Dancehall artist Vyper Ranking has opened up about his decision to leave the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), citing feelings of being unwelcome and internal challenges within the organization.
Vyper Ranking humorously suggested that fellow artist Hanson Baliruno would have been a better candidate for the role of Senior Presidential Adviser on Creatives, a position recently given to Eddy Kenzo. “Hanson Baliruno should have gotten the role because he pretends to love the industry more,” Vyper remarked, hinting at the political undercurrents within the music industry.
Despite the playful nature of his comment, Vyper Ranking did extend his congratulations to Eddy Kenzo on his new appointment.
However, Vyper’s departure from the UNMF appears to stem from deeper issues. He expressed frustration with the division and internal challenges within the federation, mentioning that some individuals reportedly blocked others from accessing resources.
“There was a lot of division there [at UNMF], and also, I didn’t get any money from the artists’ SACCO, and I didn’t need their money either,” Vyper Ranking revealed, shedding light on some of the reasons behind his decision to part ways with the organization.
Vyper Ranking’s exit from the UNMF reflects the ongoing struggles within the Ugandan music industry, where politics and personal differences often influence the dynamics of artist organizations.