• Ziza Bafana has decided to return to the Uganda National Musicians Federation after months of criticizing it.
  • The singer praised Eddy Kenzo for promoting unity among musicians in Uganda.
  • Bafana insists all artists deserve to benefit from industry support funds regardless of political affiliation.

Musician Ziza Bafana has softened his stance and decided to rejoin the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), an organization he had strongly criticized over the past few months.

Ziza Bafana

Bafana was initially part of the federation but later distanced himself from it and publicly attacked its leadership. His criticism intensified during a period of heightened political tension, especially after he openly aligned himself with the National Unity Platform (NUP) led by Bobi Wine.

However, while speaking to the media, the dancehall singer explained that his decision to return was motivated by the need for unity in the music industry. According to him, Uganda’s music sector holds enormous financial potential if properly organized and supported.

“The music industry has a lot of wealth if it is well polished. It can empower so many artists and help them earn from their craft,” Bafana explained.

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Bafana also argued that President Yoweri Museveni may not fully understand the financial potential of the music industry. To illustrate his point, he referenced his own career.

“If the President was shown how much money I earned from my 2011 hit song Mpenkoni, he would realize that the music industry has real money and deserves serious support.”

The Pomini singer went on to applaud Eddy Kenzo, the president of the UNMF, for taking steps that many veteran artists had failed to accomplish—bringing musicians together under one umbrella.

According to Bafana, several influential musicians previously existed in the industry but often used their positions for personal benefit rather than building unity among artists.

Despite his political alignment with NUP, Bafana emphasized that supporting an opposition party does not mean abandoning the industry that shaped his career. He said unity should actually be a key principle for people aligned with Bobi Wine’s party.

Bafana also addressed claims from fellow musician Lil Pazo, who suggested that artists who did not perform for the ruling NRM party should not expect to benefit from the money recently given to the federation.

The dancehall artist dismissed that argument, insisting that the funds given to the UNMF are meant to support the entire music industry and not a specific political group.

He stressed that many musicians are not interested in political favors but simply want fair opportunities and support for their work.

Bafana’s return to the federation comes amid ongoing debate in the industry, where several artists have previously criticized the UNMF and Eddy Kenzo but later approached the organization seeking financial support.