OPED: Fresh Kid needs his ‘greedy’ father and mother now, more than ever

I started acting in Primary Three at Lukole Primary School. When I joined Bamutalira Drama Group, it took the intervention of my father to stop me from attending the daily rehearsals and concentrate on my education. I finished my other profession and went back to Makerere University to professionalize my drama.

I saw Mariam Ndagire’s mother (RIP), pulling her (Mariam) off stage in the middle of a play at the National Theatre. Mariam, then was at Nabingo College but had come to perform with Black Pearls. Her mother wanted her to finish her studies, for which she did. She completed one course and went back to Makerere University to professionalise her drama.

Today she is one of the most successful women in art.
Having said that, of late I’ve been following the drama and events surrounding seven year older rapper Fresh Kid.

Fresh Kid is a very young boy (minor) who cannot decide for himself (yet). But he has the talent and we do not want him to lose it.

Most of us in the arts or not would want to see this talent improved, educated and professionalised.

First I would wish to commend Hon Nakiwala (Kiyingi) who saw it early and intervened to save the boy’s education and so many other kids who may fall victim like Fresh Kid in the future. If she had left it like that, it would have been the trend. And it would have been very difficult to stop. Thanks Honourable for standing by your word.
The other day I saw on social media manager Francis of Fresh Kid signing with the parents of the boy how they were going to share the proceedings from his shows.

If it is true, I don’t know whether they will even share loses in the same percentages. Otherwise they concentrated much on profits as if the artiste will never make loses. That they are going to keep the boys money on account until he is 18 years.

Surely?

Let’s pray he makes 18 years when he is still a star.
From what has happened world over young talents have not gone beyond two years once managed by strangers.

Ugandans my age should remember the 007 boys and the ‘Summer holiday’ boys.

They didn’t last long.But a talent managed by a parent, will on many occasions prosper.

Take the example of the Jackson 5 and the Serenas of tennis. These were managed by their fathers during their tender age. Their success everyone knows.

Nobody can work for the success of a child better than his/her parents. A manager on many occasions will run away when that kid no longer realises profits.

But a parent will fight on, to realise his/her child’s success.

Francis as you manage Fresh Kid please do manage the parents and teach them the management of their kid after you.
Therefore honourable Nakiwala the job is not yet done. Fresh Kid’s parents need training in handling such children. They should be helped. I know by now more children are coming to act like Fresh Kid. Let’s start with Fresh Kid’s parents the rest will follow. That man and woman (parents) will always be there for their child.

Managers are employers who will run away once money stops coming or if the law of diminishing returns applies. I have not seen a star worldwide who does it for 10 years before the law of diminishing returns applies. The great Beetles, Micheal Jackson and Mike Tyson didn’t pass it. Fresh Kid may not be any different. Let’s help him before it is too late.
I’m not saying that Francis (the manager) is bad and should be chased away. But the parents should have the first say and both Francis and the parents shouldn’t always put money before the welfare and the education of the boy.

And more important his motherly and fatherly love and care should come first before the manager’s comes in.
Artistes please let’s join hands and help this boy and many others up coming. Remember our talents can be inherited by our baby kids. What has happened to Fresh Kid can happen to yours when you are long gone or when you are block. Money has been put forward forgetting his other everything.
Andrew Ben Kibuuka you are a parent and a qualified teacher why are you quite on this issue. Just imagine this kid was for one of your brothers who is engaged in manicure. I know you would come out to save. I request you come out to save Fresh kid and the rest who are coming soon.
Get me right: Fresh Kid’s parents should be counseled and trained in handling such kids, but not only to show them how to earn from their son. This is their child who needs their motherly and fatherly love.
Best regards

Hajj Ashraf Simwogerere is a veteran actor and playwright