TAKEAWAYS

• Mubarak Munyagwa says Eddy Kenzo’s comments on Kadongo Kamu were misunderstood.
• He noted that today’s musicians earn through concerts, streaming, and brand gigs.
• Munyagwa urged veteran artists to take the criticism positively and stay calm.

Politician and social commentator Mubarak Munyagwa has come out in defense of Eddy Kenzo following the singer’s controversial remarks about Kadongo Kamu artists, saying the comments were largely misunderstood. The debate stems from Kenzo’s recent argument that today’s musicians have more visible success and earning opportunities than artists from the older generations, a statement that sparked backlash from several Kadongo Kamu legends.

According to Munyagwa, Kenzo’s point was not meant to disrespect the pioneers of Kadongo Kamu, but rather to highlight how the music business has evolved. He noted that modern artists now have multiple revenue streams, including concerts, streaming platforms, brand deals, and corporate gigs, making it easier for talent to translate into money than it was years ago.

“Kenzo was misunderstood; today musicians have many more ways to earn from their talent than before.”

“The legends were deeply talented, but this generation understands how to turn even simple lyrics into money.”

Munyagwa, however, acknowledged the immense talent of the older generation, saying artists from that era laid the foundation for Uganda’s music industry. He added that Kadongo Kamu musicians should not take Kenzo’s remarks personally, but instead process the criticism positively as part of a bigger conversation about how the industry has changed.

He also dismissed claims that Kenzo is always dragged down whenever he achieves something positive. Munyagwa pointed to the singer’s growing influence in the industry, saying his endorsement by President Museveni last year as late NRM guerilla Chefe Ali’s son suggest that Kenzo’s reign in the industry could last for a long time.

Drawing a comparison, Munyagwa said that if Kenzo staged a concert on the same day as Kadongo Kamu legends, the Stamina singer would likely pull a bigger crowd because the current generation naturally connects more with contemporary sounds. Still, he admitted that his personal choice would remain Kadongo Kamu because it is the music he loves most.