The music industry is highly competitive, with artists constantly striving to produce the best content and performances that resonate with their fans. However, this competition should not lead to disrespect towards other artists, especially those who have paved the way for current musicians. Recently, Ugandan musician Eddy Kenzo made comments that have sparked controversy and raised concerns about the lack of respect towards the legacy of Philly Bongole Lutaaya.
Philly Bongole Lutaaya was a talented musician who used his music to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS in Uganda at a time when the disease was stigmatized. His legacy is celebrated to this day, with his music still inspiring and educating generations. In contrast, Eddy Kenzo is a contemporary artist who has made a name for himself through his unique sound and energetic performances.
In a recent interview, Eddy Kenzo made comments that seemed to belittle Philly Bongole Lutaaya’s legacy, implying that his music was inferior to Eddy Kenzo’s own work. He even went as far as to question why Philly’s music is still celebrated, claiming that he has performed on bigger stages than Philly ever did.
Such comments are not only disrespectful but also show a lack of knowledge and appreciation for the contributions of those who have come before us. Philly Bongole Lutaaya was a pioneer in the Ugandan music industry, and his music paved the way for future generations of musicians, including Eddy Kenzo. To compare the two artists is not only unfair but also illogical, as they come from different eras and musical styles.
Moreover, staging a competition between a living artist and a deceased artist is both insensitive and disrespectful. Philly Bongole Lutaaya is no longer with us to defend his title or his legacy, and it is unfair to pit him against a living artist who can promote their work through social media and other marketing channels. This comparison serves no purpose other than to generate controversy and division among fans.
“ Philly Bongole has no song bigger than mine. ”- Eddy kenzo 🤔‼️
🎥: Ugandabyogere pic.twitter.com/uXak0YaQ4c
— Baboon Forest Entertainment (@BaboonForestEnt) February 18, 2023
When Philly Lutaaya died in 1989, YouTube had just launched in 2005 and there was no internet in UG but p’ple were listening to his music.
The population was fewer than 20M at that time, Philly's Xmas and Born in Africa albums are both larger than Kenzo's whole musical career. pic.twitter.com/rbsfvKqJu4
— PIUS JADWAR (@One_PiusJadwar) February 18, 2023
Zigido. Frightened
Bolingo. Born in Africa
Jambole. Faranga
Mwana muwala. X-mas album
kamuleesi go. Nazza gwaki
Sitya loss. Nkooye pic.twitter.com/xYMHe8fNjP— The Charity Guy 🇺🇬 (@roxie_ug) February 19, 2023
Naye banange, so why mime his " little songs". And how unfair it is for one to stage a competition with a dead.
so how is Philly Lutaaya supposed to defend his title?
Eddy Kenzo, amalala gegakulembeera ekiggwo brother, style-up. pic.twitter.com/jDDxZbsRiS— Uganda's Finest🇺🇬 (@Kassim_Sema) February 18, 2023