By Kabugho Elias
Uganda’s entertainment industry has been thrust into fresh debate after Ugandan executive Nyanzi Martin Luther and singer Badboy Kapeke made bold remarks questioning the value and direction of international music collaborations.
The controversy follows Joshua Baraka’s remix of “Morocco” featuring Jamaican dancehall star Shenseea — a move many fans praised as a strategic step toward global recognition.
However, Nyanzi Martin Luther dismissed the collaboration as unnecessary, arguing that Ugandan artists may be prioritizing foreign validation over consolidating recognition at home.
“It was unnecessary for Joshua Baraka to collaborate with Shenseea for a ‘Morocco’ remix. Those whites, after seeing our hits, they say we should remix the song — but we Ugandans can’t decide because we praise them,” Nyanzi said.
He further claimed that Joshua Baraka is more recognized outside Uganda than locally, suggesting that the country is yet to produce what he considers a fully established international artist.
Shortly afterward, Badboy Kapeke intensified the discussion, stating that he would not collaborate with Shenseea unless he felt genuinely appreciated. Instead, he expressed willingness to work directly with Joshua Baraka.
“I cannot work with Shenseea unless she appreciates me and I feel it’s genuine. But I can work with Joshua,” Kapeke said.
Kapeke also stirred further reaction by claiming he currently sees no Nigerian artist he would collaborate with, arguing that many of them have “fallen.”
He clarified that he remains open to working with select Ugandan artists — particularly those who, he says, respected him early in his career.
The remarks have divided industry observers. Some argue that international collaborations are critical for expanding Uganda’s music footprint and increasing streaming visibility across global markets. Others maintain that artists should first solidify dominance at home before pursuing international co-signs.
At its core, the controversy reflects a deeper industry conversation: Are Ugandan artists strategically expanding their global reach, or are they prematurely chasing international validation?
