Dancehall artist Ziza Bafana has announced plans to establish a new musicians’ federation, escalating his ongoing fallout with fellow artiste and industry leader Eddy Kenzo over disputed SACCO funds.
In a video posted on his TikTok account, Bafana expressed dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the musicians’ structure, alleging that it has deviated from its original purpose of serving artists’ interests.
He claimed that a growing number of musicians feel sidelined and unheard under the existing arrangement, prompting his call for a breakaway initiative.
“I’m calling upon all artists who are not satisfied with the way the federation is being run to sign up and we start our own federation. If you feel dissatisfied, let’s do this,” Bafana said.
The dispute reportedly stems from disagreements over savings and refunds within the SACCO system associated with the musicians’ federation. Bafana accuses the leadership of failing to return his contributions in full, a claim that has intensified tensions within the industry.
However, the current federation leadership has rejected his allegations, maintaining that the amount he demanded exceeded what could be legitimately disbursed under the SACCO’s financial structure and guidelines.
The federation has not issued further comment on the proposed breakaway group, but industry observers say the development highlights long-standing divisions within Uganda’s music industry over governance, transparency, and financial accountability.
The feud has drawn attention across the entertainment sector, with some artists reportedly divided over whether reforms should be pursued within the existing structure or through the formation of a parallel body.
As tensions persist, Bafana’s proposed federation could reshape conversations around musicians’ welfare, collective bargaining, and the management of industry savings schemes in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
