TAKEAWAYS

• Musician Kabako slammed critics for trying to control how artists behave after Nina Roz met with the UCC director.
• Kabako defended Nina Roz’s meeting with Nyombi Thembo, calling it a smart move to navigate strict performance regulations.
• The singer poked fun at the situation, joking that Nina Roz might be scouting for a potential seat in the new government.

Musician Kabako has lashed out at foot soldiers who, according to him, want to dictate how musicians should think and act, following the backlash fellow singer Nina Roz faced after visiting the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

Nina Roz recently met UCC Executive Director Nyombi Thembo ahead of her concert, a move that attracted criticism from some members of the public.

However, Kabako has defended the singer, insisting that Nina Roz has the freedom to make her own decisions without being dictated to by people claiming to speak on behalf of musicians.

According to Kabako, there is only one Nina Roz, and in his eyes, she can do no wrong.

The singer questioned the motives of those criticising her visit, humorously suggesting that Nina Roz could even have been inspecting a possible UCC seat in the new government.

He also joked that Nyombi Thembo might not have fully understood what Nina Roz had gone to discuss, adding that he had asked the singer whether she had seen Hachaya in the new government.

Kabako further praised Nina Roz’s influence, arguing that those who doubt her popularity should revisit the previous elections in December, where he claimed she emerged as the outright winner but was denied victory.

The musician warned foot soldiers against assuming they could speak for every artist, maintaining that musicians have their own voices and should be allowed to make independent decisions.

Kabako also defended Nina Roz’s decision to seek guidance from UCC, arguing that the music industry has become increasingly regulated and artists must understand the requirements governing their performances.

He noted that musicians operating in areas such as Gulu and Mityana, as well as other parts of the country, have had to seek clearance from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) before holding performances.

‘The music industry has become increasingly regulated and artists must understand the requirements governing their performances’. — Kabako

According to Kabako, Nina Roz’s visit was therefore a reasonable step towards understanding the procedures surrounding her concert rather than something deserving public condemnation.

He maintained that attempts to attack or malign the singer over the visit were misplaced, insisting that musicians should be free to engage relevant authorities without facing unnecessary criticism.