Kampala, Uganda
The Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) President Eddy Kenzo has responded to singer Jose Chameleone’s public disappointment over the federation’s failure to organize an official welcome for his recent return to Uganda. In a statement addressing the controversy, Kenzo clarified the circumstances that led to the oversight, emphasizing efforts made behind the scenes to support Chameleone’s homecoming.
Chameleone, a legendary figure in Uganda’s music scene, recently expressed frustration with Kenzo and the UNMF, accusing them of showing little interest in his return to the country. The “Wale Wale” hitmaker’s remarks sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders, prompting Kenzo to set the record straight.
Speaking on the matter, Kenzo explained that he was out of office at the time of Chameleone’s return, which prevented him from personally overseeing the welcome event. In his absence, he delegated the responsibility to the UNMF secretariat, tasking them with coordinating the homecoming in response to a request from Chameleone’s brother and fellow musician, Pallaso.
Pallaso, a UNMF member, had approached the federation for support in organizing an official welcome for his brother. Kenzo revealed that the secretariat was ready to assist but faced challenges due to a breakdown in communication with Pallaso. “The secretariat lost contact with Pallaso, who was supposed to provide a detailed programme for the welcome session,” Kenzo stated. Without a clear plan, the federation was unable to proceed with the event.
Chameleone’s outspoken criticism highlighted his expectation of a warm, organized reception from the UNMF, given his stature as one of Uganda’s most influential artists. His remarks underscored a perceived disconnect with the federation, fueling speculation about tensions within the music industry.
The UNMF, under Kenzo’s leadership, has been working to unify and support Ugandan musicians, making Chameleone’s comments a notable point of contention. Fans have taken to social media to weigh in, with some defending Kenzo’s explanation and others echoing Chameleone’s call for better engagement from the federation.
Despite the hiccup, Kenzo’s response reflects his commitment to fostering collaboration within the industry. By delegating the task to the secretariat and responding transparently to the criticism, the “Sitya Loss” star aims to address misunderstandings and maintain the UNMF’s mission of supporting its members.
The incident highlights the challenges of coordinating high-profile events within a busy federation, particularly when key figures like Kenzo are unavailable. It also underscores the importance of clear communication, especially when managing expectations for a figure as prominent as Chameleone.