Kampala, Uganda: Despite the growing trend of using musicians to draw crowds at political rallies in Uganda, many artistes are increasingly distancing themselves from campaign stages, citing long-term losses in popularity and bookings.
Dancehall star Ziza Bafana (real name Richard Kasendwa) has spoken out on the matter, revealing that while political rallies may offer lucrative performance fees, the aftermath often deals a blow to an artiste’s career.
“Artistes who perform at political rallies realize drops in their bookings. I think that is why a few musicians perform in rallies even with all the money there,” Bafana says.
Political parties across the divide, both the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) and the opposition National Unity Platform (NUP), often hire musicians to energize crowds during campaigns. However, the fallout can be harsh.
Artistes who align with any political party risk alienating fans with opposing views, making them less marketable after elections.
According to industry observers, this has led to a cautious approach by many entertainers, who now choose to stay neutral during elections to protect their brands. “It’s not just about the money. It’s about career longevity. Once fans label you a political tool, your commercial bookings and reputation take a hit,” said one entertainment analyst.
It’s also worth noting that while some artistes quietly support opposition parties out of ideology or community ties, they rarely perform at rallies, mainly because the opposition often lacks the resources to match the hefty performance fees offered by the ruling party.
Past election seasons have seen high-profile artistes like Bobi Wine turn into full-blown politicians, but others like Bebe Cool, Catherine Kusasira, and Big Eye have faced criticism, online backlash, and declining concert attendance due to their open affiliation with the ruling regime.
As the 2026 campaign season heats up, the divide between entertainment and politics is once again under scrutiny, with artistes being forced to weigh money against brand survival.
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