Singer Ykee Benda has publicly criticized the Zzina Awards 2026 for what he perceives as insufficient recognition for fellow musician Joshua Baraka, despite Baraka winning the Best Contemporary Urban Song award for his hit collaboration Wrong Places with JAE5.
Taking to his X account shortly after the awards ceremony, Ykee Benda praised the contributions of other awardees but raised concerns over Baraka’s lack of acknowledgment in other categories.
“I love you @GalaxyFMUg and the amazing work you have done in the entertainment industry. But when are we going to be intentional about giving artists who make quality music as many flowers as possible? I appreciate that Tracy Melon got what she deserved — but how’s Joshua not anywhere, guys? This is the guy currently pushing the flag to crazy heights. Surely he has been a force in the last 12 months. My 2 cents.”
Baraka has enjoyed a remarkable run in the past year, attracting both local and international attention for his unique sound and collaborations. Industry observers note that he has been instrumental in elevating Ugandan music onto bigger platforms, making him a key figure in the country’s contemporary music scene.
The Zzina Awards 2026, organized by Galaxy FM and Galaxy TV, were held last night at Paradigm, Kansanga, honoring creatives across multiple categories for their contributions to Uganda’s entertainment industry.