• Lil Pazo accused Bebe Cool and Eddy Kenzo of failing to properly channel government funds to struggling artists.
• Kenzo defended the Uganda National Musicians Federation, saying Lil Pazo has benefited from federation support before.
• The dispute has sparked industry-wide debate about transparency and financial expectations in Uganda’s music sector.
Tension is brewing in Uganda’s music industry after singer Lil Pazo used the Jazz With Jajja Edition 2 event on March 1 to air his frustrations directly to President Yoweri Museveni.
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While addressing the President, Lil Pazo accused music heavyweights like Bebe Cool and Eddy Kenzo—who also serves as president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF)—of failing to properly channel government financial support meant for artists.
According to Lil Pazo, the funds don’t always reach those who need them most. He claimed that while small amounts may be given to artists facing minor challenges, those battling serious issues like depression, drug addiction, or overwhelming debts are often left out. In his view, the system ends up benefiting leaders more than struggling musicians.
But Kenzo isn’t having it.
Speaking in an interview shortly after the allegations surfaced, the UNMF president firmly defended himself and the federation. He maintained that Lil Pazo has, in fact, benefited from the federation’s support several times, even if the assistance wasn’t huge.
Kenzo pointed to a moment when Lil Pazo was admitted to Bombo Hospital, saying he personally stepped in to help during that difficult period.
He also revealed that during the recent NRM campaign season, he accommodated and fed Lil Pazo—despite the singer being closely associated with Bebe Cool’s camp at the time.
“This federation represents artists from all corners of the country. We can’t always meet everyone’s expectations,” Kenzo explained.
He added that the federation’s resources are limited and stretched across many pressing needs within the industry. If an artist expects funding to build houses or buy cars, Kenzo said, that’s simply beyond what the federation is able to provide.
