Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo has responded strongly to comments made by media personality Sheilah Gashumba regarding Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz’s reception during his recent visit to Uganda for the Coffee Marathon.
Sheilah stirred debate online after claiming that the lavish treatment Diamond received was deserved, citing his strong personal brand and international image.
According to her, no Ugandan artist matches Diamond in performance and style, which justifies the red-carpet treatment he was given.
However, Kenzo dismissed her remarks as misguided and uninformed. Speaking to journalists, he made it clear that he has no intention of modeling himself after Diamond Platnumz or adopting a flashy lifestyle.
“I’m not here to copy Diamond Platnumz. I’m not going to start wearing 20 gold chains. My background doesn’t allow me to live like that,I can’t live a luxurious life while kids in the ghetto are suffering. I’d rather use that money to help them and uplift the youth.”Kenzo said.
Kenzo also took issue with the idea that branding means being inaccessible or surrounded by heavy security. He criticized the notion that being difficult to reach or charging exorbitant fees makes an artist more successful.
“Is branding about moving with a dozen security guards, turning down calls, and being unavailable to fans and fellow Ugandans? If that’s what it means, then I don’t want that kind of brand,” he said.
“Sometimes someone wants to book you for a local function, and you bill them a figure they can’t afford. Is that what branding is?”,he added
Kenzo was also one of the first Ugandan artists to speak out against the event organizers of the Coffee Marathon, accusing them of sidelining local talent in favor of Diamond Platnumz.
His remarks drew criticism from some who argued that artists were paid based on their bargaining power and should not complain if they received what they negotiated.
In response, Kenzo clarified that he had no issue with his payment, emphasizing that he was paid exactly what he asked for and used the funds to support his team.
“I wasn’t complaining about the money. I got what I asked for, and it was enough. I traveled with a big team two buses full of dancers, band members, and ground crew and they were all paid and fed. What I was talking about was the respect and treatment of Ugandan artists. And most Ugandans understood that,” he explained
