Back in 2021, Uganda witnessed the very first edition of the Janzi Awards which turned out very successful with support from Gen. Salim Saleh but just disappeared and no other edition has ever been held, raising alot of questions for the deep investment.
Musician and Janzi instrument inventor Ssewa Ssewa has explained why the Janzi Awards have not returned since, blaming the delay on alleged misuse of funds and a breakdown in trust with a key sponsor.
Speaking to Blizz Uganda, Ssewa Ssewa said the awards were initially envisioned as an annual event that would eventually expand into the East African region and across Africa, before attracting global participation.
He revealed that retired General Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, who was the biggest sponsor of the 2021 edition, was unhappy with how the organising committee handled the funds and subsequently lost trust in the project.
“My partner and biggest sponsor for Janzi Awards 2021, Rtd Gen. Salim Saleh Akandwanaho, is still not happy with how funds were mishandled by the organising committee. He lost trust in the project. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to him,” Ssewa Ssewa told Blizz Uganda.
He further attributed the setback to funds being misused or stolen, saying the experience affected the initiative’s progress.
Despite the challenges, Ssewa Ssewa insists the awards project is still active. He pointed to the recent Janzi Rendition concert at MoTiv, where he said Jose Chameleone, MTN, Stanbic Bank, Centenary Bank and NBS TV received the latest Janzi GenZ Model 2026 instrument. He added that I&M Bank is also expected to receive one.
The musician said he is now looking for potential partners and sponsors in Uganda and internationally to help bring the awards back.
He also revealed a broader ambition to have the Janzi recognised as a national symbol, with plans to present the idea to Parliament so that the instrument could become a state gift to visiting presidents, showcasing Uganda’s innovation and culture.
The Janzi Awards were first held on December 11 and 12, 2021, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala. The ceremony recognised achievements across music, film, visual arts, publishing, performing arts and other creative fields.
Among the notable winners were Azawi, who received Female Artist of the Year and Album of the Year, Pallaso, who won Male Artist of the Year, and Pia Pounds, who took Song and Video of the Year. Afrigo Band’s Moses Matovu received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Although a revival was announced in 2024, no second edition has been held. Ssewa Ssewa says the long-term vision remains to grow the initiative into Janzi Awards Africa.
