Ugandan singer and music executive Eddy Kenzo has spoken out against what he described as unfair treatment of local performers at the recently concluded Coffee Marathon event held in Ntungamo on 24 May.
Kenzo, 35, who attended the event with his wife, Hon. Phiona Nyamutoro — a State Minister and aspiring Member of Parliament for Nebbi District — claimed that local artists were sidelined in favour of Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz.
Speaking after his performance, Kenzo alleged that the organisers prioritised the Wasafi WCB artist, flying him in by private jet while Ugandan performers received only minimal allowances for transport.
“There was a lot of disorganisation by the organisers,” Kenzo said.
“They hired a private jet for him and gave us a little money for fuel. The showing off was too much at the cost of our industry. It’s like the rest of us were not artists. It was very demeaning and disrespectful.”
He added that Diamond Platnumz was also given top priority during soundcheck, leaving Ugandan performers feeling “insignificant” on home ground.
The event, aimed at promoting Uganda’s coffee industry, drew attention for its star-studded line-up and high-profile guests. But Kenzo’s comments have sparked a broader discussion about the treatment of local talent in international events hosted within the country.
Responding to Kenzo’s remarks during a televised interview on NTV The Beat on Tuesday, veteran artist Bebe Cool defended the organisers’ decisions, describing Diamond as one of East Africa’s most valuable music exports.
“It’s not true that Diamond Platnumz was paid 750 million Ugandan shillings to perform at the Coffee Marathon,” Bebe Cool said, addressing speculation about the Tanzanian singer’s fee.
He suggested that such decisions often come down to negotiation and market value.
“Eddy’s response is based on his understanding, but as my young brother, I’d like to use my experience to teach these young artists how and why you should or shouldn’t say certain things at certain times,” he added.
Neither the organisers nor Diamond Platnumz’s management have issued an official statement in response to the controversy.
