On Friday 17th February 2023, the Internet went into a frenzy following Big Talent Entertainment chief Eddy Kenzo claiming that the late Philly Luaaya has no bigger song than his.
Eddy Kenzo made this statement in reaction to criticism that his rendition of “Born in Africa” was lacking.
Kenzo revealed that he redid the song to push it beyond borders, rather than gain fame because he is already famous.
He added that most of his songs have amassed millions of views on Youtube, in contrast to Philly Lutaaya’s piece, which has received one million views over the years.
However, several internet users felt that Kenzo’s statement was inappropriate and took umbrage to it.
On the other hand, others concurred with the singer, maintaining that Eddy Kenzo has done it all and is bigger than the late Philly Bongole.
Below are some of the reactions we gathered:
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I know Eddy Kenzo has broken musical boundaries no musician in Uganda has ever broken, but he should visit Butabika Rehabilitation Center if he thinks any of his songs is bigger than “Born in Africa” by the late Philly Bongole Lutaaya.
— Sammie Manini (@sammiemanini1) February 18, 2023
With all due respect, my big brother Eddy Kenzo, it’s not the views that show that a song is big. Despacito has more views than most of Micheal Jacksons songs, but when it comes to greatness, it can’t match MJs songs. pic.twitter.com/UPDP1RdKHr
— Bruno K 🎸 🎙 (@bruno_KUg) February 18, 2023
During Philly Bongole’s time, there was no social media to hype their works. Every year has a hit though his late and eddy kenzo is here yapping of his YouTube views. 😂
Kilabika anywedde chaii we’ enjaye 😂🙌 pic.twitter.com/bhvsrLO0HY— Arthur ♠ (@ArthurMuhwezi12) February 18, 2023
YouTube came to life on February 14, 2005, Philly Lutaaya died on Dec 15, 1989 and at that time, Uganda’s population was at 17.03 m with no internet but still people consumed Philly’s music. Just his Xmas Album is bigger than Ugandas entire music industry
.
— Gabriel Buule (@GabrielBuule) February 18, 2023
Bajjo Events sends a warning ⚠️ message to Eddy Kenzo not to attack legends anymore pic.twitter.com/ZiBGAL2Cwr
— J_White ug (@JWhite19102259) February 18, 2023
You really can’t be comparing “Awemiddu lessudu” to “Born in Africa” same way you can’t compare “It’s a friday leme fumigate” to Alone and Frightened” Eddy Kenzo wetelezze, nze ekitiffu teri luyimba lwa Kenzo lunsitulla wentudde mpozzi nga lunsanze nsitukka ngenda kufukka.
— Kirya Ug 🇺🇬 (@kirya_ug) February 18, 2023
Dear eddy kenzo. I am one of your biggest fans in this ctry and undoubtedly i am your number 1 fan from kyenkwanzi. However i would love to let u know that these are 3 best music artists of all time since Ug was formed in 1921
1. @JChameleone
2. Bongole Lutaaya
3. Paul Kafeero. pic.twitter.com/YgHXIUnziK— Duke of Kyankwanzi 🇧🇪 (@kezwilliamsjr2) February 18, 2023
Dear Eddy Kenzo, just one Christmas album of Philly Bongole Lutaaya is bigger than your entire music career … let’s learn to be humble and respect those who came before us and laid the foundation for what we do pic.twitter.com/XxHBRxYO3C
— Kulisi (@MrTenderi) February 18, 2023
Eddy Kenzo is about to compare himself to Musicians like Lucky Dube,Bob Marley,2Pac and Notorious BIG. He’s obsessed with fame to an extent of comparing himself with the mighty Philly Bongoly Lutaaya. Even though he died 34 years ago,his music is far better than Kenzo’s.
— Handsome-Mutooro 🇺🇬🇺🇲 (@Tooros_Pride) February 18, 2023
Philly Bongole has a song called “Empisazo ezo zikyuseemu zilabkia nga zinemye” I dedicate it to Eddy Kenzo
— Bagenda 🇺🇬🇺🇬🕧 (@NativeUgandan) February 18, 2023
One Response
” EMPISSA ZO ZIKYUSSEMU,ZILABIKA ZINEMYE” by Philly Bongole Lutaya.. Am
dedicating the song to Eddie Kenzo…Enjoy natural original Music! Music of heroes !!