TAKEAWAYS

• Eddy Kenzo says politically driven concert boycotts are largely an online campaign by a small group.
• He says he has accepted apologies from people involved in past political disputes.
• Kenzo also promised to return to Jinja after a sound-system failure disrupted his performance.

Ugandan singer and Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) president Eddy Kenzo has spoken out about the growing trend of politically motivated calls to boycott musicians’ concerts.

Kenzo cited recent concerts by singers Vinka and Lydia Jazmine, which attracted boycott calls from some politically affiliated groups over the artists’ perceived political positions.

According to Kenzo, however, much of the noise is being generated by a small group of paid individuals who coordinate through WhatsApp groups and other online platforms to target particular musicians.

He argued that social media activity should not be mistaken for the mood on the ground, insisting that most Ugandans remain interested in music regardless of an artist’s political affiliations.

“What happens on social media should not make you think that it is what is happening on the ground. There are people who organize themselves in WhatsApp groups, but when you go on the ground, people don’t even care.”

Kenzo said musicians have already overcome the attempt to politicise entertainment and that Ugandans are increasingly returning to enjoying music without political divisions.

The UNMF president also addressed recent online pressure from bloggers demanding money from fellow singer Bebe Cool. During the recent political campaigns, Kenzo and Bebe Cool were both associated with the NRM, although Kenzo previously accused Bebe Cool and other figures in the industry of attempting to undermine him.

Kenzo said some of those involved had already apologised to him privately and that he had accepted their apologies.

“Good enough, the truth never hides itself. People are starting to see how things are.”

He added that none of the musicians who worked with him during the campaigns has demanded payment from him.

Kenzo also addressed his recent performance in Jinja, where the sound system reportedly failed. He said he was unsure what caused the problem but promised to return and give his fans the concert they deserve.