By Our Reporter

Eddy Kenzo, the president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), has responded to fellow singer Bebe Cool, who had previously criticized his understanding of Uganda’s copyright management system. The exchange has reignited debates within the music industry about the need for stronger copyright protections and the role of artists in shaping policy.

The tension between the two music heavyweights escalated after Bebe Cool questioned Kenzo’s expertise on copyright law in past interviews.

During a recent media address, Kenzo slammed Bebe Cool’s late-to-the-game critiques, accusing him of seeking relevance by capitalizing on trending songs.

“Bebe Cool waits for songs to trend before jumping in to give his opinion. He’s chasing relevance,” Kenzo stated, according to sources close to him. He further dismissed Bebe Cool’s claims, stating, “The copyright law is still in the legislative process. What’s needed now is a robust copyright management system to track and monitor airplays in radios, hotels, bars, and other public venues.”

Kenzo emphasized that while legal frameworks are being developed, the absence of a centralized system to enforce royalties and track usage of artists’ work remains a critical issue. As the head of UNMF, he has long advocated for such reforms to ensure musicians receive fair compensation.

In a final jab, Kenzo declared this would be his last public engagement on the matter, stating, “Bebe Cool is not worth my attention anymore. He should focus on his music instead of undermining others.” The statement signals a potential end to the public spat between the two artists.

The feud reflects broader challenges in Uganda’s music industry, where copyright violations and lax enforcement have long been a concern. UNMF and other advocacy groups have been pushing for stricter laws to protect artists’ intellectual property, a cause Kenzo has championed since his tenure as a prominent musician and industry leader.

As discussions on copyright reform continue, Kenzo’s remarks are expected to fuel renewed calls for legislative action. For now, the music community remains divided, with many hoping the rivalry will translate into progress for Uganda’s struggling music rights framework.