labongo, a powerhouse in the region’s music industry, has called out this neglect and poor selection as the root of Northern Uganda’s music scene stagnation. His message is clear: if concert organizers don’t start including diverse, homegrown talent, Gulu’s music scene will lose its edge. To the loyal fans who want more than just a lineup of mainstream repeats, Labongo’s words hit home. The call for change resonates widely, as he advocates for a fresher, truer representation of Luo Land.
If the concert organizers want to make a lasting impact and attract audiences who crave authenticity, they’ll need to stop playing it safe. It’s high time the talented artists of Northern Uganda are given a fair shot at the big stages in Gulu, sharing the limelight and putting their hometown on the map for all the right reasons.
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