Singer and Uganda National Musicians Federation president Eddy Kenzo reveals his reasons why he will never call upon people to protest and reacts to Azawi’s comments about the #March2Parliament anti-corruption protests.
For weeks, Kampala experienced the ‘March 2 Parliament’ protests geared against corruption and misuse of office in the Uganda parliament.
Artists like Azawi, Bruno K, St. Nelly-sade, Ykee Benda, and Nina Roz among others have joined youths in support of the protests and called upon other artists to join them.
Big Talent musician Eddy Kenzo, however, believes they are acting with inexperience.
In an interview, Kenzo maintains that he too is against corruption but he will never incite people to protest because he is aware he serves even those who are against the protests.
He then urges artists like Azawi to join the protestors if they wish but not to wait for command from other artists who are against it.
When you grow older, you speak less because you have enough experience. It’s good that Azawi is passing through where we have been. There is a lot we know that she has yet to experience because we have been here for a while. Do I look like someone who enjoys corruption? I don’t, and I condemn corruption. But some of these people are just using this period as an avenue to express their other personal issues. In Uganda, I cannot incite violence or support demonstrations because some people are just rioting because they were inspired by Kenya. How can you be inspired by Kenyans who torched the parliament and people’s businesses? If she wants to demonstrate, she doesn’t have to ask me to tell her first. Let her go. So if Anitah (Among) retires, what next? I am not stupid. I know that some want to demonstrate but some do not want it, and I serve both groups. I cannot come out and ask people to protest, I cannot promote that.
Eddy Kenzo
Josh Ruby is an Editor with high interest and knowledge in the Ugandan entertainment space, an industry he has been actively part of since 2010. Leads to breaking stories are welcome! More by Josh Ruby