Ugandan music legend Maddox Ssemanda Ssematimba has pushed back against the notion that Ugandan artistes are not global, insisting that several homegrown musicians, including himself, have already earned international status.
Speaking during an interview on NBS TV’s After5 show, Maddox stressed that being a global artiste isn’t about the size of the venue but the reach and impact of the music.
“If someone can go anywhere, have their music played, and make people happy — that’s what it means to be global,” he said.
Maddox named fellow artistes Eddy Kenzo, Bebe Cool, and Jose Chameleone as examples of Ugandan musicians who have represented the country on global stages, having performed for international audiences across the world.
He acknowledged that while some Ugandan acts may not yet fill stadiums or arenas abroad, it’s not a reflection of their talent or popularity, but rather the limitations of their management structures.
“Some think they’re not global just because they don’t perform in arenas when they go abroad,” he noted. “But this is only because our managements are not focused on doing that. If they did, Ugandan artistes would be performing in arenas too.”
The Namagembe hitmaker emphasised the critical role of good management in shaping an artiste’s trajectory—especially for those who choose to go commercial.
“I believe it’s all about management,” Maddox said. “When an artist chooses to go commercial, they need to be well-established — because managers will either walk away or elevate you.”
Maddox also urged emerging artistes to be clear about their goals—whether they are chasing short-term fame or long-term growth—and to make decisions that align with their vision.
