Who exactly qualifies as a superstar in Uganda?
The word gets attached to musicians all the time. One big song can do it. A sold-out concert can do it. Sometimes, a loyal fan base is enough. But James Propa is not handing out the title that easily.
During a chat on NBS After 5, the prominent Ugandan digital music specialist shared the Ugandan musicians he believes have genuinely earned superstar status, and his list is limited to five names.
A superstar for me is Mr. Robert Kyagulanyi Sentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine. Jose Chameleone is also a superstar. Juliana is a superstar. Bebe Cool is a superstar. The next person I consider a superstar is Eddy Kenzo. The rest are all stars.
That last sentence is where his view gets particularly interesting. Propa is not simply separating Uganda’s biggest names from everyone else. He believes the industry has stopped producing musicians who can reach the level of the country’s old-school superstars.
And in his view, Eddy Kenzo was the last one.
I believe the age of superstars in Uganda ended with Eddy Kenzo. Even if you look across the world, the age of superstars has ended. In Uganda, to me, Eddy Kenzo was our last superstar.
It is a bold assessment, especially in an industry that continues to produce artists with huge streaming numbers, packed shows and strong online followings.
Propa, however, appears to be talking about something bigger than numbers or popularity when he uses the word “superstar.”
He also believes Uganda is not alone in this. According to him, the traditional era of global music superstars has also come to an end.
That leaves the debate wide open. Is Propa right, or has the meaning of “superstar” simply changed with the times?
Who would you add to his list, and is there an artist in Uganda today who deserves to be called a superstar?
Who are Uganda’s real superstars?
James Propa names Bobi Wine, Bebe Cool, Jose Chameleone, Juliana Kanyomozi, Eddy Kenzo and the rest of the artists who have earned their star status.
But do you agree with his list? #NBSAfter5 pic.twitter.com/QRcTbXaZBW
— NBS After 5 (@NBSAfter5) September 1, 2026