In a viral social media video, renowned musician Gravity Omutujju fired back at the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, who had publicly criticized his music.
Gravity Omutujju revealed, “Since I embarked on my music career in 2011, neither BBS Terefayina nor CBS has ever played my music.” He further emphasized, “As an artist, I invest heavily in my craft because music is a vital means of self-expression for me.”
Gravity Omutujju has called out Katikkiro Charles Peter Mayiga, emphasizing that instead of criticizing his music, Mayiga should focus on pressing issues affecting the Baganda community, such as land grabbing.
This concern is particularly relevant, given the cultural significance of land in Buganda and the need for responsible leadership to address these issues. As the Katikkiro, Mayiga plays a vital role in promoting the welfare of the Baganda people, and Omutujju’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing community needs over personal opinions.
This statement came after the Katikkiro’s decree, instructing Baganda media platforms to stop playing his music, along with that of his fellow artist Mukasa Yasin, also known as Lil Pazo. The Katikkiro had described their songs as vulgar.
Gravity Omutujju is a renowned Ugandan rapper with a huge following in the country. His songs, such as Okwepicha, Enyama, Doozi, and Omuniongo, have been widely played across media channels in Uganda.¹ He’s even performed at a concert attended by the Prime Minister of Uganda, Robin Nabbanja.
On the other hand, Lil Pazo is known for his hits like Amasanu ga Blangiti and Enkudi. Both artists have made significant contributions to Uganda’s music scene. However, their music has been at the center of controversy after the Katikkiro of Buganda, Charles Peter Mayiga, criticized their songs, describing them as vulgar.
The controversy surrounding Gravity Omutujju and Lil Pazo’s music has caught the attention of the Uganda National Cultural Centre (UNCC). In response, the UNCC’s Vice Chairperson, Phina Mugerwa Masanyalaze, penned a letter earlier this month, inviting the artists for a discussion about their music.
Lil Pazo has responded to Phina Mugerwa’s letter, stating that the controversy surrounding his music is “purely political.” As a musician, Lil Pazo relies on his craft as his primary source of income.
He’s not alone in this ordeal, as other artists like Gloria Bugie, Ritha Dancehall, and Shakira Shakira have also been warned against performing or dressing inappropriately. This development raises concerns about artistic freedom and censorship in Uganda.
This has raised questions among Citizens about the role of the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) in regulating the type of music played on the country’s airwaves.
Shakira Shakira expressed” that Phina Mugerwa’s actions appeared to be an attempt to gain public approval, despite the fact that their generation had not yet fully recognized or accepted such dress code in the industry”.
