Ugandan reggae icon Maddoxx Semanda Sematimba has stirred up conversation among fans and music lovers with a recent revelation about his listening habits.
During an interview with popular blogger Peng Peng on a visit to the United States, Maddoxx candidly admitted that he does not play the music of fellow Ugandan artists Bebe Cool and Bobi Wine in his home.
The legendary “Namagembe” singer explained that he finds their music too loud and incompatible with the atmosphere he cultivates at home, which he considers a deeply spiritual and introspective space.
“I can never sit in my house and listen to Bebe Cool’s music. I’m not dissing him, but that is it,” Maddoxx said. “If they play him while we are out there in a group, I can listen, but never in my house. Not even Bobi Wine. I can, however, play him when I’m with my friends to vibe.”
Maddoxx was quick to clarify that his comments weren’t meant as disrespect, but rather a reflection of the personal boundaries he maintains in his private life.
For him, home is a sanctuary—one that demands a certain energy and mood that mainstream or “loud” music doesn’t provide.
In a surprising twist, Maddoxx also admitted he doesn’t even play his music at home.
“Home is a source of spirituality; a place where you meditate and think about other things,” he said. “I do not even play my own music in my house.”
His remarks have sparked a mix of admiration and debate online. Some fans praised his spiritual discipline and commitment to intentional living, while others questioned his decision to publicly name fellow artists, especially in Uganda’s often-polarized music scene.
Still, Maddoxx’s statement adds another layer to his mystique as an artist who has long been seen as a soulful, reclusive, and deeply thoughtful figure in Ugandan music.
Whether you agree with him or not, one thing is clear: Maddoxx marches to the beat of his drum—and it’s a quiet, meditative one.
