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Eddy Kenzo: 'Bobi Wine stole my songs'

Eddy Kenzo has accused Bobi Wine of stealing his song ideas during their time together in the Firebase Crew.
Bobi Wine and Eddy Kenzo
Bobi Wine and Eddy Kenzo

In a recent interview, Kenzo alleged that during his time in the Firebase Crew, Bobi Wine would often tweak Kenzo’s lyrics or translate his Luganda songs into English, essentially claiming them as his own. According to Kenzo, issues over song ownership and payment disputes were some of the factors that led him to quit the group.

Read: Kenzo: I started clashing with Bobi Wine when he was my boss at Firebase

How they met

Kenzo’s big break came when he was performing at Wallet Pub in Kabuusu, Rubaga Division, Kampala. Wine, who was in the audience, complimented his talent. The news of Wine’s approval sparked excitement in Kenzo, who was already making a name for himself with his debut single, "Tuteese."

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"I started singing around 2007, and my song 'Tuteese' was well received. When I would perform at Wallet Pub, the crowd cheered and gave me money. One day, they told me that Bobi Wine liked my performance. I don't know if the emcee was lying, but it gave me hope," Kenzo said.

Read: Eddy Kenzo: My sweet, sour relationship with Bobi Wine

Keen to meet Wine, Kenzo made frequent trips to Firebase in Kamwokya, befriending members like Phantom Lovins along the way. Despite his nerves about meeting Wine, Kenzo eventually recorded a song with Mikie Wine before formally meeting Bobi. The track caught Wine’s attention after being played on Dembe FM, leading to further collaboration and exposure for Kenzo.

Read: Get a research team, you're embarrassing yourself - Kenzo blasts Bobi over Shs30bn claim

The relationship between Kenzo, now a presidential advisor, and Bobi Wine, the leader of Uganda's largest opposition party, has since soured, with tensions escalating over the years.

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