Douglas Lwanga Questions Whether Ugandan Artistes Are Worth The Luxury Costs Abroad
A heated debate has erupted online after an X user criticized Ugandan artistes for traveling in economy class while heading abroad for performances.
The discussion started after @BlackMambaso argued that local musicians need to demand better treatment from promoters if they want the industry to grow internationally.
Using Eddy Kenzo as an example, the user praised the singer for setting strict standards years ago.
I remember 12 years ago Eddy Kenzo woke up one day and told us he won’t be doing economy flights anymore. Since then it is either First Class, Business or a private jet.
The user also claimed the BET Award winner insists on proper work visas, five star hotels, and traveling with his full team whenever he performs abroad.
The comments quickly divided social media users, with some agreeing that Ugandan artistes deserve luxury treatment, while others argued that promoters are already struggling with the high costs of organizing shows abroad.
4 of our big artists left for London to perform earlier today and they took a video sitting in economy.
I think our artists need to start negotiating beyond just boarding a plane and start putting up conditions that will push the industry from one step to another, better… pic.twitter.com/IJWK06Nmnf
— BLACK MAMBA 📸 (@BlackMambaso) May 22, 2026
Douglas Lwanga later weighed in on the discussion and questioned whether such demands are financially realistic for most diaspora events.
Before asking a promoter to pay an artiste USD 10,000, provide business-class tickets, and book 5-star accommodation in London, we should first look at the business side of the conversation.
The media personality explained that most Ugandan diaspora events attract between 500 and 1,000 people, which limits profits after covering flights, hotels, visas, venue hire, transport, and production costs.
If an artiste can only attract an audience of 500–1,000 people, and the promoter is hosting four artistes on the same event, is it financially viable to provide all of them with the VVIP treatment being suggested?
He added that Ugandan artistes should focus on making music that appeals to wider international audiences so diaspora events can grow bigger and become more profitable.
You raise some important points. The Elephant in the room is: why should Ugandan artists travel economy, avoid 5 star hotels, or not receive luxury treatment when traveling abroad to perform?
Before asking a promoter to pay an artist USD 10,000, provide business-class tickets,… https://t.co/ZzilhpHuCy
— Douglas Lwanga (@DouglasLwangaUg) May 23, 2026
