Frank Gashumba blasts Ugandan musicians as “local only”

• Frank Gashumba challenged listeners to name a Ugandan artist who could rival Nigeria’s Burna Boy in terms of international appeal. 
• According to Gashumba, the only artist with any international recognition is Eddy Kenzo, whom he credits more to luck than exceptional talent.

Socio-political commentator Frank Gashumba has labeled all Ugandan artists as local. During a radio show he co-hosts with Adam Kungu on Radio 4, Gashumba asserted that no Ugandan artist has reached an international standard.

He invited anyone to name a single artist from Uganda who could be compared to Nigeria’s Burna Boy. Gashumba remarked that even when these artists perform abroad, it is typically in small venues in minor towns, which he likened to places such as Kalerwe. These events are usually attended by almost entirely Ugandans.

Moreover, Gashumba claimed that the only artist with some international recognition is Eddy Kenzo, but he attributes his success to luck.

Other artists like King Saha and Jose Chameleone, despite their talent, do not have music that extends beyond Uganda’s borders.

He further noted that many Ugandans are intimidated by these artists because they believe they are very influential.

However, Gashumba argued that in truth, they are overly local and merely aspiring. He highlighted that the dominant music trends are Amapiano and Afro Beats, neither of which originates from Uganda.