Fred Sebatta breaks down as Kadongo Kamu legends clash with Eddy Kenzo

Veteran Kadongo Kamu legend Fred Sebatta was overcome with emotion as tensions escalated between Uganda’s old guard musicians and Eddy Kenzo, following remarks that many have interpreted as dismissive of the genre’s foundational role in the country’s music industry.

The controversy has drawn in respected voices from the Kadongo Kamu fraternity, including Willy Mukabya, Fred Sebaale, and Kibijigiri, all of whom have expressed disappointment with Kenzo in his role as President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation.

Speaking with visible pain, Sebatta, whose storytelling music helped shape Uganda’s cultural and musical identity, questioned how pioneers who built the industry from scratch could now be overlooked. His emotional reaction has struck a chord with many fans who grew up on Kadongo Kamu’s rich narratives and social commentary.

The artists argue that Kadongo Kamu laid the groundwork for Uganda’s modern sound long before the rise of contemporary genres like Afrobeats and dancehall. They point to the challenges they faced, from limited recording infrastructure to a lack of industry support, as proof that their contribution is not only significant but foundational.

The backlash follows Kenzo’s assertion that no artist from the 1990s outperformed those from the 2000s. He went further, challenging critics to point out properties owned by legendary figures such as Paul Kafeero, Dan Mugula, or Herman Basudde, contrasting them with visible investments by modern stars like Jose Chameleone and Bebe Cool.

His remarks have since sparked a wider conversation about generational respect, recognition, and the preservation of Uganda’s musical heritage. Critics argue the issue goes beyond a single statement, reflecting a growing disconnect between the legends who built the industry and the new leadership shaping its future.

As the debate intensifies, calls for dialogue and reconciliation are growing louder, with many urging both sides to find common ground in honoring the past while building what comes next.

Kadongo Kamu legend Fred Sebatta was overcome with emotion as he and fellow veterans called out Eddy Kenzo for allegedly downplaying their contribution to Uganda’s music industry.

He says Kadongo Kamu laid the foundation and deserve recognition#SqoopUpdates pic.twitter.com/CQ2PNCfuPu

— SQOOP; It’s Deep (@MonitorSqoop) April 8, 2026