Eddy Kenzo, Bobi Wine clash explained; who said what

Kenzo is the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF). Created one and half months ago, the federation is supposed to foster unity among Ugandan musicians and to boost their leverage in their quest to earn better from their works.

On Thursday, June 15 the ‘Semyekozo’ singer took to his social media pages accusing Bobi Wine of belittling their work as a federation. He claimed that Wine, in his charged speech at the burial of renowned artist Kato Lubwama a day earlier, had referred to Ugandan artists as “beggars.”

In his remarks at the funeral, Wine had cautioned artists on accepting handouts from the Government. He warned that such handouts are meant to deviate them from demanding for better laws and policies that will advance their cause, such as the law on Copyright which the government has delayed to pass.

He said, “as artists, you don't need handouts; what you need is the government's political will…These shadowy meetings they call you for where they give you 2 million shillings each, that is meant to stupefy you. The government has no interest in seeing you rich because when you are rich you will not need to kneel before Muhoozi or Museveni.”

Kenzo however, deemed these remarks as disingenuous and ironic given that Wine, through his opposition party, is receiving money from the same government. He wondered why they accepted the money and did not donate it.

“Those who call us beggars are included in the national budget every year. They get a monthly salary and they have never donated it…you get your salaries from the government which you say you are fighting,” Kenzo’s statement reads in part.

Predictably, the internet went abuzz in reaction.

Bobi Wine’s party leadership was first to leap in defense of their leader.

“Someone is telling them that when empowered with good laws and policies, they won't need to kneel before anyone anymore. The arts industry can become a multi-million dollar venture like it is in Nigeria, Ghana and other places. Of course, a few of them feel threatened by this message, because once many eyes are opened, that will stand in the way of their deal. It's crazy how they never learn!,” tweeted David Robongoya, the NUP Secretary General.

The clash quickly turned personal, as musicians, politicians and other commentators took sides.

Singer Allan Toniks Ampaire for instance called out Bobi Wine’s Head of Security Eddy Mutwe and asked him to stay in his lane.

Sheila Gashumba chimed in, ranting about excessive politics involved at funerals, but was hastily blasted by legendary actor and playwright John Segawa who tweeted in reply, “Just market your bars and succeed with your brand. Don't comment on things that are above your understanding.

Not to be left out, socialite Bad Black took on Kenzo and praised his ex partner Rema for leaving him.

“How can you have failed to fight for your woman and claim to fight for Uganda’s music?” she wrote.

Singer Sizza Man took a swipe at Kenzo’s education, and was hyped by Bobi Wine himself.