Veteran politician and outspoken public figure Fred Mukasa Mbidde has unexpectedly entered Uganda’s pop culture conversation — and his comments are already sparking debate online.
During a candid appearance on Sanyuka Uncut, Mbidde was asked a simple but loaded question: Which female artiste from Uganda’s younger generation is truly making an impact on the music scene?
His answer caught many viewers off guard.
Despite openly admitting that he doesn’t closely follow the music industry, Mbidde singled out Ava Peace as a young artist who has managed to stand out in his eyes — a moment that has since ignited conversations across entertainment circles.
“I Don’t Know Her Music… But I Know Her”
In a refreshingly honest moment, Mbidde didn’t pretend to be a music expert. Instead, he leaned into his reality — and that’s exactly what made his remarks resonate.
“Ava Peace. I do not know her music, but I know her,” Mbidde said.
“She used to sing with Mudra, right? Yes. I find the songs interesting and I dance to them.”
The statement may sound casual, but it carries weight.
For a veteran public figure who doesn’t actively track artists, playlists, or charts, simply knowing an artiste by name — and enjoying their music enough to dance to it — speaks volumes.
Why Ava Peace Cut Through the Noise
Mbidde’s comments highlight a key truth about Ava Peace’s growing appeal:
her music reaches beyond hardcore music fans and industry insiders.
Even listeners who:
- Don’t follow artist backstories
- Can’t name full discographies
- Aren’t plugged into entertainment news
…still find themselves connecting with her sound.
That kind of reach is rare — and powerful.
Danceability Over Discography
One of the most telling parts of Mbidde’s remarks was his emphasis on how the music feels, not technical details.
“I listen to local music; it is just that I do not follow up much on the artistes.”
In other words, Ava Peace’s music passes the ultimate casual-listener test:
- It’s catchy
- It’s enjoyable
- It makes people move
In an era where viral success often depends on how music feels in real-life settings — parties, clubs, car rides, and social gatherings — this kind of appeal matters more than ever.
The Mudra Connection
Mbidde also referenced Ava Peace’s early association with Mudra, a detail that further shows his awareness goes beyond surface-level recognition.
The mention suggests that:
- Ava Peace’s name has circulated long enough to stick
- Her journey has been visible, even to non-industry followers
- Her brand has reached mainstream conversation
For a politician to recall such a detail casually during an interview indicates that Ava Peace has crossed into public consciousness.
The Gloria Bugie Moment That Turned Heads
The interview took an even more interesting turn when the host asked Mbidde if he was familiar with other rising female artistes, specifically mentioning Gloria Bugie.
His response?
Short.
Blunt.
Unfiltered.
“I don’t know her.”
The contrast between his recognition of Ava Peace and his unfamiliarity with Gloria Bugie instantly became a talking point online — especially among fans of both artists.
Why That Contrast Matters
Mbidde’s response wasn’t meant as shade — but in the world of pop culture, perception is everything.
The moment highlighted:
- How some artists are breaking into general public awareness
- While others remain popular mostly within online or niche fanbases
It also underscored the difference between:
- Artists who trend online
- And artists whose music reaches everyday listeners, regardless of age or profession
A Different Kind of Endorsement
What makes Mbidde’s remarks so impactful is that they weren’t promotional.
He wasn’t:
- Pushing a campaign
- Endorsing a brand
- Trying to stay “cool” or relevant
Instead, his praise for Ava Peace came across as organic and unfiltered — the kind of acknowledgment artists can’t buy.
For musicians, that kind of recognition often signals a shift from industry buzz to cultural presence.
Why Politicians Talking Music Still Matters
Some may wonder why a politician’s music opinion should matter at all.
But in reality, figures like Mbidde represent:
- Older generations
- Non-digital audiences
- Casual listeners outside social media echo chambers
When an artist resonates with that demographic, it often means:
- Broader reach
- Stronger longevity
- A brand that extends beyond trends
In that sense, Ava Peace’s recognition by Mbidde is less about celebrity approval — and more about cross-generational appeal.
Social Media Reacts
As clips from the interview circulated, reactions poured in fast.
Many fans praised Ava Peace, saying:
- “That’s how you know you’ve made it”
- “If even Mbidde knows you, you’re doing something right”
- “Danceable music always wins”
Others debated the Gloria Bugie mention, sparking broader conversations about:
- Visibility vs. virality
- Talent vs. reach
- Online hype vs. offline impact
Ava Peace’s Momentum Keeps Building
While Mbidde may not track the charts, his comments reflect what many observers have been noting for months:
Ava Peace’s profile is steadily rising.
Her music’s accessibility, combined with consistent presence, has positioned her as one of the female artists to watch in Uganda’s new generation — whether you follow the industry closely or not.
Final Word: Sometimes Impact Speaks for Itself
Fred Mukasa Mbidde didn’t need stats, streaming numbers, or industry jargon to make his point.
He knows what he likes.
He knows what makes him dance.
And in that moment, Ava Peace stood out.
In an industry often obsessed with hype and online metrics, his comments were a reminder that real impact is sometimes felt, not tracked.
💬 Do you agree with Fred Mbidde’s take on Ava Peace?
🔥 Which young female artiste do YOU think is making the biggest impact right now?
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