When Eddy Kenzo sat before the world at the AFRIMA 2025 World Media Calendar Unveiling & Music Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he did not just represent Ugandan music—he represented a continent that has spent too long talking and not enough time building.
Kenzo, a man who rose from the ghetto streets of Masaka to rubbing shoulders with ministers (and now married to one) delivered a speech that should serve as a wake-up call for every African creative, entrepreneur and leader. His message was clear: Africa must stop begging for space on foreign platforms and start owning its own. Yet here we are—still talking.
Africa’s greatest strength is also its biggest weakness: we are storytellers. We sing about our struggles, we write about our pain and we film our suffering—but while we are busy telling stories, the rest of the world is building the future.
Cruellest irony
Look around you: the phone you are using to read this was invented and manufactured outside Africa. The ceramic toilet in your home was designed elsewhere. The social media platforms where African artists promote their music? Owned by foreigners. And the cruellest irony? The minerals inside these gadgets were dug from African soil. We export raw materials then import finished products at 10 times the price.
Kenzo spoke about African creatives needing their own platforms. But here is the uncomfortable truth: We do not need more conferences. We do not need more speeches. We need action. Kenzo, with his influence, resources and connections could single-handedly launch an African alternative to YouTube—let us call it NANA-Tube (The Alternative Ndabiso for Africa).
He does not need one million Africans to agree. He does not need government approval. He does not even need collaboration (that is small-man thinking in the age of technology). All he needs is a big dream (not the empty slogans Ugandans are used to); a clear vision (not another “let us unite” speech) and a small team of smart African techies (and trust me we have them).
Foreign validation
The problem is not ability—it is mentality. First, we wait for foreign validation. African artists still think success means trending on YouTube or Apple Music—platforms that take 45-55% of their revenue. Why are we not building our own streaming services where 100% of the profits stay in Africa?
Second, we over-complicate things. Some will say, “But we need investors, we need infrastructure!” But TikTok started with 10 engineers. Facebook launched from a dorm room.
Third, we fear failure. Africans would rather complain about colonialism than risk building something new. But guess what? Every tech giant failed—kind of—before it succeeded.
And here is something else to consider: we are no longer lacking in access. The internet penetration rate across Africa has increased significantly. Mobile technology is everywhere. There are thousands of talented developers, digital marketers and creatives on the continent right now—people who, given the right leadership and belief, could transform the digital landscape within five years. We have the tools. We have the knowledge. We are just paralysed by fear, politics and excuses.
‘Keep money in Africa‘
So, what Kenzo—and Africa—must do now is simple. Build the platform. Start small. A Ugandan-first video platform where artists upload directly to their fans. Monetise through micropayments, ads and subscriptions. Keep the money in Africa.
Next, leverage existing influence. Kenzo has six million Instagram followers. If he directs them to NANA-Tube, it will grow overnight. And finally, ignore the doubters. People will say “It will not work.” The same people said MTN would not last in Uganda. Now look.
Africa must choose—keep talking or start building. Eddy Kenzo’s AFRIMA speech was powerful. But speeches do not change the world—action does. If Kenzo truly wants to leave a legacy, he must move beyond words and build something lasting. The same applies to every Ugandan artist, entrepreneur and leader.
The world will not wait for Africa to catch up. Either we build our future now—or we will still be here in 2035, giving speeches about “African unity” while Silicon Valley and China own our digital space.
Africa’s future depends on bold ideas, action and relentless belief.
Enough talking. Let us work.
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