Profile: Eddy Kenzo; From Grass to Grace humble musician

By Watchdog reporter

Edrisa Musuuza, popularly known as Eddy Kenzo is a Ugandan native whose life story is nothing short of magical. At the tender age of 4, Eddy Kenzo lost his mother who meant everything to him and he was forced into living as a street kid for more than 13 years because he did not know where his father was. As a homeless child he had to survive on the streets on his own because he did not know anyone from both sides of his family.

During those 13yrs, he got a Samaritan who helped him for one year at Kazo Primary (Nyabushozi, Mbarara District), due to some problems the Samaritan faced he was not able to proceed with studies. He went back to Masaka as a street kid where he then came to Kampala Nakivubo streets selling soda and water in Old taxi park and Nakivubo stadium during matches and other events, later alone joined Jjogo Young under 16 SC Villa as a footballer and Villa referred him to Lubiri S S for further studies as a junior footballer on bursary, he was always an active member of his school’s soccer team.

He again dropped out of school and here Kenzo as his new stage name and a passion for making music with the God-given talent, he got into the studio to hone his craft in 2007.He continued to develop both as a Singer and Songwriter by working with some of Uganda’s biggest Music personalities in the industry. Over the next few years his talent as a Singer, Songwriter and performer became evident after his breakthrough in 2008 with “Yanimba” song featuring Mikie Wine.

In 2011 he released ‘Stamina’ which was a mega hit across the East African community and was even used by the President Yoweri Museveni for his political campaign, as well as other political parties. From there Eddy Kenzo has never looked back.

The hit song which put him on an international scene was  ‘Sitya Loss’  which he  released in 2014. The song went viral to the extent of securing him an international award known as International Viewers Choice award in the BET Awards 2015.

Not forgetting the viral sensation also  introduced  the singer to an International audience after  garnering millions of views and has been shared by prominent celebrities like Ellen Degeneres, Puff Daddy, Akon, Ronaldinho, Tevin Cambell, Sanaa Lathan and so many more worldwide.

Eddy Kenzo is in an open relationship with fellow musician Rema Namakula and the couple has a daughter together. The singer also has another daughter from his past relationship.

 Award Recognition List:

International Viewer’s choice award- BET Awards 2015

Best Collaboration  – AFRIMA 2016

Most stylish Male celebrity – Abraynz Style and Fashon Awards 2016

Best Video of the year – African Entertainment Awards USA 2016

Best Costume and Makeup – Club Music Video Awards (CMVA) 2017
African artiste of the year – Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEA)2015
East African artiste of the year – Kunde Awards Burkina Faso 2015
Best Music Video – Uganda Entertainment Awards (UEA)2015

Artist of the Year – Zzina Awards 2015
Best Male Artist – Zzina Awards 2015
Best Video of the year – African Entertainment Awards USA 2015
Best Male artiste of the year – African Entertainment Awards USA 2015
Most stylish Male celebrity – Abraynz Style and Fashon Awards 2015
African golden virtual award winner -2015

Rising Star Awards –  Song and Video of the Year 2014/2015

Channel O – Best East African Artist Nominee 2014

(IRAWMA) International Reggae and World Music Awards 2014 Nominee

Some of the international platforms Eddy has performed in include SXSW 2015 (Austin, Texas) Africa Cup of Nations 2015 (opening and closing ceremony) in Guinea Equatorial, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Cameroon and so many more.

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