By Andrew Kwagala
In a letter dated August 1, the Ministry of Education and Sports put a hold on musicians performing in schools, citing indecent dressing and dances.
In the circular titled Entertainment And Extracurricular Activities In Schools, the ministry said it was banning the activities due to the threat of promiscuity it poses to learners.
“On the morning of Monday, July 11, 2022, the country woke up to the shocking videos that were circulating on social media to portray the indecency that is allowed in our children’s schools,” the circular signed by Dr Jane Ekou-Egau, on behalf of the permanent secretary of the education ministry, stated.
“It is now clear that there have been several of these totally unacceptable and offensive extracurricular and entertainment activities. If schools need to entertain themselves, then they can engage in acting plays or arrange concerts. However, inviting singers who dance erotic dances, naked in the schools in the guise of extra-curricular activities must be forbidden henceforth.”
Many artistes have not received the news well, including child rapper Fresh Kid’s father commonly known as Fresh Daddy. It’s well known that Fresh Kid is among the artistes who are most booked to perform in schools.
Talking to The Kampala Sun on August 5, Fresh Daddy said they watched the news on Bukedde TV and it didn’t leave them the same because their biggest audience is in schools.
Fresh Kid, 10, had earlier been banned from performing at night events because he has to attend school.
He was left with few options, which include performing in schools, day events, which are not common and birthday parties, whereby the pay is not lucrative.
Fresh Daddy clarified that the ministry came up with the new measure when they had already received six bookings from schools in Iganga and Mbale districts, among others.
He said the performances commence this Saturday, August 6.
Fresh Daddy said his hands are tied since the deposit has already been used. He said they are only waiting for the final date to go and perform at the schools.
Fresh Daddy vowed that unless they find military parked at the school gate or they are stopped by the school authorities, which hired them, they will go ahead to perform.
When The Kampala Sun asked him whether schools have contacted him to stop Fresh Kid from performing owing to the new ministry guidelines, he said none school had contacted him, which he has taken as an indication that they are expecting the artiste on the days he was booked.
Asked if he is not afraid, Fresh Daddy replied with a big no, stressing that even young musicians have basic needs and through music, they have been able to get school fees and bursaries, among others.
“The ministry can’t come up with such an idea when people are just coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. People need to refresh their minds with entertainment and the young artistes have fans who enjoy their music,” he added.
