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Showing posts from May, 2026

Jose Chameleone joins Africa’s biggest names for the Africa Forward Summit

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Whenever Jose Chameleone takes the stage, the moment often feels larger than music itself. His performances carry the weight of a career that has shaped East African entertainment for decades, blending charisma, influence, and a sound that has travelled far beyond Uganda’s borders. And next week in Nairobi, that legacy will once again command attention during one of Africa’s biggest gatherings. The celebrated Ugandan star is set to perform at the Africa Forward Concert on May 12 at the Moi International Sports Centre Indoor Arena, an event forming part of the wider Africa Forward Summit 2026. While the summit is largely focused on innovation, business, and international partnerships, the concert is expected to inject a powerful cultural dimension into the discussions. Chameleone’s appearance adds another layer of significance to a lineup already packed with continental heavyweights. Kenyan sensation Bien, Congolese superstar Fally Ipupa, Nigeria’s Yemi Alade, and Senegalese icon Yous...

Balaam Barugahara: “I Was Already Extremely Rich Before Joining Government”

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  For many leaders, landing a ministerial position is often viewed as the peak of achievement and influence. However, Minister of State for Youths and Children Affairs Balaam Barugahara says political office was never the source of his wealth, insisting he had already achieved financial success long before joining government. While speaking in an interview with Uganda Broadcasting Corporation , Balaam made it clear that his life would remain comfortable even without holding public office. According to him, business — not politics — built his fortune and reputation. “I don’t mind if I am not a minister or a Member of Parliament,” Balaam stated. “I am a successful businessman. I am not a millionaire; I am a billionaire.” The outspoken minister explained that he entered politics from a position of financial independence, noting that his companies were already well established before he became a government official. He stressed that taking up a ministerial role never affected the o...

Buganda Kingdom seeks film collaboration to bring Uganda Martyrs’ story to an international audience

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The Buganda Kingdom is in discussions over a possible partnership with filmmaker Mathew Nabwiso for an upcoming historical film titled Flames of Faith , which will focus on Kabaka Mwanga and the Uganda Martyrs. The talks come amid a wider initiative spearheaded by Rosa Malango, the Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism and Trade, aimed at boosting community-based tourism by connecting Uganda’s creative sector with its cultural heritage institutions. Malango recently led a delegation that included members of the Producers Guild of Uganda and representatives from the iKON Film and Television Awards to Bulange, Mengo, where they held discussions with the Katikkiro, Charles Peter Mayiga, as well as officials Anthony Wamala and Robert Sserwanga. The conversations centred on a shared ambition to transform Uganda’s historical narratives into globally appealing films that can attract international audiences and, in turn, encourage tourism to the real locations where these stories took plac...

Sheebah acknowledges Winnie Nwagi’s role in trying to end Spice Diana feud

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Ugandan musician Sheebah Karungi has shared that singer Winnie Nwagi once made an effort to ease the long-standing tension between her and fellow artist Spice Diana, though the attempt did not lead to reconciliation. The two singers have had a strained relationship for years, with previous efforts to settle their differences failing to create lasting peace between them. While speaking on her “Let’s Talk About It” podcast, Sheebah expressed appreciation for Nwagi’s intervention, saying it showed maturity and earned her respect. “I met Winnie at Bad Black’s wedding, and she asked me, ‘What’s the issue between you and Spice Diana?’ I like that—that’s why I love Winnie,” Sheebah said. “She told me she was thinking of bringing us together to sit and sort things out, but I told her I also wanted to understand what the issue really was.” Sheebah further suggested that fan rivalry may have contributed to the ongoing friction, although she questioned whether that alone could be blamed for t...

Music catalog of Khalifa Aganaga hits the market at Shs800m

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Ugandan musician Khalifa Aganaga has sparked industry debate after revealing plans to put his entire music catalog up for auction, setting the opening price at Shs800 million in what he describes as a bold investment opportunity. In a recent interview, the singer said his target audience is now Kampala’s affluent business community, whom he believes have not yet fully tapped into the financial value of music ownership. “I will come and teach all the wealthy people in Kampala about music,” he said, framing the move as an effort to reposition music as a serious asset rather than just entertainment. At the heart of the proposal is his recorded catalog, built over years in the industry. However, Aganaga’s structure comes with an unusual arrangement: even if the catalog is sold, he intends to keep his performance and image rights. This means the buyer would own the recordings and earn from them, while Aganaga would continue performing the songs publicly at concerts, weddings, and corpor...

