The Zzina Awards 2026 are already facing backlash after singer Ykee Benda publicly called out the organizers for what he described as a shocking under-recognition of Joshua Baraka.
While Baraka won Best Contemporary Urban Song for his hit collaboration Wrong Places with JAE5, Ykee Benda insists that one award was nowhere near enough for an artist he believes has carried Uganda’s flag higher than anyone else in the past year.
Taking to his X account moments after the ceremony, Ykee did not hold back.
“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.”
Though he expressed appreciation for Galaxy FM and congratulated Tracy Melon, Ykee’s message clearly questioned the credibility and fairness of this year’s awards.
Industry observers note that Joshua Baraka has arguably had one of the strongest runs of any Ugandan artist in the last 12 months. From international collaborations to streaming milestones and cross-border recognition, Baraka’s momentum has been difficult to ignore. Many fans expected him to dominate major categories beyond just a single win.
Social media quickly erupted after Ykee’s post, with fans divided. Some agreed that Baraka was “snubbed” despite his global impact, while others defended the awards, arguing that competition was stiff and results reflected voting outcomes.
Critics are now questioning whether the Zzina Awards are keeping up with the evolving standards of Uganda’s music industry — especially at a time when artists like Joshua Baraka are breaking into international markets and redefining contemporary Ugandan sound.
As the debate intensifies, one thing is clear: Ykee Benda’s remarks have reignited conversations about transparency, voting processes, and whether Uganda’s biggest music platforms are truly rewarding excellence — or simply maintaining the status quo.
