B2C Entertainment Hits Back at Critics of Government Funding for Musicians

Uganda’s beloved music group B2C Entertainment has come out swinging against public criticism directed at musicians who receive government support. B2C insisted that artists unfairly targeted in a debate that ignores far larger issues of public expenditure.

The trio — known for chart-topping hits and a loyal East African fanbase — made their position clear in a statement that has since ignited fresh debate both online and in entertainment circles.

“If others are benefiting, why shouldn’t artists also benefit?” the group questioned, framing the debate not as one of right or wrong, but of equal access to available state resources. It’s a position that resonates with many in Uganda’s creative industry, who have long argued that the arts remain chronically undervalued in national development conversations.

“Artists are being singled out — corruption concerns exist across every sector, yet musicians get the most backlash.” — B2C Entertainment

B2C went further, pointing out what they describe as a glaring double standard: concerns about wasteful government spending and corruption are not unique to the arts. These issues, they argued, exist across virtually every sector of the economy — yet it is musicians and entertainers who face the sharpest public scrutiny when they receive state support.

The group emphasized that artists should not voluntarily sacrifice their livelihoods as expected simply to appear morally clean in the public eye. Musicians, they noted bluntly, should not have to “sleep hungry” while others across different sectors quietly benefit without facing the same level of outrage or accountability.

“It’s Just Pennies” — Downplaying the Scale of Artist Funding

One of the more striking elements of B2C’s response was their attempt to contextualize the actual size of government allocations to creative professionals. The group described the amounts given to artists as minimal — even negligible — when placed alongside the broader national budget. They specifically drew a comparison to the budget of State House, which dwarfs any funding the arts sector receives by a wide margin.

This framing invites the public to ask a pointed question: if the sums directed at artists are so small, why do they generate such disproportionate public anger?

Also Read: Azawi Praises Eddy Kenzo’s Courage Amid New Copyright Law Debate