Zari Hassan Urges Ugandan Musicians to Explore Global Music Trends for International Recognition

Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Zari Hassan has advised local musicians to broaden their musical horizons by exploring genres from South Africa and Nigeria. She emphasized that sticking solely to the Kidandali style, characterized by native sounds and samples from Uganda, might limit the international appeal of Ugandan music.

Kidandali, which translates to “local party” or “celebration” in the Ganda language, has been a prominent genre in Uganda, with artists like Alien Skin gaining recognition. However, discussions about the limitations of Kidandali in achieving global recognition have been ongoing within the local music scene.

Zari, who was once involved in the music industry herself, highlighted the importance of diversifying musical influences. She suggested that Ugandan artists should study the music scenes of South Africa, Jamaica, and Nigeria to incorporate elements from different genres into their music.

According to Zari, adopting diverse musical influences could help Ugandan musicians break through international borders. She expressed concern that solely relying on Kidandali might restrict the reach of Ugandan music beyond its borders.

In a video circulating online, Zari emphasized the need for Ugandan artists to adapt and innovate to expand their influence globally. She urged them to explore new musical styles and techniques to enhance the appeal of Ugandan music on the international stage.