KAMPALA — Ugandan dancer and entertainer Ritah Danchall says the rapid growth of TikTok has contributed to a sharp decline in performance fees within the dancing industry, prompting her to put more focus on music.
Speaking in a recent interview with a YouTuber, Ritah said dancers who once commanded significantly higher fees are now competing with a growing number of performers who are willing to accept much less.
She recalled a time when a dancer could receive about Shs1 million for a performance, compared to offers of around Shs300,000 today.
Ritah Danchall
> “Back then someone would call you paying Shs1 million, now they call you offering Shs300,000 because every person you see on TikTok is a dancer now,” she said.
According to Ritah, the explosion of dance content on TikTok has increased competition and made it harder for established dancers to maintain the rates they previously charged.
She believes some clients now prefer hiring cheaper dancers rather than paying experienced performers what they consider their true worth.
> “Customers would rather take the cheap ones than take you and make it work.”
Despite the challenges, Ritah says she has no regrets about her dancing career. She credits dancing for helping her build a recognisable brand and establish herself in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
With that foundation in place, she is now turning greater attention to music, hoping to grow her career as an artist while asking Ugandans to support her transition.
> “I’m glad I have been able to make my brand through dancing and now I request Ugandans to support me through the music as well.”
HIGHLIGHTS
Ritah Danchall says TikTok has contributed to falling performance fees for dancers.
She says fees that once reached Shs1 million can now be as low as Shs300,000.
The growing number of dancers on social media has intensified competition.
Ritah is shifting more attention toward her music career.
She credits dancing for helping establish her brand in entertainment.
KEY TAKEAWAY
For Ritah Danchall, the changing economics of dance are pushing her toward a new chapter. After using dancing to build her name, she is now betting on music as the next major step in her entertainment career.
