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Edrisah Kenzo Musuuza, professionally known as Eddy Kenzo, is a Grammy-nominated Ugandan singer and music executive. He is the founder and a member of Big Talent Entertainment. Kenzo gained international recognition with his 2014 single “Sitya Loss” and an accompanying viral video featuring the Ghetto Kids. He has released four albums, including “Roots” in 2018 and the most recent “Made in Africa” in 2021. Kenzo has been the recipient of numerous national and international awards, including a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award in 2018, a BET Award in 2015, and multiple All Africa Music Awards.
In 2022, Kenzo received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Performance for “Gimme Love” with Matt B. The song peaked at number 36 on the U.S. Afrobeats Billboard chart in November 2022. Kenzo and Matt B performed “Gimme Love” at the Eddy Kenzo Festival at Kololo Airstrip in Uganda, attended by over 20,000 people, including Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja. Notably, Kenzo was the first Ugandan artist to win a BET Award in 2015 and the first to be nominated for a Grammy.
Early Life and Education:
Eddy Kenzo, born Edrisah Musuuza, hails from Masaka, Uganda. His early life was marked by challenges, as he lost his mother at a young age and spent 13 years living on the streets of Masaka and Kampala. Initially aspiring to be a professional footballer, Kenzo joined Masaka Local Council FC’s camp at the age of 9. Although he received a sports bursary to attend Lubiri Secondary School in Kampala, he did not complete his studies.
Career:
Kenzo adopted the stage name Eddy Kenzo in 2008 and released his first song, “Yannimba,” with Mikie Wine that same year. Notable releases include “Stamina” in 2010 and the theme song “Jambole” for the 2011 Ugandan general election. Kenzo established Big Talent Entertainment record label early in his career. His major breakthrough came in 2014 with “Sitya Loss” and the accompanying album of the same name, featuring the viral video of the Ghetto Kids.
Over the years, Kenzo continued to release music, tour internationally, and collaborate with artists like Akon, Jidenna, and Chris Brown. He won a BET Award in 2015 and a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award in 2018. Kenzo’s philanthropic efforts include launching the Eddy Kenzo Foundation in 2015, charity football matches, and the establishment of the Big Talent Soccer Academy in 2019.
In 2022, Kenzo collaborated with Matt B on “Gimme Love,” earning a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance.
Philanthropy:
In 2015, Kenzo founded the Eddy Kenzo Foundation, focusing on charitable initiatives. His efforts include donations to nursing mothers and staff at the Masaka hospital, charity football matches for Ugandan children with HIV, and the establishment of the Big Talent Soccer Academy in Kampala in 2019.
Concerts:
On November 12, 2022, Eddy Kenzo hosted his largest concert to date, the “Eddy Kenzo Festival,” at the Kololo Airstrip in Kampala. The event attracted a substantial audience and featured local and international guest performers.
In January 4, 2019, Eddy Kenzo celebrated his 10-year anniversary in the Ugandan music industry with a concert titled “10 Years of Eddy Kenzo.” The event aimed to promote unity between prominent musicians and political figures, Bobi Wine and Bebe Cool.
Personal Life:
Kenzo was in a romantic relationship with Ugandan recording artist Rema Namakula. They had a daughter, Amaal Musuuza, in December 2014. However, Kenzo and Rema separated in mid-2019, and Rema got engaged to her former doctor, Hamza Ssebunya.
Discography:
Studio Albums:
- Sitya Loss (2014)
- Zero to Hero (2016)
- Biology (2017)
- Roots (2018)
- Made in Africa (2021)
Selected Singles:
- Yanimba (feat. Mikie Wine) – 2008
- Stamina – 2010
- Sitya Loss – 2014
- Jambole
- Mbilo Mbilo – 2015
- Soraye
- Dagala – 2016
- So Good
- Zigido
- Jubilation – 2017
- Body Language – 2018
- Signal – 2019
- Inabana (with Harmonize)
- Semyekozo – 2020
- Tweyagale
- Sonko
- Yogera bulungi
Awards and Nominations:
Kenzo has received numerous awards, including a BET Award in 2015, Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award in 2018, and multiple All Africa Music Awards. He was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2022 for Best Global Performance.
Eddy Kenzo Songs
