What started as a podcast opinion has quickly exploded into a full-blown East African music showdown! Kenyan singer Bien has found himself under fire after claiming Uganda’s music industry is holding its artists back from conquering regional and international markets.
Speaking on a podcast, the award-winning singer argued that Uganda’s thriving local music scene makes artists too comfortable, saying one hit song is enough to keep an artist performing across the country without feeling the need to aim bigger.
“In Uganda, one hit song can take an artist around the whole country. You have to be there to understand how that system works,” Bien said.
He contrasted Uganda with Kenya, where he says artists quickly exhaust performance opportunities in cities like Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu, forcing them to expand into regional and global markets much earlier in their careers.
Bien went even further, claiming Uganda’s music has become creatively stagnant because many artists are satisfied with pleasing the local audience instead of creating music with international appeal.
But his comments didn’t sit well with several Ugandan stars.
Singer Pallaso was among the first to hit back, taking to X to dismiss Bien’s claims.
“Some say Ugandan music is ‘stuck’ locally even my brother Bien in Kenya. But music is for joy, not just trends or money,” Pallaso wrote.
He went on to argue that great music isn’t defined by how far it travels, pointing to church music as an example.
“Remember church songs? Simple drums, not perfect but still good. Music is personal. Instead of copying Nigerian sounds, let’s explore Africa’s own rich cultures.”
Pallaso also defended Uganda’s music ecosystem, insisting the country embraces different genres and gives more artists a chance to thrive.
“Uganda supports all artists and genres, so more stars rise there than in Kenya,” he added.
The criticism didn’t end there.
During an interview on Galaxy TV, dancehall star Mark Da Urban also dismissed Bien’s remarks, insisting Ugandan artists have always proved themselves on international stages.
He argued that Ugandan musicians are among the most talented in the region and rejected suggestions that they lack ambition beyond the local market.
Enock Mugabi aka iWitness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports.
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