General
Harmonizing Africa’s Future through Musical Arts Education
By Julius Tukacungura
The 14th Pan-African Society for Music Arts Education (PASMAE) in partnership with the International Society for Music Education (ISME) Regional Conference brings on board educators, researchers, performers, students, cultural practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe to revolutionalize African musical arts education.
The four-days conference (1st to 4th July 2025), themed, Re-imagining Musical Arts Education in Africa: Innovation, Inclusion and Sustainability, presents participants with a platform for critical reflection, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Officially opening the 14th edition of the PASMAE-ISME conference hosted at Makerere University, the Vice Chancellor – Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe, represented by Prof. Robert Wamala, highlighted the essential role of music and the arts in African society, noting that they have always been a central thread in Africa’s history, carrying memory, nurturing identity, fostering unity, and igniting social movements.
“From the drumbeats of liberalization, the chants of peace, and the readings of celebration, music has been an enduring tool of communication, resistance, and renewal,” he reflected.
The Vice Chancellor expressed confidence that the deliberations would give rise to fresh insights on how to reform music education curricula, support artists as change agents, and influence policy that positions the arts at the heart of Africa’s development agenda.
On his part, Prof. Wamala, who is the Acting Director, Research, Partnerships and Innovation at Makerere University urged participants to ensure that the impact of the conference extends beyond the confines of conference hall. “It must go to classrooms, communities, and institutions that shape the future of our nations,” he said.
In a keynote address titled, ‘The Time Is Now: Rising Together Through Music Arts Education’, Professor Sheila Woodward highlighted the significance of music education in promoting cultural diversity, social justice, and human flourishing. She emphasized that music education can profoundly impact poverty and transform lives.
Prof. Woodward said, “Music needs to remain a vibrant space where we have freedom, innovation, intercultural dialogue, and this conference provides a space for that dialogue.
Prof. Woodward stressed the need for music educators to be aware of AI’s impact on the music industry. “We must now take action on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ensure that music remains a space for creativity, innovation, and cultural expression,” she said.
She explained that AI tools can augment creativity, but the final output is that human factor that drives the generation of material and finalizes artistic decision-making.
In the keynote address, Prof. Woodward discussed the importance of music education in promoting social justice and addressing issues of poverty and inequality. “As music teachers, we have a chance to forget about those rules and just give them real joy,” she said.
“Music education can profoundly impact poverty and transform lives. It has the power to heal and unite, but also to exclude and oppress. By embracing music education and being mindful of its potential, we can harness its benefits while minimizing harm, and create positive change in individuals and communities. Action can start now, without waiting for perfection,” she emphasized.
The International Music Council, led by Prof. Woodward, is focused on advocating for fair compensation and recognition for artists, particularly in the face of AI-generated music. “Fair compensation remains elusive for many artists, and the Council is working with Spotify and YouTube to advocate for better remuneration,” she stated.
The International Music Council stands for a world where everyone can enjoy access to music, learn, experience, create, perform, and express themselves in music.
Prof. Woodward stressed that the world is facing growing threats to cultural diversity, including economic pressures, algorithmic homogenization, and the marginalization of minority voices.
She also noted that the need to affirm the musical skills of students including providing a sense of validation and a sense of safety.
Prof. Caroline Van Nievero, Charter President of PASMAE, reflected on the society’s 25-year journey, highlighting its growth and impact on music education in Africa.
“This is possibly, in many ways, the most special conference we have held,” Van Nievero said. “We have a unique gathering of past and present leaders, including PASME-ISME president and a current PASMAE president, as well as a past Secretary General.”
Prof. Van Nievero emphasized the importance of PASMAE’s relationship with the International Society for Music Education (ISME) and the International Music Council. She noted that PASMAE’s history dates back to the year 2000, when it was founded in Harare, Zimbabwe.
PASMAE has a history of a quarter of a century, which is quite significant, “We have had biennial conferences ever since the year 2000, and we are celebrating this milestone today and for the rest of the week,” Van Nievero said.
Prof. Van Nievero reflected on the evolution of PASMAE’s name, from the Pan-African Society for Music Education (PASME) to its current name, which was proposed by Professor Meki Nzewi of University of Pretoria to reflect the integrated nature of music and dance in African cultures.
“For those of us who have been involved with ISME and with PASMAE over a long period, it is an integral part of our lives,” Van Nievero said. “It is part of our identity, and we mark our lives in terms of ISME and PASMAE conferences.”
Dr. Benon Kigozi, Chair and Convener of the conference, welcomed participants to the event, expressing gratitude to the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Banabas Nawangwe, and the acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Robert Wamala, for their support. He highlighted the significance of the conference in promoting musical arts education and its potential to drive innovation, inclusion, and sustainability in Africa.
“We are here to discuss, and to take on all steps that will help us as musical artists in the field of education to keep it going, to make it even more and more alive,” Dr. Kigozi said.
