Renowned Ugandan dancehall artist and President of the Uganda Musicians Association (UMA), Cinderella Sanyu, popularly known as Cindy Sanyu, has announced her intention to meet with President Yoweri Museveni to discuss the possibility of allowing fellow musician and opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, to return to the stage.
Bobi Wine, who transitioned from music to politics, has been barred from performing in Uganda for several years.
The ban, imposed by the Ugandan government under President Museveni, followed accusations that he was using international platforms to criticize the government while attempting to profit from local performances.
In a recent media interview, Cindy revealed that a group of artists, including herself, is planning a meeting with the President to discuss various issues affecting the music industry. One of the key matters she personally intends to address is whether it’s possible to separate music from politics especially in cases where one individual is involved in both.
Cindy expressed that she misses seeing Bobi Wine perform, particularly because they collaborated on a song. She shared that it would be meaningful to perform it together during her shows, but she understands the complex protocols now surrounding his stage appearances due to his political role.
“I really miss him on stage, especially because we have a song together. I would’ve loved for him to occasionally perform it with me, but I understand the current restrictions that come with his political involvement,” Cindy Sanyu said.
She went on to explain that the conversation with the President is important not only for Bobi Wine but also for other artists who may wish to venture into politics without abandoning their music careers.
“We’re planning a meeting with the President soon, and this is one of the topics I hope to bring up. I may also decide to enter politics someday, but I’d still want to continue with my music. So I’d like to see whether someone can be allowed to freely express political views without losing their right to perform,” she added.
It’s worth noting that while tensions have occasionally flared between other musicians and the Ugandan government in the past, Bobi Wine is the first artist to face a formal performance ban highlighting the complex intersection of music, politics, and freedom of expression in the country.
