By Our Reporter
Musician Eddy Kenzo has been recognized as a Young Achiever. This was during the annual Young Achievers Awards ceremony held at the Kampala Serena Hotel on Saturday. The “Sitya Loss” star saw off competition from fellow musician Rema Namakula, H2C Dance Group, Ivan Mulumba (author) and Felix Byaruhanga (founder The Tribe UG).
Eddy Kenzo embodies the proverbial rags to riches story having defied great odds to become successful. According to the singer, he was forced to fend for himself at a tender age after his mother passed away when he was just 5-years-old. Having been raised by a single mother and unfamiliar with his extended family, he was left with no choice but to leave his home town in Masaka for the city in pursuit of a better life. With no education to speak of, he was initiated into the life of a street kid and made ends meet doing menial jobs.
Kenzo lived on the street for 13 years, before he finally recorded his first song in 2008 titled “Yanimba” along side Mikie Wine. He finally had his breakthrough with his single, “Stamina” in 2010. His life would change forever after his 2014 single, “Sitya Loss”, turned into a global sensation with renowned Hollywood stars sharing the song. He has since performed on several big stages and sold out shows across the globe.
Eddy Kenzo could not hide his excitement as he accepted his award, noting that despite a hard life as child, he is now an achiever who is living a fulfilling life.
Meanwhile, the award ceremony was graced by Kenya’s Deputy President William Ruto who delivered a keynote address in which he lauded the organisers for this initiative that “represents an idea that Africa should celebrate and reward its achievers and validate their dreams without waiting for others to do so”. He also received the Lifetime Achievement award at the ceremony.
Other special awards that were given out include the Young Achievers Star Hall Fame award which was awarded to Betty Bigombe, a former Ugandan minister now working with the World Bank. The Young Achievers Hero award was awarded to Patricia Okwiny Joyce, who is supporting people with disabilities and Phyllis Kyomuhendo was announced as the Overall Young Achiever of the year.
The Young Achievers Awards seek to identify and recognize young people in Uganda that have demonstrated excellence, innovation and leadership in their different fields, including Arts, Entrepreneurship, Media and Journalism, Philanthropy, Innovation and Sports.
Other winners included:
Innovation and ICT category
Brian Gitta, CEO and Co-Founder Matibabu
Social Entrepreneurship category
Andrew Musoke, Founder, Initiator and CEO Gifted Hands Network
Farming and Agro-Processing category
Jean Onyati, Founder & CEO, Akellobanker
Business category
Natalie Bitature, Co-Founder, Musana
Fashion category
Anita Beryl, Founder, Beryl Qouture
Outstanding Sports Personality category
She Cranes, Rugby 7s Team
Film and Photography category
Richard Mulindwa, Movie Producer, Writer, and Director
Media and Journalism Excellence category
Raymond Mujuni, Journalist – Next Media Services