KAMPALA, Uganda — Ugandan music star Eddy Kenzo has said he is done publicly responding to fellow artist Bebe Cool, signaling a possible pause in a long-running rivalry that has spilled beyond music into politics and industry leadership.
Kenzo, whose real name is Edrisah Musuuza, said he will no longer comment on Bebe Cool, arguing that public exchanges only benefit his rival. In an interview, Kenzo said talking about Bebe Cool brings him no gain and instead gives his opponent attention.
The remarks came amid rising tensions between the two artists, both of whom actively campaign for President Yoweri Museveni and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) during the 2026 election period.
Accusations Linked to Campaign Events
The feud intensified in late 2025 during NRM campaign activities where both musicians performed at political rallies. Kenzo accused Bebe Cool’s team of interfering with his performances, claiming sound systems were tampered with and media coverage restricted whenever he appeared on stage.
“Whenever I come to perform, microphones go off, live cameras also go off, even bloggers turn away,” Kenzo said at the time, accusing Bebe Cool and his team of deliberate sabotage.
Bebe Cool, whose real name is Moses Ssali, denied the allegations. However, the claims fueled public debate about rivalry, influence and competition for recognition within ruling party circles.
Industry Figures Weigh In
The dispute soon attracted commentary from other musicians. Singer Cindy Sanyu suggested the conflict had less to do with music and more to do with access to money and political proximity.
“I think the reason the two are clashing is money,” she said in an interview. “Everyone wants to be close to President Museveni because of cash and favors.”
Sanyu predicted the tension would fade after the election season, saying the disagreements were not rooted in artistic differences.
Copyright Dispute Adds Fuel
Tensions rose again in early January 2026 when Bebe Cool publicly criticized Kenzo’s leadership as president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF). He accused Kenzo of lacking understanding of copyright law and dismissed his push for reforms in music rights management.
“Eddy Kenzo lacks knowledge about copyright,” Bebe Cool said, questioning his authority to speak on industry policy.
The comments touched on an ongoing debate within the music sector over how artists should earn from their work, an issue that has divided musicians and promoters.
Kenzo Fires Back, Then Pulls Away
Kenzo responded sharply, questioning Bebe Cool’s musical relevance and consistency. He criticized Bebe Cool’s recent output and accused him of provoking younger or trending artists to stay in the public spotlight.
However, Kenzo later said he would stop engaging in such exchanges, describing Bebe Cool as someone who thrives on conflict.
“I don’t care about his actions,” Kenzo said in a recent interview. “Personally, he is always fighting. He survives by that.”
A Rivalry Years in the Making
The rivalry between Kenzo and Bebe Cool stretches back many years and reflects the competitive nature of Uganda’s music industry. Kenzo rose to international fame with hits such as “Sitya Loss,” while Bebe Cool built his career as a reggae and dancehall pioneer.
Their shared political loyalty to the NRM has, in recent years, turned cooperation into competition. Industry sources say the current dispute also involves rival proposals presented to President Museveni for government support to the music sector, with Kenzo pushing reforms through the UNMF and Bebe Cool reportedly favoring direct oversight.
Public Reaction and What Comes Next
Social media users have closely followed the feud, sharing memes, debates and calls for reconciliation. Some fans urged unity within the music industry, while others treated the rivalry as entertainment.
With national elections approaching, Kenzo’s decision to step back from public exchanges could either calm tensions or mark a temporary pause in one of Uganda’s most persistent celebrity rivalries.
