Ronald Mayinja recently shared his reflections on the Pearl of Africa Music (PAM) Awards, talking about their impact on the music industry compared to the current awards.
According to him, the awards held a special place in Uganda’s music scene due to their unique and inclusive voting process.
Mayinja explained that the PAM Awards involved judges, musicians, and the public in selecting winners.
After the judges cast their votes, fans could participate by voting for their favorite artists in locations such as shops and markets, this public involvement made the awards feel like a national celebration.
The competition was intense, and artistes had to work hard to stand out.
He noted that the PAM Awards motivated musicians to strive for excellence, as the nationwide recognition provided an extra push for them to succeed.
When the PAM Awards ended, the drive to compete faded, which negatively impacted the music industry.
To bring back the spirit of healthy competition, Mayinja suggested that contemporary awards, such as the HiPipo Music Awards, should involve the public more actively, mirroring the approach used by the PAM Awards.