Dr. Kigozi expressed appreciation for the support received from partners, including ISME, and acknowledged the contributions of iconic figures in PASMAE, namely Prof. Caroline Van Nievero, who has played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s history.
“We’re equally delighted to host iconic figures in PASMAE,” Dr. Kigozi said. “PASMAE has a history, and there are people that have paved the path for that history.”
We believe that, “As participants engage in presentations, workshops, performances, and cultural exchanges, they will have opportunities to network, collaborate, and learn from one another.
“As we engage with a rich program of presentations, workshops, performances, and cultural exchanges, we hope that we all will take time to enjoy the weather and the vibrancy of Kampala, the artistic and intellectual heart of Uganda,” Dr. Kigozi said.
The Conference featured a Panel Discussion on different topics, among these was; (Social Impact of music education in higher education Ensemble settings in south-western Nigeria) by Professor Mellitus Wanyama and Kadupe Sofola from Kabarak University, Kenya, (Comparing the Development of Black South Africans and African American Choral Music: Society and Music) by Randy Tillmutt from Virginia Union University, (State of flux: a case study of decolonizing music lessons in a South African School) by Dr. Urvi Drummond from North Western University Potchefstroom, Olubiri as a Context for intergenerational music education: Insights from lived experiences of Entenga Royal Music of Buganda Kingdom by Dr. James Isabirye from Kyambogo University.
Participants at the conference believe that by bringing together diverse perspectives, ideas, and expertise, they can create a comprehensive approach that addresses the complex challenges facing the music culture. In addition, through synthesis and unity, they can forge a cohesive system that celebrates their rich cultural heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability.
The participants will continue to integrate different components, considering multiple aspects and factors that contribute to effective music education, in order to harness the transformative power of music to promote social justice, cultural diversity, and human flourishing.
The Board Chairperson of the Makerere University Endowment Fund (MakEF), Dr. Margaret Blick Kigozi, has urged graduands in Health and Life Sciences to uphold professional ethics and serve humanity with diligence and compassion.
Her appeal came during the passing out of graduates from the College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-Security (CoVAB), the College of Health Sciences (CHS) and the School of Public Health (SPH) on Day Two of the 76th Graduation Ceremony of Makerere University.
“Class of 2026, you are now part of the Makerere legacy. Wherever you go clinics, laboratories, farms, boardrooms, or classrooms, you carry this institution with you. Serve your patients with skill and compassion. Care for animals and communities responsibly. Question boldly and keep learning,” Dr Kigozi, said.
Delivering the commencement address, Dr. Kigozi lauded the graduates for their dedication to careers that directly impact lives and communities. She encouraged them to use their knowledge generously and exercise their power gently.
“Your education has trained you to ask better questions. Your humanity must guide the answers. Never forget that behind every chart, every case, every animal, every experiment, there is life. And life deserves care, patience, and dignity. Give every person you come in contact with care, patience and dignity,” Dr Kigozi, noted.
As the graduates embark on their professional journeys, Dr. Kigozi emphasized the importance of cultivating basic business acumen and financial literacy to ensure sustainability in their work.
“You do not need to become accountants but you must be able to read the essentials: understand simple financial statements, budgets and key metrics so you can judge whether a clinic, lab, or program is sustainable. You are encouraged to start your business. There are numerous investment opportunities in your areas of training. You can provide services to our people and create jobs,” Dr Kigozi, said.
She shared candidly how, when she first stepped into leadership, she realised she did not understand balance sheets or budgets well enough. So, she returned to Makerere for short courses to strengthen herself.
“A well-run Hospital, clinic or lab delivers better outcomes, attracts staff, and secures funding. Business savvy is not only about profit, it’s about sustainability and the freedom to serve ethically and effectively. Carry clinical skill with business sense so your work endures and grows,” Dr. Kigozi, noted.
Quoting renowned writer and producer Shonda Rhimes, creator of Grey’s Anatomy, who once reflected that succeeding in one area of life can sometimes mean falling short in another, Dr. Kigozi encouraged women graduates to intentionally balance professional ambition with family responsibilities.
“When one area thrives, another is often under strain. When Navio was graduating from school I had to manage the Presidential Investor Round Table on the same day as Executive Director Uganda Investment Authority. I chose my job and delegated his siblings to attend Navios graduation. I learnt from this. I choose family always after that thing you achieve once and keep forever,” Dr Kigozi, said.
In his speech, the Prof Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor, informed the congregation that Makerere’s ranking on all university ranking platforms has remained stable, placing Makerere among the top 10 African universities and within the top 4.5% globally.
“In the Times Higher Education global ranking, Makerere University made a formidable jump from the 1200-1500 bracket to the 800-1000 bracket. This was no mean achievement and I congratulate all members of the Makerere Community on this stellar performance,” Prof Nawangwe, said.
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