Ugandan singer and Mpaka Records boss Ykee Benda has shared why he intentionally avoids discussing local sports on his Fan Bench podcast, saying he believes there is a wider cultural challenge affecting how Ugandans support and celebrate their own.
The singer explained that many people have questioned why the podcast does not focus more on Ugandan football and other local sports topics.
According to Ykee Benda, his decision comes from what he describes as a struggle among Ugandans to recognize and uplift people from their own communities.
He argued that the issue goes beyond patriotism, saying he believes it is connected to how society views success when it comes from someone close.
Ykee Benda opened up about the topic while discussing the direction of his Fan Bench podcast and the questions he receives from listeners about covering Ugandan sports.
The singer said some fans have asked why the platform does not regularly highlight Ugandan local football.
Responding to the criticism, Ykee said he believes the challenge is not simply about sports but about a broader cultural mindset.
“It’s a cultural problem, and a serious one that won’t go away anytime soon,” Ykee Benda said.
The singer explained that he no longer looks for validation from fellow Ugandans because he feels people often struggle to celebrate individuals from the same background.
“I have a podcast called Fan Bench, and many people keep asking why we don’t talk about Ugandan local football. Tulibalogo ate tetweyagaliza loosely (We’re like witches, we don’t wish each other well),” he said.
Ykee Benda further referenced a common belief that people sometimes receive more recognition after gaining success outside their home environment.
“Even the Bible speaks about these things, you have to leave your own home to be acknowledged for your greatness,” he added.
The singer said he believes the challenge appears across different fields, including entertainment, where local achievements are sometimes not embraced as strongly as international recognition.
Ykee Benda is a Ugandan musician and the founder of Mpaka Records, known for his work in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
Through his Fan Bench podcast, the singer has explored conversations beyond music, including topics connected to culture, society, and public discussions.
His latest comments focus on the relationship between national pride and the way people support individuals who achieve success.
Ykee compared Uganda’s situation with Nigeria’s entertainment industry, where he believes major artists often receive strong support from their home country.
He specifically mentioned Afrobeats star Wizkid as an example of an artist who receives recognition for representing Nigeria globally.
“In Nigeria, when Wizkid walks into Lagos, the city bows. Not because they love him so much, but because he represented them on another level,” Ykee said.
Ykee Benda’s comments touch on a wider conversation about how countries celebrate their athletes, musicians, and public figures.
Support from local audiences can play an important role in building successful entertainment and sports industries.
His argument suggests that recognition is not only about talent but also about the willingness of communities to support people who represent them.
The discussion also highlights differences in how artists and public figures experience fame at home compared to how they are viewed internationally.
No specific public reactions or social media responses were provided regarding Ykee Benda’s comments.
However, conversations about national support, local talent, and the treatment of successful Ugandans often generate debate among entertainment and sports audiences.
As the discussion continues, fans may weigh in on whether cultural attitudes influence the growth of local talent.
For Ykee Benda, the issue appears personal, as he connected the topic to his own experience navigating the entertainment industry.
His message was not only about music or football but about how people respond when someone from their own community achieves success.
The singer believes meaningful support requires more than simply celebrating achievements after global recognition — it starts with valuing people while they are still building.
Ykee Benda’s comments have reopened a conversation about support, recognition, and the way Ugandans celebrate homegrown success.
Do you agree that local talent receives less support before gaining international attention?