Ugandan dancehall singer Fik Gaza has taken a bold stand against what he describes as the exploitation of ghetto musicians by politicians, particularly those affiliated with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM).
The Banana hitmaker voiced his frustration on social media after reportedly receiving a meagre payment for performing at an NRM event, announcing that he would no longer take part in any political rallies organized by the party.
“To all NRM promoters who booked me to perform at your rallies, I regret to inform you that I won’t be able to make it to the event,” Fik Gaza wrote. “As per our agreement, I’m ready to refund the deposit you paid.”
His decision, he explained, stems from repeated experiences of underpayment and disrespect. He accused politicians of taking advantage of artists from the ghetto — using their popularity to draw crowds during campaigns, only to abandon them once elections are over.
In another post, the outspoken singer painted a vivid picture of the cycle of manipulation he says artists face:
“NRM will wine and dine you, promise you the world, and make you feel like the most important person in the country. But they’re just using you—exploiting your passion and dedication—only to discard you like a used tissue when they’re done. You’ll be left broken.”
Fik Gaza said many musicians accept such bookings out of financial need rather than political loyalty.
“Sometimes you take those gigs because you need the money, not because you believe in what they stand for,” he added.
He lamented that artists are rarely valued for their craft or the social realities they represent, but rather for their temporary influence during campaign seasons.
“These politicians only need us during the political season. After that, they dump us as if we don’t matter,” he wrote.
Fik Gaza’s remarks have struck a chord across social media, where fans and fellow entertainers are echoing his frustrations. Some praised his courage for speaking truth to power in an industry where political patronage often dictates visibility and survival.
His outburst also revives a long-standing conversation about the intersection between politics and Uganda’s entertainment industry — where musicians, especially those from humble backgrounds, are often co-opted into partisan events without fair compensation or long-term benefit.
Whether his declaration sparks a wider reckoning among fellow artists remains to be seen. But Fik Gaza’s message is clear: respect, fairness, and dignity should never be negotiable — even when the stakes are political.
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