Following the sudden cancellation of singer Daxx Kartel’s concert at Gangu Playground, concerns are growing within Uganda’s music community as artists call out the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF) for its silence over increasing police interference in concerts.
Activist and creative industry promoter Nyanzi Martin Luther has publicly questioned the role of the UNMF, accusing it of failing to protect musicians. “What is the importance of UNMF? Artists’ concerts have been blocked, and UNMF is silent. What is it doing for the artists then?” he said in a statement.
Rising afrobeat artist Venom Temperature echoed Nyanzi’s frustration, emphasising that UNMF should stand for all musicians regardless of political affiliations. “UNMF is not a politically affiliated organisation, so it must cater for all artists. Its silence is disappointing,” he said.
The criticism comes just a day after Daxx Kartel revealed his show was shut down by police before he could even perform. The singer also claimed members of his team were arrested, describing the experience as unfair and humiliating, especially since it was his first major concert in years.
Venom Temperature also accused UNMF president Eddy Kenzo of being absent amid growing tension in the industry. “Kenzo is silent when artists are suffering. As president, he should be the first to speak up when such injustices happen.”
The Uganda Police has not yet issued an official statement explaining the cancellation of Kartel’s event. Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on UNMF to clarify its position and take action to defend the rights and freedoms of its members.
