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Growing a music production business
Benon Mugumbya
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Benon Mugumbya’s entry into the music production business may have been almost accidental, but he has had no regrets. After spending time in the drama and music clubs at Namasagali College, he later met his first employer in the music business. This set off the journey leading to his foray into music and production as a business. He says their company has dreams of owning a clothing line and a television station. Benon was voted the Best Ugandan Producer during the 2010 Pearl of Africa Music Awards.
Most music fans may know him as the smooth voiced singer, known for his RnB songs such as Mumuleete, Nsazewo, My Lady and a New Day. However, Mr Mugumbya, commonly known as Benon by his fans, is the force behind Swangz Avenue, a production house responsible for bringing quality and discovering talent into Uganda’s budding music industry.
“When I sat for my A-levels, I did not perform well. So I was asked by my Mum to repeat my A levels right from Senior five. I didn’t like the idea, and I got a job at an internet cafe to prove my seriousness and as a way to calm her down, that I was useful. It is from here that Eddie Mpagi, (he of Goodenuff productions and Ngoni music duo ) noticed my interest in music production and offered me training and a job”. Benon reminisces of his early days into showbiz.
He was later to go back to school and he studied computer essentials and maintenance at McMain School of computing.
Having honed his production skills, he got a job as a producer with Steve Jean(at Fenon records) in 2006.It is here that Mr Mugumbya’s dream of starting his own studio was born. He saved about Shs 8m, and while on a trip to the US bought the studio equipment that started him and Swangz Avenue off.
Asked how the business is moving on, Benon says he does not regard himself as a business man at all. In fact he has gone ahead and partnered with Julius Kyazze who, according to him is more business savvy to handle the business aspect of Swangz Avenue.
Production for money came much later, after owning a studio and equipment. But it was never his dream to do business. He was just chasing his passion. “My first year in the production business was, according to me, a success. We produced a lot of music here, but made no money at all.” Julius’ business touch is visible since the Company has since moved to better premises in Muyenga,away from the lowly Makindye place of business where they started, and the list of clients is impressive.
However, Mr Mugumbya shares that all may not be as it seems. “This is show biz.There is a lot that is assumed, but music production does not bring in a lot of money. Unfortunately,those that have the money don’t have the talent and those who have the talent do not have the money; and as a producer I tend to go with the latter who produce real music.” Benon says. In order to make ends meet, the studio also produces jingles and adverts(radio and TV) as well as music videos,and according to him, this is where the money is.
Ten years from now seems to be a long time for this workaholic producer, but he says:” We have moved into branding and customization under another Company Custom Inc. and already the future seems bright. For now we are re-investing most of what we make and in ten years we want to have the best recording studios in East Africa. The best high-end recording facility.” To other entrepreneurs Benon says: “Do what you want. Go with passion first,the rest will follow.” and he goes ahead to share five questions which changed his life: Who are you?; What do you do?; Do you really know what you want?; Are you ready for what you want?
Have you done something about it?
