AUMEX turns spotlight on business behind Uganda’s music industry

What the report says

The Amplify Ugandan Music Expo (AUMEX) is set to shift attention toward the business side of Uganda’s music industry, according to Sqoop Uganda. The two-day event is scheduled for November 13 and 14 and is expected to bring together music professionals from across Africa to discuss how artists and industry workers can build more sustainable careers.

The report says the expo will focus on areas such as publishing, management, production and commercialisation. Founder Abaasa Rwemereza said the goal is to move beyond lessons on making music and create more opportunities for people to learn how the industry actually operates as a business. He framed the event as a response to a gap in Uganda, where performers often receive more visibility than the managers, promoters, publishers and other professionals who support them.

Sqoop Uganda also reported that Guinness Smooth is backing this year’s edition through its Make It Yours platform. The brand’s involvement will include experiential studios where selected participants can record songs and leave with completed tracks. Organisers say the free masterclasses and learning sessions are meant to give attendees practical tools and contacts they can use after the event.

The article also noted a panel discussion on the wider creative economy, during which journalist Patrick Ssentongo called for stronger government support and more durable industry structures. Nigerian singer and producer Pheelz is scheduled to headline the Saturday night programme, while the main expo activities remain free to attend apart from his performance, which requires a separate ticket.