Eddy Kenzo
The news of Eddy Kenzo’s nomination in the 2023 Grammy Awards has been the talk of the town since yesterday evening after the announcement. East Africa’s first BET Award winner is nominated for the best Global Music Performance courtesy of “Gimme Love,” a song where he is featured by American singer, songwriter, and producer Matt B.
The government of Uganda, through Twitter, has expressed with pride, “@eddykenzoficial one of our finest talented artiste has been nominated in the Grammy Awards Best Global Music performance category ‘Gimme Love’ where he featured @mattworld.”
The nomination which would ideally have people celebrating has instead caused a debate. Some acknowledge Kenzo’s hard work, but some have refused to accept that he has brought Uganda the first official nomination at the prestigious awards. Some have gone political, while others have gone back to comparing the Semyekozo singer with other international artists.
They have also brought up the Abayudaya alias the Jewish people of Uganda, a music group believed to have scooped Uganda’s first Grammy nomination.
Abayudaya hail from Mbale Mbale district, Namanyonyi sub-county and was nominated in 2005 in the Best Traditional World Music Album (Vocal or Instrumental) category. However, music lovers argue that theirs was not a Ugandan project.
Immediately after the news got to the music industry, musicians, media personalities and bloggers took to their social media to express gratitude.
“Wow wow Congratulations @eddykenzo on being nominated for a Grammy, this is a dream for many of us, and you have kicked the door in for all of us, I’m proud of you and I bet so is the whole of Uganda, keep waving our Ugandan flag high, may God bless you even more,” Maurice Kirya expressed
Known for his controversial year-ender music ranks, Bebe Cool appreciated: “Congratulations my young brother Eddy Kenzo on your Grammy nomination, your humble behavior will always be the key to opening all your opportunities. May Allah bless you more coz this nomination is a win for you and all of us as Ugandans. Let’s bring this Grammy to Uganda.”
Overwhelmed Douglas Lwanga rallied Ugandans to start voting with belief that their votes count. “From a BET winner to now a Grammy Award Nominee. Congratulations Uganda, Congz Eddy Kenzo. Now let’s vote Vote Vote and bring the Grammy to Uganda,”
Lwanga, who hosts a daily music show was in turn condemned for playing Nigerian music during his shows. A one Sheila Maama Keillah reminded him of his love for Nigerian music. “Since you’re always promoting Nigerian music, it’s time for us to show them more support, Congratulations Burna,” she commented
While some were googling to see how they can follow Lwanga’s command of voting, learned followers reminded him that fans are not the ones to vote. Ugandans can only support with prayers and fasting.
Blogger Paddy Kitayimbwa alias Ray Supasta chose to compare Uganda’s Kaana ka Mbata with Tanzania’s Simba. He took to his social media and posted pictures of the two artistes with the caption Eddy Kenzo is better than Diamond Platnumz. Eddy Kenzo has a B.E.T Award, Diamond has none. Eddy Kenzo has a Grammy Nomination that can turn into a win, Diamond has none,” he concluded by ranking Eddy Kenzo as East Africa’s finest.
“That Grammy will go to Burna Boy,” US-based Ugandan blogger Sarajoy Bakanansa said. Sarajoy is a staunch National Unity Platform (NUP) supporter who attacks anyone that believes otherwise.
She threatened that Kenzo begs for Ugandans’ support or else the award would go to Nigeria’s Burna Boy.
“At this time you need all Ugandans, otherwise that award will go to Burnaboy as it has always been. Not even Pombe can bribe the Grammy academy. So it’s time you need to speak to all Ugandans and stop pretending not to see what’s going on in the country. Sometimes the fan needs to feel that you care,” she said
She explained that Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ song is number 44 on US Billboard Hot 100, number 1 on US Afrobeats, number 2 on US Rhythmic, and number 2 on US World Digital Song Sales. She also believes that Micheal Kiwanuka might bring the Grammy for Best Rock Album. The Ganda Boyz could also try.
Unfortunately, Sarajoy is not aware that Micheal Kiwanuka is not a Ugandan but a British singer, songwriter, and record producer. The Ganda boys, formerly known as Da Twinz were only named on Grammy Awards consideration list but were not nominated.
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