Radio and Weasel's UK ban lifted after five years

By Nigel M. Nassar

THE singing duo of Radio and Weasel can now perform in the UK following the lifting of a ban that was slapped on them five years ago.

In fact, as you read this, the duo is set for a tour in the UK, where they will feature in the Ebonies musical drama Entunnunsi, to be staged at the Troxy Theatre in London and Drum Theatre in Birmingham, on August 23rd and 24th, respectively.

In 2009, Radio and Weasel were prohibited entry into the UK, in what started a 10-year ban triggered by, according to them, using an unscrupulous promoter whose paper work wasn’t in line. The ban would have ended in 2019.

However, the law firm Katende, Ssempebwa and Co. Advocates, last year embarked on a protracted fight to have the singers declared legal in the U.K again, in what has now yielded results.

Speaking at a Kampala press conference where the Ebonies collaboration with the duo was communicated, Radio and Weasel, elated at the development, were all-praises for the law firm, co-owned by Ebonies boss John W. K. Katende.

“We can’t thank Katende, Ssempebwa and Co. Advocates enough. Now we can waltz in and out of the U.K, exporting our talent and exciting our fans there who had missed us for so long. Now it on,” said Radio, displaying his U.K visa for all to see.

Ebonies publicist Sam Bagenda, flanked by his counterpart Dick Kasolo, expressed excitement about the collaboration, which they deem will fill up theatres in the U.K, where Buganda Katikkiro Peter Mayiga will be chief guest.

Also, since many Ugandans in the Diaspora are expected at the theatres for the shows, the Katikkiro will use the opportunity to raise funds in the ongoing “Ettofaali” drive, meant for the development of the kingdom.

Away from the Ebonies and Goodlyfe duo, the shows will also feature performances by Bobi Wine, David Lutalo and Catherine Kusasira.

The show, Entunnunsi, is a musical dramatization of social issues, hinging on love and family among others.