Eddy Kenzo Reacts to Being Left Off the “Bebe Cool List”

Despite enjoying one of the biggest songs of 2025, Nkulowozaako, Eddy Kenzo was notably absent from the annual “Bebe Cool List.”

Released by veteran singer Bebe Cool, the list highlights artistes he believes dominated the music industry that year.

Kenzo’s omission quickly sparked debate among fans and critics alike, with many questioning how an artiste whose song was widely embraced by the public could miss out.

In response to the discussion, Eddy Kenzo has made it clear that the exclusion does not bother him.

He added that he is not concerned about the list, describing it as a personal opinion.

“Nkulowozaako” has done really well for me. You can see its popularity among the people. It is one of those songs people can sing word for word… I am not concerned about the “Bebe Cool List” because that is his opinion, and I do not mind it. He is allowed to talk about me or not, and that is not a problem. I also do not see why anyone should get annoyed over it. It is his opinion, and his opinion has nothing to do with Uganda or success, because if I organize a “Nkulowozaako” concert and he also organizes one for his album [Break The Chains], who do you think would pull a bigger crowd? Think about it.

While Kenzo acknowledged Bebe Cool’s right to his opinion, he raised concern over how the list is often regarded.

He said fans and bloggers wrongly present it as the ultimate measure of success in the music industry.

The problem arises when he creates a list and then he, his fans, and some bloggers begin treating it as the determinant of success in Uganda’s music industry, which is not true.

Kenzo went on to explain what he believes truly defines success in Uganda’s music industry.

He pointed to financial returns and support from paying audiences rather than individual praise or rankings.

The real determinants in this industry are the people who pay for and attend shows, because that is how an artiste earns money. An artiste who organizes concerts and makes money is the one who should be considered to have had a successful year, because they have achieved what every Ugandan is looking for, which is money. Whoever earns the money is the one who has truly had a successful year, because it means they are able to use it to buy property and improve their life.