It begins with a page view, a like, a retweet. Then, boom, an avalanche.

Plot twist: Or perhaps a telephone call, an email, even a newspaper headline. No, a screaming newspaper headline, a catchy lede and then a full page story. There will certainly be something hidden and unexplained. A mystery, a secret, a story of rags to riches. A story that will make one seem like an overnight success.

There follows a process of observation and investigation — clues, facts, witnesses. Hypotheses will be proposed and interrogated. Eventually — preferably in a dazzling dénouement — the facts will reveal the secret. Wow!

If, like me, you are have an eye of spotting rags to riches stories on the fly, this structure will be familiar.

Seven years ago Eddy Kenzo was touted as that ugly duckling whose quack only the mother could tolerate.

The now star-studded artiste from Uganda pays homage to the Sitya Loss music video that went super viral on YouTube thereby according him sudden international fame. However, it wasn’t all roses for the 25 year old sensational music artiste, having spent close to a decade struggling to get to the mainstream.

If you asked Eddy for the magic bullet (or the secret) that he used to rise to stardom, perhaps he would sigh in awe, but, he would sure mention that it had something to do with social media. The world has become a global village thanks to the interwebs and of late the meteoric growth of personal media or popularly known as social media.

These are some of the lessons we have learnt from Eddy Kenzo:

1. Behind that vine, tweet or status update there are people

Produce content for people, not machines, not aliens. People love stories, melodies, beats, timbre, name it. Regardless of what kind of content you want to push, have people at the centre of the message. It’s that plain and simple.

2. Push push push

The secret to making a mark on the internet or social media is consistence. Develop a content strategy that you will follow to the dot. This pattern is what keeps people coming for more and who knows, if you’re an underdog, maybe, the big breakthrough is through the next piece you will be releasing.

3. Patience pays

Rome wasn’t built in one day. Even when media seems to dissect such rags to riches stories as overnight successes, that’s not often the case. It takes thousands of hours of practice and patience—and some bit of traditional luck — to hit gold. Eddy Kenzo has been patient in the game for over 10 years.

4. The power of influencers

For information to disseminate to the bottom of the pyramid, the amplification of such by influencer(s) is a forte to behold. Influencers command a high degree of credibility in society and also strong cult like followings. Eddy Kenzo was lucky enough that Hip hop mogul, Diddy, endorsed and shared his viral Sitya Loss video . But he wasn’t the first influencer to endorse it, he was perhaps one of the hundreds. You see, it’s a chain, it starts with one influencer and then snowballs to another. Before you know it, millions of their respective followers are onboard.

Eddy Kenzo with Ivory Coast African Cup winner 2015, Gervinho

5. Broken English, oh, please

Undeniably, English is the lingua franca of the 21 st century. Command of the language paves way for easier communication with the international community. But that is not always the case. We have seen the rise of several dialects carved out of English since time immemorial, even William Shakespeare, heralded as one of the luminaries of literature in English invented more than 1,700 words that were previously non-existent in English. In trades of creative arts, language is no barrier, as long as the medium of self-expression is available, all is left to the mastery one has. With YouTube in tow, Sitya Loss can go viral irrespective of the opinions of professional journalists, reviewers and grammar nazis.It’s often all ’bout the bass and not Eddy’s failure to express self in proper English.

6. Do great, they’ll notice

Great work is a product of hard work and talent. This blend works all the time albeit being easier said than done. When one does great work, one is too good to be ignored, regardless. That is why there should be more emphasis in developing content that is appealing and well-thought.

7. Trends –> trending topics

It’s quite rare to spend a day on social media with seeing a hashtag – popularly known as a trending topic. Hashtags are borne of a particular cause or a topic of interest, subject to discussion. Trends are offline too, in music, fashion et al; a content creator could expound on one and contextualize their material around it. Eddy Kenzo has proved to be good at spotting trends bubbling under and has learnt to fully embrace them. For example his recent music embraces a happiness theme and his videos are full of groovy dance moves that characterize the hottest music videos on the continent.

8. Be self, be authentic

Twitter is a place to be if you love authenticity, not that other social media channels have inauthentic content, no, it’s the level of policing among Twitter users that is above the roof. These chaps police themselves with reckless abandon; from proper use of grammar to identifying parody accounts to spotting stolen tweets, name it. Social media loves authenticity and duly rewards it. Eddy Kenzo didn’t have to force anything that wasn’t himself, he pours his heart in his music and owns whatever he does.

9. Embrace social media 101

Social media is not a millennials’ thing as the old guard would want to assume. We have reached the point where the internet (and social media) are a basic need popularly because of the ease and expedition that it offers to communication. For people in the content business like Kenzo, social media is a great distribution channel and also a great platform for engagement with the people who consume his content. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube among others are of great importance. Embrace them.

10. Get out of the building

Occupying a corner office and reading reports in the comfort of an arm chair all day long denies a manager knowledge of what transpires exactly on the streets. Taking marketing campaigns solely on social media doesn’t achieve as much effect as a blitz that couples both offline and online. So is taking fights on social media. It’s only bickering and giving bored people what to talk about. Sometimes you have got to stand up and fight, be it physically, legally, fight. Especially when your life’s clutches are at stake, for Eddy Kenzo, when a particular media personality incessantly defamed him on air despite his breakthrough, he didn’t pray for divine intervention, he fought, he fought like his life depended on it.

Image: Screenshot from Sitya Loss video

Daniel Mwesigwa is a curious mind at the intersection of technology, media, and politics. Passionate about emerging trends and critical thinking, he’s known for cutting through noise—calling out conspiracy theories when they don’t hold up. When he’s not writing or analyzing the digital world, Daniel enjoys listening to music and playing soccer.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

  • SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
  • Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
  • Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
  • Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

  • CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
  • MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
  • MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
  • TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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