Carbon 14 Calls for Support as Visual Impairment Hampers Music Career

ARUA CITY — Veteran West Nile musician Peter Ayiko, popularly known as Carbon 14 of the Peacock Family, is appealing to music promoters and the public for support as visual impairment and limited opportunities continue to affect his music career.

Carbon 14, who lost his eyesight in 1992, says his condition has made it increasingly difficult to organise performances and promote his music, especially following the death of the person who used to guide him to musical engagements.

The musician, who has spent more than two decades in the industry, says he has not achieved as much as he had hoped from his career, despite his contribution to the growth of West Nile's music scene.

He also recalls personal and financial challenges that affected his progress, including the collapse of a relationship with a former partner and the loss of a house they had built together after it was taken by lenders.

Carbon 14 began his music career in 2005 with a group initially known as M&ITG, which later became the Peacock Family. At the time, Arua had limited recording facilities, prompting the group to record under the Leon Island crew, with celebrated Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone serving as their producer.

According to Carbon 14, the group had hoped to collaborate further with Chameleone, but the plans did not materialise following disagreements over what he described as a lack of transparency.

The Peacock Family later rose to prominence with its song Peacock, earning a nomination at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM Awards) and establishing itself as one of the notable music groups from West Nile.

However, the group eventually fell apart, with a reunion remaining uncertain. Carbon 14 cites the death of one of its members and the busy schedule of Jerry de Peacock among the obstacles to bringing the group back together.

Matenga, a member of Carbon 14's family, says inadequate support remains one of the musician's biggest challenges, urging the public and stakeholders in the entertainment industry to help him continue pursuing his passion.

Carbon 14 also believes that secular musicians face limited support and performance opportunities compared to their gospel counterparts, making it difficult for many to sustain their careers.

He is now calling on music promoters, event organisers and the wider community to provide struggling artists with platforms to perform, showcase their talent and earn a living from their work.

His appeal comes amid broader concerns about the sustainability of local music careers, particularly for artists who lack the resources and networks needed to promote their work.

Carbon 14 says increased community involvement and investment by music promoters could help preserve the legacy of West Nile musicians while creating more opportunities for emerging talent.

For the former Peacock Family composer, support would not only help him remain active in music but also recognise the contribution he and other local artists have made to the region's entertainment industry.

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