Ugandan musician Apass has sparked a fresh debate in East Africa's entertainment scene after publicly accusing Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz of lip-syncing during a recent concert in Uganda. The outspoken singer, whose real name is Alex Bagonza, made the claims while speaking to journalists about his impressions of Diamond's performance at Cricket Oval in Lugogo.
According to Apass, the Tanzanian star relied heavily on miming rather than delivering a genuine live vocal performance. He suggested that fans who attended the show were given something short of the standard they deserved, and pointed to footage circulating from the event as evidence for his claims.
A Broader Frustration With Foreign Acts
While his remarks targeted Diamond directly, Apass was quick to frame his criticism as part of a wider concern about how Ugandan artists are treated compared to visiting international performers. He insisted that his position was not rooted in personal dislike of the Tanzanian star, but rather in a determination to prioritise homegrown talent.
"I do not hate Diamond Platnumz, but I am putting myself and my fellow Ugandan artists first because many put us down before them, so I too will do the same," he explained.
The singer also appeared to close the door on any future musical collaboration with Diamond, arguing that such a partnership would largely benefit the Tanzanian artist rather than advancing his own career.
Promoters Under Fire
Apass took aim at event promoters who, he alleges, pay Ugandan musicians modest fees while spending lavishly to bring in foreign acts. He maintained that he would rather stay at home than accept what he described as pocket change for a performance, stressing that he does not take to the stage simply for the thrill of it.
He further expressed disappointment with Ugandan audiences who, in his view, continue to favour foreign entertainers over local talent, attributing the trend to what he called ignorance.
A Recurring Industry Debate
The remarks have once again thrust questions of fair pay, equal treatment and support for local musicians into the spotlight, particularly at events where Ugandan and international artists share the same stage. The debate over whether promoters and fans give sufficient backing to homegrown talent is a familiar one across the region's music industry.
For now, Apass's comments have ensured that the conversation around live performance standards and artist compensation remains firmly on the agenda, with fans and industry players alike weighing in on what it means to truly support East African music.
