Eddy Kenzo appointed Senior Presidential Adviser on Creatives

From a president to a presidential advisor sounds like a demotion, until you consider that calling yourself a president of a loose federation (Uganda National Musicians Federation) of musicians is nothing compared to being an advisor of the head of state.

Eddy Kenzo has been appointed as a Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives.  

Sources say the appointment happened early this week at State House, Entebbe where a couple of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo met with President Yoweri Museveni. 

According to a source privy to the meeting, they discussed issues regarding the amendment of the copyright law. The musicians also asked for funds to buy off Alur Suites in Mutundwe, the hotel that houses the UNMF offices. Suites where they currently host the Jam Session nights for the musicians and many others.

It is also alleged that the president promised to build state of the art music studios in 19 regions and also asked musicians to go back to the State House in three weeks after making proper research about the copyright law. The president also gave the musicians’ federation three cars.

Phiona Nyamutoro, Kenzo’s fiancée and the Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals), took to social media to celebrate his new role, expressing her immense pride in his achievement.

"Big congratulations to the one and only Eddy Kenzo on your appointment as Senior Presidential Adviser on Creativity! This is a well-deserved recognition of your talent, hard work, and dedication to the arts," wrote Balaam Barugahara, State Minister for Youth.

Eddy Kenzo now joins other musicians like Butcha Man (Mark Bugembe) who advises the president on matters of the ghetto, Catherine Kusasira (Kampala Affairs) and Full Figure (Youth Affairs) on the list of musicians who were previously appointed as presidential advisors.

Eddy Kenzo - From Street Kid to Global Icon

Kenzo's life story is one of resilience and triumph over adversity. Born Edrisah Musuuza, Kenzo faced unimaginable hardships from a tender age.

After losing his mother at just four years old, he was left to fend for himself on the streets of Masaka and Kampala. For 13 years, he survived through sheer determination. Although he initially aspired to become a professional footballer, life had other plans for him.

His football talents earned him a bursary at Lubiri Secondary School in Kampala, but his passion soon shifted to music.

In 2008, Kenzo released his first single, "Yanimba," featuring Mickie Wine. While the song's success was modest, it marked the beginning of his musical journey. His big break came in 2010 with the release of "Stamina," a song that became an anthem, earning him national acclaim.

"Sitya Loss" in 2014 cemented his stardom and propelling him onto the global stage. The song's viral music video, featuring the Triplets Ghetto Kids, captured international attention and led to Kenzo winning the BET Award for Viewers' Choice Best New International Artist in 2015, an unprecedented achievement for an East African artiste.

With enough pocket change, he started a record label, Big Talent Entertainment and later launched the Big Talent Soccer Academy in 2019. His musical collaborations with top African artistes like Harmonize, Diamond Platnumz, and Patoranking have further solidified his international appeal.

Having made a mark in singing happy-go-lucky music, he toyed with politics around 2019. He has since gone back to “default settings” and you will not catch him perform his political-leaning songs like “System Volongoto” on a stage. In a recent interview, he clarified that he will not support any protests against a government and asked citizens to seek other measures to resolve any issues.

He has served as a tourism ambassador for both Kenya and Uganda, promoting the regions' beauty and culture. His awards cabinet includes accolades from the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, All Africa Music Awards, and the International Reggae and World Music Awards, among others.

Family and personal life

Kenzo's personal life has often been in the spotlight. In 2014, he publicly acknowledged his relationship with singer Rema Namakula, with whom he has a daughter. Despite their eventual separation in 2019, Kenzo's music continued to resonate with fans, with hits like "Semyekozo" and "Tweyagale" reflecting his personal experiences.

In a more recent chapter of his life, Kenzo and Phiona Nyamutoro, Uganda's Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development, got engaged in a traditional ceremony in Buziga, Kampala, in June 2024.

The intimate event, attended by close family and friends, marked the beginning of their formal journey together. The couple's deep connection was on full display, with Kenzo describing the event as the first step in their marriage process, with a larger celebration planned in Nebbi.

Kenzo recently confirmed their relationship and shared that they have a child together. His social media posts, along with a music video for "Nervous," a tribute to Nyamutoro, further illustrate their strong bond.

The song celebrates their love and the journey they are embarking on together, ahead of their traditional marriage ceremony in Nebbi. Will be interesting watching Kenzo and Nyamutoro cross paths in State House corridors.