The Federation is notably patronised by General Salim Saleh, the brother of President Museveni, adding a layer of political significance to Kenzo’s role.
Born on 25 December 1989 in Masaka, Uganda, Kenzo’s early life was marked by adversity. He lost his mother at a tender age, around four or five years old, which forced him to spend much of his youth surviving on the streets of Masaka and Kampala.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Kenzo harboured aspirations of becoming a professional footballer. By the age of nine, his talents had earned him a place in Masaka Local Council FC’s camp, which eventually led to a sports bursary at Lubiri Secondary School in Kampala.
However, his educational journey was cut short as his passion for music began to take centre stage.
Eddy Kenzo music career
Kenzo’s official entry into the music industry came in 2008 with the release of his debut song, “Yannimba,” a collaboration with Mikie Wine. It was, however, his 2010 hit single “Stamina” that solidified his presence in the Ugandan music scene.
His rise to international fame came in 2014 with the release of “Sitya Loss,” a song that quickly became a global sensation. The track’s accompanying video, featuring a group of Ugandan children known as the Ghetto Kids, went viral after it was shared by music mogul Sean Combs (P. Diddy) on social media. This exposure propelled Kenzo onto the world stage and established him as a significant figure in African music.
Kenzo’s talent has taken him to prestigious stages around the world. In January 2015, he performed at the opening ceremonies of the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, where he shared the stage with international star Akon. His performance was so well-received that he was invited back to perform at the tournament’s final.
Throughout his career, Kenzo has accumulated numerous accolades, including the BET Award for “Viewer’s Choice Best New International Artist” in June 2015, making him the first East African artist to win a BET Award. His song “Mbilo Mbilo,” which was remixed featuring Nigerian singer Niniola, was later featured on the soundtrack of the 2016 film “Queen of Katwe.”
In March 2018, Kenzo was honoured with a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award for “Favorite African Star,” adding to his growing list of achievements.
To date, Eddy Kenzo has released six albums—Sitya Loss, Zero to Hero, Biology, Roots, Made in Africa, and Blessings—each reflecting his versatility and evolution as an artist.
Kenzo is also a father to three children: Maya Musuuza, whom he shares with Tracy Nabatanzi; Aamal Musuuza, with Rema Namakula; and a son with his fiancée, Phiona Nyamutoro, who serves as the Female National Youth Member of Parliament and Minister of State for Energy and Mineral Development (Minerals).
Eddy Kenzo’s journey from the streets of Kampala to global acclaim is a testament to his resilience, talent, and unwavering dedication to his craft. As he continues to break new ground in both music and public service, his story remains an inspiring example of the possibilities that can arise from even the most challenging beginnings.
This content was created with the help of an AI model and verified by the writer
