Sunday Column: Bobi Wine’s Crime as Captured in His Music

This week, one person took all the attention. Bobi Wine

Sunday Column: Bobi Wine’s Crime as Captured in His Music
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Bobi Wine was a simple ghetto youth until he dipped his feet into the political sea. He has recently become a threat to President Yoweri Kaguta’s rule, which spans over three decades. Bobi, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi is currently detained at Makindye military barracks. His crime? “Fighting for freedom” or as another person might put it; standing up against the President under whose regime he was born. A regime he has grown in. Amassed wealth. Built a beach. Bought rides. Sang music and enjoyed a ‘good life’

Bobi in his song, Number One, paints a picture of arrivism. He tells a story of his journey from the streets to luxury and stardom. “Engudo Kwetwayitanga nga tutambuza bigere kati kwetuvugiira,” goes one of the lines, meaning, “The roads where we previously walked are the same roads on which we cruise.”

He sings about the ‘good life’ again in the song, Mazi Mawanzi. And in another one he calls himself, Mr. Money. Bobi was on the list of most richest musicians in Uganda even before he starting earning from his political involvements.

Museveni has always boasted about placing peace in this country. You’ll hear him say, it is because of him that the Bobi’s of this nation have been able to amass wealth. Drive posh cars, and all that. The president, therefore, expects praise, praise and more praise from Bobi. To criticize or challenge him is criminal. It is lack of appreciation. And for that, Bobi has been in put in a lion’s den. He is not only struggling for his freedom but his dear life, too.

When he sang, Number one, Mazi Mawanvu and other such songs, the president must have been happy because they reflected well on the government.

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