Socio-political commentator Frank Gashumba has stirred controversy by branding all Ugandan musicians as strictly local acts.
Speaking on a Radio 4 program he co-hosts with Adam Kungu, Gashumba claimed that no Ugandan artist has achieved international status.
Challenging listeners, he asked them to name a single Ugandan musician who could be compared to Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
He argued that even when Ugandan artists perform overseas, it’s usually in small venues located in less prominent towns comparing them to local places like Kalerwe—and attended mostly by fellow Ugandans.
Gashumba acknowledged that Eddy Kenzo is the only artist with some international recognition but dismissed it as largely a matter of luck rather than global appeal or sustained impact.
He added that while artists such as King Saha and Jose Chameleone may be talented, their music has failed to break into global markets.
Gashumba also claimed that many Ugandans overestimate the influence of these musicians, viewing them as powerful figures. In reality, he said, they remain largely local and are still striving for international relevance.
He concluded by noting that today’s leading global music trends such as Amapiano and Afrobeats originate outside Uganda, further emphasizing his point.