Musicians call for govt intervention in Fik Gaza Saudi arrest

The Uganda Musicians’ Association (UMA) has called for government intervention to have dancehall artiste Shafic Dangote, alias Fik Gaza, released from jail in Saudi Arabia.

Gaza was arrested on Tuesday by Saudi authorities shortly after landing in the Gulf country.

It is reported he was arrested over alleged visa irregularities and dress code violations.

In a statement issued on Thursday, UMA has expressed concerns about Gaza’s arrest and asked Saudi authorities to release the singer.

“We are deeply concerned about Mr Gaza’s well-being and urge the Saudi authorities to swifly resolve this matter and ensure his safe return home,” UMA stated.

The musicians’ body further called for government’s intervention through the Foreign Affairs ministry to ensure the musician’s release.

“We urge them to engage the embassy of the Republic of Uganda and the Permanent Mission to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Riyadh to secure Mr Gaza’s release,”

“Further more, we request Uganda’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ssemuddu, to personally intervene and advocate for Mr Gaza’s rights.” UMA stated.

Gaza, started his professional music career in 2018, and has since grown into one of the forces to reckon with in the Ugandan music industry.

The singer gained initial recognition following the release of his last year’s song Banana which gained massive airplay.