TAKEAWAYS

• Clever J says King Saha has not yet reached the level of Uganda’s “Big Three” artists.
• The veteran musician questions how much of Saha’s current momentum comes from his association with Bobi Wine and other established figures.
• Saha’s sold-out Logogo Cricket Oval concert has nevertheless reignited debate about his position among Uganda’s biggest musicians.

Veteran Ugandan musician Clever J has dismissed claims that King Saha has earned a place among Uganda’s so-called “Big Three” artists, despite the singer’s recent sold-out concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

Saha’s successful concert reignited debate among music fans over his position in Uganda’s music industry, with some arguing that his growing popularity and catalogue now put him in the same conversation as the country’s biggest established stars.

Some voices have even suggested that Saha could replace Bebe Cool in the Big Three conversation.

However, Clever J disagrees.

Speaking about the debate, the veteran musician argued that Saha is still some distance away from reaching the level required to be considered among Uganda’s biggest artists.

Clever J also questioned the foundation of Saha’s current popularity, suggesting that part of the singer’s momentum has been boosted by his association with Bobi Wine, who has a significant following in Uganda.

He argued that even if people do not credit the Bobi Wine connection, Saha has previously benefited from his association with other established figures in the industry such as Dr Jose Chameleone.

Clever J further suggested that Uganda’s top tier of musicians could historically have been considered a “Big Four” rather than a Big Three, although he stopped short of naming the fourth artist he had in mind.

For Clever J, however, Saha has not yet demonstrated enough to displace any of the artists traditionally associated with the top tier.

Saha’s sold-out Lugogo Cricket Oval concert has nevertheless strengthened his position as one of Uganda’s prominent contemporary musicians, adding fresh fuel to the debate about how the country’s musical hierarchy is changing.

The discussion ultimately remains subjective, with fans continuing to debate whether recent commercial success, longevity, catalogue, influence or concert performance should determine who belongs among Uganda’s biggest artists.