Eddy Kenzo attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. PHOTO/ AFP
“And the baby went to South African thank you for the support my people I’m forever grateful. Viva Uganda. This is just the beginning mbagala nyo” reads Eddy Kenzo’s 1:12am tweet, moments after Nomcebo Zikode, Wouter Kellerman and Zakes Bantwini were announced winner of the best global music performance award at Sunday’s 65th Annual Grammy Awards.
The South Africans won the award for their ‘Bayethe’ which had been nominated alongside Kenzo’s ‘Gimme Love’.
When he stepped on the podium after being announced winner, Zikode, well-known as the singer in the hit-song, Jerusalema, said: “Thank you so much to God. You know, I once gave the world a song that took the world by a storm… but I didn’t get this nomination or this award, but God was saying to me, ‘don’t worry, my daughter, I’ll give you Bayethe‘.”
And the baby went to south African thank you for the support my people I’m forever grateful. Viva Uganda. this is just the beginning mbagala nyo????????
— Eddy Kenzo (@eddykenzoficial) February 5, 2023
According to Bantwini winning an award at a prestigious ceremony like the Grammys showed that anything was possible.
“This moment, right here, for anybody that’s in Africa, just proves and affirms that every dream is valid, and I want to say thank you very much to the Academy and to each and every one; and for every child in a ghetto, in a village: just know it’s possible.”
READ: How Sitya Loss grew Eddy Kenzo’s legend
Uganda Grammy nominee Eddy Kenzo triumphs over tragedy
Kellerman, known for his skill with a flute, thanked fans for their support.
“Thank you, so much. This is such a beautiful moment on the road to sharing South African music and culture with the world. Thank you Nomcebo, thank you Zakes for the incredible creativity.”
Wouter Kellerman accepts the Best Global Music Performance award for “Bayethe” onstage during the 65th GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony at Microsoft Theater on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. PHOTO/ AFP
However, hours after missing out on the award, a determined Kenzo, real name Edrissa Musuuza, vowed “ “For God and my country love and blessings ???? one day one time inshallah” as he basked in the hundreds of consolation messages from his fans and other Ugandans.
“Nominating you alone was an achievement and huge win for you and Uganda too. Congratulations to the winner!” Human rights activist, Hillary Tylor replied to Kenzo’s tweet.
“Congratulations bwana! You took us up there @eddykenzoficial ?? that was already a win beyond imagination. Cheers to more hights?,” tweeted former UNESCO youth chairperson, Emmanuel Wabwire.
For NTV journalist, Walter Mewesigye, the Sitya Loss singer is still a winner.
“Congratulations Kenzo. ? You’re still a winner,” he tweeted.
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