Ykee Benda defends football banter as Fans question his music break

• Ykee Benda says he is an established artist and doesn’t feel pressure to constantly release hits.
• His football debates online help promote his football podcast and drive engagement.
• His comparison of Viktor Gyökeres to Didier Drogba sparked heavy criticism from fans.

Ugandan musician Ykee Benda has spoken out about his growing passion for football, explaining why he has been more active discussing the sport online than releasing new music lately.

The singer, known for songs such as Singa, has recently faced criticism from some fans who say he has not dropped a major hit in a while. Others have even labeled him a “career-dead” artist, pointing to his frequent football commentary on X (formerly Twitter), where he often engages in heated debates.

Benda is a passionate supporter of English Premier League side Arsenal and has been particularly vocal this season. His comments comparing striker Viktor Gyökeres to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba sparked intense debate among football fans.

“Right now I know I’m an established musician. I don’t need to keep releasing hit songs every few months like upcoming artists,” Benda said while responding to criticism.

The singer explained that much of his football commentary is also tied to promoting a podcast he runs around the sport, where engaging fans is key.

“When you are doing football content, it’s about views and emotions. Sometimes you create banter or controversial opinions because that’s what gets fans talking,” he added.

His claim that Gyökeres is a better striker than Drogba triggered strong reactions online, with many football fans disagreeing and challenging his view.

Despite the criticism, Benda says his love for football is genuine and currently at its peak. For now, he appears comfortable balancing music with his growing presence in football conversations, even if it means stirring debate among fans.