Eddy Kenzo, President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation and celebrated BET award-winning artist, has spoken out against the Uganda National Cultural Centre’s (UNCC) recent decision to propose a ban on music and live performances by Gravity Omutujju and Lil Pazo.
Criticism of UNCC’s Decision
Kenzo labeled the move as both illegal and unfair, highlighting the importance of handling artists with sensitivity rather than resorting to public embarrassment.
“However much someone makes a mistake, you have to learn how to handle them. They are musicians who might be going through personal issues unknown to the public. It’s not right for someone to just wake up and embarrass them by banning their music,” Kenzo said.
Advocating for Constructive Solutions
Kenzo suggested that rather than imposing bans, UNCC should opt for more constructive measures such as private discussions or issuing formal warnings. He emphasized the need to address concerns in a way that preserves the dignity of the artists.
“It’s important to first call up these artists and issue warnings rather than embarrassing them in public,” he added.
Response to Cultural Concerns
Kenzo also weighed in on recent comments by the Katikkiro of Buganda, who criticized vulgar lyrics in some Luganda songs. While acknowledging the Katikkiro’s right as a cultural leader to advocate for decency, Kenzo urged for a balanced approach.
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“Instead of banning music outright, the Katikkiro could meet with the affected artists and give them a chance to apologize,” Kenzo suggested.
Broader Industry Perspective
Kenzo’s sentiments align with those of fellow artist Ykee Benda, who called for a fairer application of decency standards. Ykee argued that vulgarity in music isn’t limited to Ugandan artists, pointing out similar issues in Jamaican and Nigerian music.
This controversy sheds light on the ongoing debate about the balance between creative freedom and cultural standards in Uganda’s music industry. As calls for censorship grow louder, many artists are pushing back, advocating for dialogue over punitive measures.