Tension rises as Sheebah Karungi warns Spice Diana: “Don’t touch my blessings”

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 In a moment that blurred the line between motivational talk and subtle industry tension, Sheebah Karungi has set social media ablaze with remarks many believe were aimed directly at Spice Diana. Speaking during a live session, the singer delivered a message centered on patience, gratitude, and focusing on one’s own path—but it was her tone and choice of words that quickly turned heads. “Be satisfied with your blessings. Don’t rush for other people’s blessings. Leave mine alone,” she said, a statement that instantly sparked debate among fans and industry observers. While the message could be read as general life advice, its delivery and context left little room for neutrality, with many interpreting it as a veiled warning wrapped in personal conviction. Sheebah went on to reflect on her own journey, acknowledging that even she has experienced moments of envy but emphasizing that success unfolds differently for everyone. According to her, what one artist achieves in two decades,...

Bebe Cool Raises Concern Over Late Payments for Rally Performances

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Singer Bebe Cool has addressed mounting concerns from artists who performed at President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s campaign rallies earlier this year but are still waiting to be paid. The matter has recently drawn public attention, with musicians including Gravity Omutujju and Buchaman openly demanding their payments through interviews and social media posts. During a TikTok Live session, Bebe Cool confirmed that the performers have not yet been paid, acknowledging the frustration within the creative community. “That’s true, there hasn’t been payment yet,” he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and a clearer update is expected soon after consultations with the relevant authorities. “Very soon we should have a proper answer for everyone.” He encouraged artists to exercise patience as the issue is handled, noting that professionalism in such situations can impact future opportunities. “If someone gives you work, it’s important to be patient and disciplined,” he said. “That way,...

Navio speaks out after disappointing concert experience, asks fans to be present

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Rapper Navio has sparked fresh conversation about modern concert culture, urging fans to reconsider their habit of watching live performances through their phone screens instead of fully engaging with the moment. Reflecting on how things have changed over time, Navio noted that live shows used to be defined by direct connection between artists and audiences. Today, however, he says many fans are more focused on capturing footage than experiencing the performance itself. “Sometimes when you are performing, people are putting up their phones. Before we used to see their faces, now we see their phones,” he observed. While he understands the desire to document memories, especially when watching a favourite artist, Navio believes the constant recording often disrupts the energy and emotional exchange that makes live music powerful. “As soon as you come on stage, people want to record it. I want them to enjoy it since they are already watching me live,” he said. He instead proposed a mi...

The Troubled Marriage of Comedian Kapale: A Story of Fear and Loss

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Comedian MC Kapale, born Simon Kawuki Zikusoka, has opened up about a difficult chapter of his life, detailing what he describes as emotional distress and abuse during his marriage to an older white woman. What began as an exciting opportunity abroad, he says, gradually turned into a painful experience that forced him to rethink his decisions and ultimately walk away from what he once believed would be a fresh start. Speaking in an interview with Cruz Exclusive, Kapale explained that his relocation to the United States was fueled by optimism. He had hoped marriage would offer him stability, love, and a chance to rebuild his life in a new environment. To him, it represented a turning point—both personally and professionally. However, that optimism, according to him, faded soon after the wedding. He recalls that the early stages of the marriage were already marked by emotional strain and discomfort, replacing the excitement he had initially felt. Instead of the supportive home he had...

Joshua Baraka Dismisses Nigerian Label Rumors, Affirms Independence

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Fast-rising Ugandan artist Joshua Baraka has stepped in to dismiss recent rumors surrounding his career direction, opting to clear the air amid growing online speculation. In recent days, social media has been flooded with claims suggesting that the soulful singer had exited his Ugandan record label to join a major Nigerian music outfit. The reports quickly spread, fueling debate among fans and music industry observers. However, Baraka has firmly denied the allegations. Addressing the speculation, he clarified that no such deal exists and insisted the narrative is inaccurate. “This is misinformation,” he said. “I’m not signed to any new management. I’m fully independent now and just building a team around me as I’m trying to do my own thing.” The singer explained that his current direction follows five years of working within a structured arrangement alongside what he described as close collaborators he considers “my brothers.” His shift toward independence appears to be a strateg...

Kenzo and Nyamutooro Celebrate Arrival of Their Second Child

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  Singer Eddy Kenzo and Hon. Phiona Nyamutooro have been blessed with a baby girl, expanding their family once again. The news of the child’s birth emerged early Tuesday morning, quickly spreading across social media as fans and well-wishers celebrated the couple and sent congratulatory messages. The newborn is the couple’s second child together, coming after their first child, a son, who was born before they formalised their marriage. With the latest arrival, they now have what many observers describe as a complete family unit. People close to the family say both the mother and baby are in stable health. However, the name of the newborn has not yet been made public, with more details expected to follow in due course. The new baby brings Kenzo’s known number of children to four. He has two children with Nyamutooro, as well as daughters Amaal Musuuza and Maya Musuuza from previous relationships. The development adds another joyful milestone to the singer’s personal life as his ...