Explore New Entertainment Avenues Beyond Music: Myko Ouma Tips Artistes
Uganda’s best guitarist! Mr. Magic Fingers! These are some of the ways that Myko Ouma is described by his adoring fans and fellow artists.
A renowned figure in jazz and contemporary world music, Myko Ouma plays several instruments including drums, the trumpet, tambourine, and the tube fiddle 8and piano. He however favors the guitar because it excels at “expressing my musical interpretations”.
We caught up with Myko Ouma and asked him a few questions about entertainment beyond music.
What are other forms of entertainment apart from music?
There are so many and a lot more to be created because entertainment is very wide. Entertainment refers to any action intended to cause amusement and includes music, drama, circus, comedy, sports shows and so on. The possibilities are limitless.
What are the advantages of this type of entertainment (mentioned) from the usual?
Any form of business that is not the usual, stands a high chance of monopoly or oligopoly since the market is less crowded with minimal competition. In addition, it creates a wider base from which the next generation can choose an entertainment path. And ultimately, the consumer is the biggest winner. After all, variety is the spice of life!
Does this entertainment appeal to the festive season?
Yes, the festive season is a time for people to be happy and celebrate the past year, whether or not it has been good for them. So people are looking for ways of deriving amusement and joy therefore if one packages their craft well, they are bound to have an audience for it. World over, the Christmas and New Year holiday are synonymous with spending. My advice to artists; give people a reason to spend on your craft, to choose you.
How can people be part of it?
First, it is important to research about the different forms that exist or are doing well. Then one should creatively design their own entertainment offering, package it well and sell the product appropriately. For example, currently digital content creators like tiktokers are trending and one can explore how to monetize such entertainment avenues.
Does it appeal to pandemic restrictions?
Pandemic restrictions are relative. Some forms of entertainment don’t call for massive gatherings so they can still proceed. Others that do, have migrated into the online digital space so they can proceed there for now too. However, for all, the pandemic has really hit hard and we are hopeful that there will be light at the end of the tunnel when the storm finally calms down. We all need to play our role in beating the pandemic and facilitating a return to normalcy. Wear your mask, social distance, sanitize and vaccinate. Thank you.
What does it take for a youth or someone out there to become like Myko Ouma?
Stick to the goal you set out to score and do not be derailed by anyone at all. Research daily to better your craft and be consistent. And above all, be yourself, better yourself and be the best possible version of yourself.
How can we inspire the youth and people who have been hit by Covid through music?
The times and seasons have opened up our eyes to new horizons and different ways of doing business. Therefore if one must survive then they have to adapt to the new mode of operation. If you don’t change, change will change you. Music is a powerful platform that can be used to communicate this message of hope, change and recovery.
If there is someone who knows a thing or two about exploring diverse options and career paths, it is Myko Ouma.
He not only plays more than ten instruments as a musician, Myko Ouma is also a statistician and farmer.
