By Eumu Emmanuel.
In a surprising move, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has appointed Uganda’s celebrated musician, Edrisa Musuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo, as the Presidential Advisor on Arts and Culture. This appointment, announced on August 21, has sparked widespread reactions, particularly within Uganda’s music community.
Eddy Kenzo, renowned for his global hit “Sitya Loss” and numerous other successful tracks like “Stamina” and “Weekend,” is the first Ugandan artist to win a BET Award, an achievement that has solidified his status as one of East Africa’s leading musicians. Born and raised in Masaka, Central Uganda, Kenzo has defied the odds, rising from humble beginnings to international stardom, selling out arenas in Europe, Asia, and America.
However, Kenzo’s new role has stirred mixed feelings among fellow musicians, especially those aligned with the opposition and supporters of NUP leader Bobi Wine, whose real name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu. Critics have accused Kenzo of poor leadership within the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA) and expressed concern over his perceived alignment with the government. Despite the criticism, Kenzo has remained vocal on issues affecting the music industry in Uganda.
The appointment follows a closed-door meeting between President Museveni and several prominent Ugandan artists on August 21, where the president reportedly discussed the future of the arts and culture sector. Singers Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleone, and Alien Skin were among those present, later posting pictures from Uganda’s State House, further fueling speculation about the meeting’s purpose.
Recently, Eddy Kenzo made headlines for his engagement to Phiona Nyamutoro, Uganda’s youngest minister, and their frequent travels with the president on his tours to Northern and Eastern Uganda. This relationship, coupled with his latest appointment, has placed Kenzo in the spotlight, further entrenching his influence in the nation’s cultural landscape.
Eddy Kenzo’s appointment as Presidential Advisor on Arts and Culture marks a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his ongoing contribution to Ugandan music and culture on both a national and global scale.