Museveni appoints Eddy Kenzo presidential advisor on creatives

The exciting news was met with a heartfelt message from his fiancée, Phiona Nyamutoro, who is not only the Female National Youth Member of Parliament but also serves as the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals).

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nyamutoro expressed her pride in Kenzo's latest achievement. "Congratulations on your well-deserved appointment @eddykenzoficial, proud of you as always ❤️," she posted, adding, "Thank you H.E @KagutaMuseveni 🙏" in gratitude to the president.

Kenzo, who also holds the position of president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation—a role he took on in May 2023—continues to rise in both the entertainment and political arenas.

The Federation, notably patronised by President Museveni's brother, Gen. Salim Saleh, has seen Kenzo’s influence grow, so this latest appointment has come as no surprise to those familiar with his trajectory.

About senior presidential advisor Eddy Kenzo

Edrisah Musuuza, better known by his stage name Eddy Kenzo, is a true rags-to-riches story, capturing the hearts of millions with his music and resilience.

Born on December 25, 1989, in Masaka, Uganda, Kenzo's early life was far from easy. He tragically lost his mother when he was just four or five years old, leaving him to navigate life largely on the streets of Masaka and Kampala for the next 13 years.

Despite these hardships, Kenzo harboured dreams of becoming a professional footballer. At the tender age of nine, he joined Masaka Local Council FC’s camp, where his talent on the pitch earned him a sports bursary to attend Lubiri Secondary School in Kampala.

Eddy Kenzo Pulse Live Uganda

However, his schooling was cut short as another talent began to emerge—his passion for music.

See: Kenzo promises new start at a splashy introduction

Kenzo officially launched his music career in 2008 under the name Eddy Kenzo, releasing his debut song, "Yannimba," in collaboration with Mikie Wine. But it was his 2010 hit single, "Stamina," that began to carve out his space in the Ugandan music scene.

His major international breakthrough came in 2014 with the release of "Sitya Loss" and the accompanying album. The song, and more specifically a viral YouTube video featuring Ugandan children known as the Ghetto Kids dancing to it, catapulted him to global fame when it was shared on social media by none other than music mogul Sean Combs (P. Diddy) in September 2014.

See: How the Triplet Ghetto Kids teach us diversity for work-life balance

Kenzo didn't just stop at music; he also became a mentor and a producer. He founded Big Talent Entertainment, a label through which he has nurtured several artists, including Rema Namakula and Pia Pounds, further cementing his influence in the music industry.

In 2022, Kenzo reached a historic milestone as the first Ugandan musician based in Uganda to be nominated for a Grammy Award. He was nominated in the Best Global Performance category for "Gimme Love," a collaboration with American singer Matt B.

Read also: Pia Pounds: How I met Eddy Kenzo

Kenzo's talent has taken him to prestigious stages worldwide. In January 2015, he performed at the opening ceremonies of the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, sharing the stage with international superstar Akon. His performance was so well-received that he was invited back to perform at the tournament's final.

Kenzo's hard work and unique sound earned him significant accolades, including the BET Award for "Viewer's Choice Best New International Artist" in June 2015, making him the first East African artist to win a BET Award. That same year, his song "Mbilo Mbilo" was remixed featuring Nigerian singer Niniola, and the original track was featured on the soundtrack for the 2016 film "Queen of Katwe."

Eddy Kenzo pulse uganda

In March 2018, he added a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Award to his growing list of achievements, winning "Favorite African Star."

See: Eddy Kenzo breaks silence on changing religion for Phiona Nyamutoro

Eddy Kenzo has so far released six albums, each showcasing his versatility and growth as an artist: Sitya Loss, Zero to Hero, Biology, Roots, Made in Africa, and Blessings. His journey from the streets to stardom serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and talent.