A storm is brewing in Uganda’s music industry after executive Nyanzi Martin Luther and singer Badboy Kapeke publicly questioned the growing trend of international collaborations.
At the center of the debate is the “Morocco” remix by Joshua Baraka featuring Jamaican star Shenseea.
While supporters argue the remix elevates Uganda’s global presence, Nyanzi insists such moves may not reflect genuine international breakthrough.
“Joshua Baraka is not a celebrity in Uganda but rather outside Uganda. If you ask people who don’t follow music, you’ll see the difference,” he argued.
According to Nyanzi, Uganda still lacks a fully recognized international artist and must first consolidate its domestic market before celebrating cross-border collaborations.
Badboy Kapeke’s comments intensified the debate. The singer said collaboration is not about hype but about mutual respect.
“I cannot work with Shenseea unless she appreciates me. But I can work with Joshua,” Kapeke said.
He further claimed that he currently sees no Nigerian artist worth collaborating with, describing many as having “fallen,” though he left room for partnerships with select Ugandan musicians.
The comments have sparked mixed reactions online, with some fans defending global collaborations as smart business strategy, while others see the statements as exposing underlying tensions, pride, and competition within the industry.
As discussions continue, one question remains: Is Uganda’s music industry confidently stepping onto the global stage — or still grappling with internal divisions and identity struggles?
