Uganda's singer–songwriter Pretty B has dismissed music associations, saying they offer no real value to artists who aren’t decision-makers.
Speaking during an interview with Luo Tunes, Pretty B said she does not belong to any association and has no plans to join one.
“I don’t believe in association and I’m not in any association,” she said. “At the end of the day, what contribution am I going to get from association? And this should go to all artists: if you know you are in an association and you are not the immediate decision maker, you are just wasting your time. What are you doing there?”
Pretty B argued that artists who fund their own work should not hand over control to others. “I pick my money and pay for my video, market my brand, and promote my songs. Then I want someone to be my president and manage my brand? That is like giving someone power to come and control your art. Is it reasonable?”
She urged fellow musicians to quit groups unless they have direct financial control. “Musicians who are out there, this thing of group or association — if you know that you are not part of the signatory in the bank who withdraws the money, stop wasting your time. Go start farming and get something that will help you. It’s not going to help you because there is nothing they are going to add in your career.”
While acknowledging that some people benefit, she maintained the model doesn’t work for her. “There are people benefiting out of it, but I find it will not work for me.”
She cited international artists as an example, noting they are not under any music association.
Interview link>>https://youtu.be/b6XtHi99ioY?si=MvhcaGXZ4Q7mnAFW
