By Pato Patrick’s Sentongo
It has been a decade with extreme highs and lows with historic feats and successes achieved with some individuals such as Eddy Kenzo, Bobiwine, and Freshkid making history .
However 2009-2019 has also been a decade where the nation grieved the loss of some of its great entertainers, those who contributed to the industry positively and greatly. We cast our minds back, and focus on the best and worst moments
_________________*THE HIGHS*_______________
1. EDDY KENZO – The year 2015 saw Eddy Kenzo become the first Ugandan & EastAfrican Artist to ever win a Black Entertainment Television ( BET ) award in the category of “Viewers Choice Best New International Artist” with his hit “Sitya loss.” The song sprung him to an international level with credits going to the captivating video which featured creative and exciting dances from the Triplets Ghetto Kids.
Kenzo beat South Africa’s Casper Nyovest, Ghana’s Mz Vee, UK’s ‘George The Poet,’ MIC Lowry and Novelist to the accolade.
From that time Eddy Kenzo has never looked back as he just keeps on waving the Ugandan flag high by winning all the awards whenever he is nominated with each year that passes by. Kenzo keeps his BET Award in the Ugandan Museum.
2. BOBIWINE– The year 2017 came with its historic moment as Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu Alias Bobiwine overwhelming won the Kyadondo East MP seat by-election on his first attempt in a political contest. His historic victory has inspired a number of fellow celebrities to join active politics as many artists and media personalities are set to run for Parliamentary seats come 2021.
Bobi has set his sights on becoming the first entertainer to seriously contest for presidency in Uganda.
3. FRESHKID – The surprise rise of Patrick Senyonjo popularly known as Freshkid at the age of seven saw him become the first child rapper in Africa to win an international award. Freshkid won the best International Music Video at the American Based Carolina Music Video Awards ( CMVA’s ) .
His triumph gave birth to a new breed of child rappers in the country some of whom include Felista, Kapiripit, RingRapper, Stone Age among others. They all acknowledge his influence and inspiration.
4. THE COMEDY INDUSTRY– in the recent years, the comedy industry has also impressively risen to a level that many did not expect as comedians nowadays hold annual shows which go to sell out. Ever since Alex Muhangi started his comedy store UG platform , the transformation in comedy has been evident as it has given rise to new comedians.
5. HOUSE UNVEILING – In the decade, a number of celebrities have displayed some of their achievements from their hard work . Most have unveiled new mansions including Bebecool, Eddy Kenzo , Sheebah Karungi, Hellen Lukoma , Banjoman , king Saha, Rema Namakula.
6. RAPID RISE OF NEW TALENT– Unlike the past decades, this one in particular has seen a number of giants rise. As if on a daily basis , there is always a new artist gracing the entertainment industry.
________________*THE LOWS*_______________
1. DEATH OF MWOZEY RADIO– The passing on of the late Radio was one of the major blows that the entertainment industry faced this decade. Many music lovers, family, and friends have failed to recover from the tragedy. Radio succumbed to head injuries following a bar brawl. The decade also saw music fans grieve the loss of their other celebrities including Artist AK47, Danz Kumapeesa, Mr X , Martin Angume, Ivan Semwanga, DizzyNuts, LUMIX, Harriet Kisaakye, Alex Sempijja, Master Blasta among others.
2. BEBECOOL SHOOTING – 30th January 2010 will forever be a day to remember in the life of Gagamel boss Bebecool. His life was nearly ended after he was shot at by a security guard at centenary park.
3. THE JULY 2010 KAMPALA BOMBINGS – It took almost an entire year to erase the fright from most revelers after the 14th July 2010 Suicide bombings. The attack’s were carried out against crowds watching a screening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final match at two locations in Kampala. The attack’s left 74 dead and 71 injured.
Several other events happened within the decade but we believe the above are what got the attention in the entertainment industry .
