By BigEyeUg Team
The Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards), once a prestigious event in Uganda’s music industry, met its downfall due to the soaring costs associated with hosting the event, according to legendary talent manager Emma Carlos.
He highlighted that the awards had become a billion-shilling affair, making it difficult for corporate sponsors to continue their support without substantial government assistance.
The PAM Awards, which began in 2003 by Isaac Mulindwa, were a significant platform for recognizing and celebrating musical talent in Uganda and later across East Africa.
By 2006, the event had expanded to include categories for musicians from neighbouring countries, further enhancing its stature.
Winners of the PAM Awards were chosen through a combination of a panel of judges and public voting, ensuring that the voices of both industry experts and fans were heard.
However, by 2011, the awards faced internal challenges, including the financial strain pointed out by Emma Carlos, leading to its eventual demise.
The decline of the PAM Awards marks a significant moment in Uganda’s music history, as the event was once a beacon of recognition for artists in the region.
Emma Carlos’s remarks shed light on the financial pressures that contributed to its collapse, emphasizing the need for sustainable support in the arts and entertainment industry.
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