Zex BilangiLangi and A Pass: Contrasting Views on Ugandan Music

The conversation surrounding Uganda’s music industry has taken an interesting turn, with two prominent voices offering differing opinions on its current state.

Zex BilangiLangi and A Pass, both well-known musicians, have recently shared their views on the quality and future of Ugandan music, revealing contrasting perspectives on where the industry is headed.

A Pass has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the current output of the Ugandan music scene. Using social media as his platform, A Pass described much of today’s music as lacking substance. He argued that many fans have become accustomed to “garbage” and no longer recognise or demand high-quality music.

According to him, the conversation in the music industry has shifted away from the art itself, with more focus being placed on the commercial success of concerts. He questioned why more attention is paid to whether events flop or sell out, rather than discussing the artistry, quality of music, and delivery of performances.

For A Pass, this shift represents a concerning trend, as the true essence of music is being overshadowed by the pursuit of quick fame. Artistes are more focused on chasing success than on producing quality music.

In contrast, Zex BilangiLangi, another established Ugandan musician, holds a more positive outlook on the industry’s development. Speaking to the media, Zex highlighted the rapid growth of Ugandan music, attributing it to the genuine approach of existing artistes and the regular emergence of new talents producing good music.

In his view, the industry is moving away from pretence and towards a more genuine form of expression.

As a self-proclaimed “ghetto prime minister,” Zex emphasised his belief in music as a tool for empowerment. He defined the concept of “ghetto” not just as a place but as a movement that encourages higher education and self-improvement, challenging all ghetto youth to use what they have to obtain what they do not.

When asked about the recent appointment of fellow musician Eddie Kenzo as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Creatives, Zex offered a mixed response. While acknowledging the achievement for Kenzo, saying “It’s cool,” he personally viewed the appointment as a “weakness.”

Zex also dismissed allegations of his involvement with the Uganda National Musicians Federation’s visit to the Entebbe State House, boldly offering a $10,000 reward to anyone who could produce a photo or any proof of him at the State House.