Legendary Ugandan musician BSG Labongo has sparked a conversation about morality, cultural identity, and the influence of modern music on young people, expressing concern over the increasing popularity of songs he considers vulgar and disrespectful to society.
In a strongly worded message titled "So Dirty, So Naked, So Shameless," the veteran musician questioned the direction of Uganda's contemporary music industry, arguing that some songs being played in public spaces are increasingly departing from the cultural values that once defined traditional Ugandan music.
According to BSG Labongo, music traditionally served a greater purpose than entertainment. It was an important tool for educating communities, passing down cultural values, and teaching younger generations about respect, love, hard work, and social responsibility.
He recalled a time when musicians used their voices to educate children about respecting elders, appreciating their cultural identity, and maintaining strong family and community relationships.
However, he believes that some contemporary music is replacing these meaningful messages with explicit sexual lyrics, vulgar language, and content that undermines respect for women.
One of the musician's biggest concerns is the exposure of children to sexually explicit music in everyday environments, including trading centres, bars, public transport, and other community gathering places.
He questioned how children can grow up appreciating their cultural heritage when some of the songs they regularly hear contain language and messages he considers inappropriate for their age.
BSG Labongo expressed particular concern about children as young as ten years old singing sexually suggestive lyrics, warning that early exposure to such content raises questions about the values and attitudes future generations may develop.
He believes parents, elders, and community leaders have a responsibility to pay closer attention to the entertainment consumed by young people.
The legendary musician also directed his criticism towards songs that use degrading and sexually explicit language to describe women.
He emphasised that women deserve dignity and respect, describing them as mothers, sisters, wives, and important members of society rather than objects for entertainment.
In his view, music should celebrate women and recognise their contribution to families and communities instead of promoting lyrics that demean them.
BSG Labongo is also challenging DJs, radio stations, schools, event organisers, and parents to reconsider the type of music they allow into public spaces.
He believes that songs containing highly explicit material should not be given unrestricted access to platforms where children and young audiences are likely to encounter them.
He has called for such music to be excluded from schools, public events, community gatherings, and radio programming.
However, he was careful to distinguish his position from opposition to modern music, acknowledging that Uganda has talented artists producing meaningful songs about love, heartbreak, everyday struggles, unity, and cultural heritage.
A Call to Preserve Uganda's Cultural Identity
At the heart of BSG Labongo's message is a concern that Uganda could gradually lose important aspects of its cultural identity if society stops paying attention to the messages communicated through music.
He believes entertainment should not come at the expense of cultural values, respect, and the moral development of children.
His remarks have brought renewed attention to the broader conversation about artistic freedom, responsible entertainment, parental guidance, and the influence of popular music on society.
His message is also a reminder that music is not simply about beats, dance, and popularity. It can also influence language, behaviour, identity, and the values passed from one generation to another.
As the debate unfolds, one question remains: Can Uganda's music industry modernise without losing the cultural values that shaped its musical heritage?
