The Frontline- Music in Politics

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First edition of Frontline for the new year kicked off with an interesting discussion about the role of music in politics. Music, globally and over time has been used as a platform for expression and education. Uganda is no exception.
On this edition the guest Frontliners included a diverse cast of high profile members of society from politics, journalism and entertainment. These were the President of the Democratic Party Nobert Mao,Gov’t Spokesperson Ofwono Opondo,MP for Kiira Municipality Hon. Ssemujju Ibrahim, FDC Vice Chairperson Salaam Musumba and Moses Ssali aka Bebe Cool.
Sparking off the discussion Bebe Cool stated music was a field initially ignored by the government as a trade in the country as well as claim that once the government noticed Ugandans pay more attention to music it went on to pay attention to the musicians. Bebe Cool went on to admit that he saw politics as an opportunity to gain more recognition and worth in the country despite knowing it would divide his fan base. The debate immediately gained some traction as Nobert Mao immediately discredited Bebe Cool’s claims suggesting that he is only part of the debate for promotion of the NRM as well as his criticism for the opposition.
Bebe Cool found himself alone in a corner of sorts due to his comments on Bobi Wine’s involvement in politics as well as his own which came off as self promotion to the rest of the panel, most especially to Salaam Musumba who stated “musicians look for opportunity as everyone does but should not do it on a graveyard”  as well as Hon. Musujja Ibrahim who said “you can’t grow yourself by surrendering, one can grow by freeing oneself”. Ofwono Opondo was in the neutral corner choosing not to criticize the reasons why musicians get involved in politics.
To view the full debate: