As 2025 draws to a close, event promoter Andrew Mukasa, popularly known as Bajjo, has released his much-anticipated personal awards list for the year in Ugandan entertainment. True to form, Bajjo’s selections have ignited widespread discussion, amusement, and debate across social media. The standout moment—and the one that’s got everyone talking—is Gloria Bugie being crowned “Struggling Artist of the Year.” It’s a choice that’s equal parts bold and brutal, leaving fans in stitches while raising eyebrows about fairness in the industry.
Read more about Gloria here
What Are the Bajjo Awards All About?
The Bajjo Awards are not an official ceremony but a yearly compilation put together by Andrew Mukasa, a well-known events promoter who has been deeply involved in Uganda’s music and entertainment scene for years. Through his platform, often shared on social media and covered by local outlets, Bajjo highlights what he considers the standout performers, songs, and even political figures of the year. His lists are subjective, based on his observations as a promoter who books artists and gauges crowd reactions firsthand.
This year’s release includes an official honorees list mixing music categories with political recognition, alongside a separate ranking of the top 10 songs. Bajjo’s picks tend to reward consistency, impact, and authenticity, but they also carry his unfiltered opinions, which often include subtle—or not-so-subtle—critiques.
Who Are the Official Honorees in Bajjo’s 2025 List?
Here is the complete list of honorees as shared by Bajjo:
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Artist of the Year: Elijah Kitaka
Reason: Creative excellence. Cultural impact. Pure artistry. -
Male Artist of the Year: Joshua Baraka
Reason: Consistency, global sound, zero skips. -
Female Artist of the Year: Sheebah Karungi
Reason: Icon status. Longevity. She runs the playbook. -
Politician of the Year: Dr. Kizza Besigye
Reason: Resilience, conviction, and unwavering leadership. -
Inspirational Politician: Bobi Wine
Reason: Voice of the people. Movement builder. Generational influence. -
Struggling Artist of the Year: Gloria Bugie
Reason: Raw talent, hustle mindset, and undeniable potential.
Why Has Gloria Bugie’s Title Become the Talk of the Town?
The “Struggling Artist of the Year” category has always been a risky one in Bajjo’s lists, but naming Gloria Bugie here has taken the conversation to another level. Bugie has been active throughout 2025, releasing multiple tracks and maintaining a strong presence on social media and in live performances. However, she has faced ongoing criticism that her success relies more on her bold image and physical appeal than on vocal strength or musical innovation.
Bajjo’s reasoning—”raw talent, hustle mindset, and undeniable potential”—reads like encouragement, but the category title itself feels like shade. Many see it as a pointed comment on her struggle to be taken seriously as a pure musician amid the constant focus on her appearance. The announcement has sparked endless memes and reactions, with some finding it hilariously accurate and others calling it unnecessarily harsh. Whatever the intent, it has undeniably put Gloria Bugie back in the spotlight as the year ends.
What About the Top 10 Songs of 2025?
Bajjo also released his ranking of the year’s biggest tracks:
- See You Tonight – Omega & Cindy Sanyu
- Cheche – Fyno
- Kapati – Alien Skin
- TikTok Life – King Saha
- Wesiabadde – Sheebah
- Wanula – Ava Peace ft. Temperature Touch
- Bigwa – Liam Voice
- Ogenda Kukilabala – Tracy Melon
- Wrong Places – Joshua Baraka
- Kapeeke – Kabba
Joshua Baraka’s “Wrong Places” landing at number 9 has also drawn complaints from fans who believe its international success and quality deserved a higher spot.
How Is the Industry Reacting?
Reactions have poured in fast. Supporters of the honorees like Elijah Kitaka, Joshua Baraka, and Sheebah Karungi have celebrated their recognition, while the political picks for Dr. Kizza Besigye and Bobi Wine have resonated with opposition followers. The Gloria Bugie selection, however, remains the dominant topic—equal parts comedy and controversy.
As the year wraps up, attention now shifts to Bebe Cool’s annual list, expected in early January. His selections often carry significant weight in the industry, and many are curious to see how they compare.
Do you agree with Bajjo’s 2025 honorees and top songs? Is “Struggling Artist of the Year” for Gloria Bugie fair, funny, or too far? The debate is just getting started.
