Artists in Uganda are getting more than a chance to be seen and heard at the British Council’s Words and Pictures (WaPi) events – they’re getting an education.

British Council Uganda’s Lilian Nyacheng says these events put unknown artists in touch with professionals who can share information about their industry. But artists should also have realistic expectations.

‘Some of them expect to be snapped up by producers the first time they perform on stage. WaPi only provides a platform for them, and what they do on that platform is totally up to the individual – we are just pointing them in the right direction.’

WaPi is an initiative that allows up-and-coming artists to talk about and draw attention to issues of concern to them – social, political and economic.  Each WaPi event has a theme, such as “rights”, “justice” and “the slums”.

The British Council recently hosted WaPi 4 at its offices in Uganda, entitled ‘WaPi My Rights’.

WaPi event co-ordinator Geoffrey Ekongot says: ‘Every Ugandan has a right to express their various talents, which is why we chose rights as this month’s theme.’

Nyacheng says the event was a success. ‘Lots of underground artists came out. There was even a painter who was painting on the day and later auctioned his paintings.

‘We are now partnering with the German Cultural Society and the next WaPi event will be a collaboration entitled ‘Focus Uganda’ for fashion designers, musicians and artists,’ she says.

Speaking of the way British Council Uganda educates artists, she says: ‘We have organised someone from the radio industry who will talk to musicians about getting airplay in radio, because most musicians here in Uganda struggle with this. The radio personality will also talk to them about copyright and the pros and cons of getting a recording deal. So they will be equipped with knowledge that will help them further on in their careers.’

She adds that more needs to be done to guide artists. ‘Some artists come here in skimpy clothes and have vulgar lyrics. They must realise that being an artist is not about wearing skimpy clothes, it’s about talent and how you present yourself. They also need to realise that they are responsible for themselves and they should be able to deal with the consequences of negative actions. We are telling them that they can do it.’

There have certainly been success stories, Nyacheng says.

‘One of the fashion designers was asked by the reigning Miss Uganda to design a dress for her for the Miss World pageant. All the models we have showcased have been signed up, but they keep coming back to WaPi because WaPi made them who they are.’