Bushingtone has come to Bien‘s defence.
The prominent music producer believes many people misunderstood the Kenyan singer’s recent comments about Ugandan music, insisting Bien highlighted a genuine challenge instead of taking a swipe at the industry.
The debate started after Bien appeared on the Let the Cake Podcast, where he discussed Uganda’s music business model and suggested the country’s sound has not evolved much over the years.
His remarks quickly triggered reactions from several Ugandan entertainers, including Pallaso, Mark Da Urban, and DJ Selecta Jeff.
Bien later clarified that short clips circulating online did not capture the full conversation and stressed that he meant no disrespect to Uganda’s music industry.
Bushingtone, however, believes Bien did not need to explain himself.
Appearing on NBS KURT, he argued that the Sauti Sol member simply pointed out that Uganda has not produced enough artists making consistent waves beyond its borders.
What Bien was trying to say, I understood from a positive perspective. He feels there is no real challenge coming from Uganda. There is so much effort coming from Tanzania. When he looks there, he sees Harmonize, Rayvanny, Zuchu, and Diamond Platnumz. In Uganda, if he does not see Joshua Baraka, then he is not seeing anyone. That is where the problem comes in.
Bushingtone believes Uganda has the talent but needs more artists competing at the same regional level as Tanzania’s biggest stars.
He also rejected the idea that Luganda music limits Ugandan musicians.
Instead, he urged artists to keep their identity while making music and marketing that resonate beyond the local audience.
What is the reality? We are doing a lot to export our language, which is not a bad thing. But if you want to sing a lot of Luganda, you also have to add the other two elements. Maybe let us add musical elements that resonate with other markets. Let us add marketing that resonates with other markets.
Bushingtone ended by backing Bien’s message in full.
I do not think he said anything wrong. I do not see why he even had to apologise. Everything he said was sensible.
I don’t see why Bien had to apologise. I understood him from the positive side, and it made a lot of sense.
– Bushington#KingMichaelLive | #NBSKurt#CoronationConcert | #NBSUpdates pic.twitter.com/EOefBkGaQO
— NBS Television (@nbstv) August 1, 2026