Singer Michael Mukwaya, popularly known as Mikie Wine, is facing widespread criticism on social media after featuring a juvenile in his latest music video Kankutekemu.
The controversy erupted when the singer posted a teaser of the video, which stars 16-year-old Emmanuella Musimenta, better known as Pretty Nicole, as the lead vixen.
Many social media users have expressed outrage, accusing the singer of exploiting the minor for publicity.
“Mikie Wine should refrain from uploading that music video caressing Pretty Nicole. Let him cut his losses and make another one with an older vixen,” one commentator remarked.
Another outraged user said, “He should face the full wrath of the law for promoting the sexualization of minors. The music industry has a pedophile problem, and whoever Mikie Wine is, his music should be pulled from Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.”
Despite the criticism, some commentators have come to the singer’s defense, arguing that there is no issue with his decision to cast Pretty Nicole in the video.
Controversial lawyer Hassan Male Mabirizi stated that under Ugandan law, individuals aged 16 and above are allowed to engage in employment.
“I disagree that Mikie Wine’s video sexualizes Pretty Nicole. It’s simply drama, which is permitted under Article 34(5) of the Constitution,” Mabirizi argued, citing provisions under Articles 32, 33, 34, and 35 of the Ugandan Constitution that protect the rights of women, children, and minority groups.
Several others echoed Mabirizi’s sentiments, with one commenter saying, “Mikie Wine is supporting Pretty Nicole’s dream. She has repeatedly shown that this is what she wants, and her parents support her decisions.”
Others suggested that the energy being spent criticizing the singer would be better used in addressing Uganda’s corruption issues.
“I wish the same energy being used to crucify Mikie was applied to tackling corruption. Pretty Nicole has bills to pay, and we have more pressing issues in our country. This is not the worst thing happening right now,” one user commented.
There are also those who believe the entire situation may have been a publicity stunt that has backfired on the singer.
As of now, Mikie Wine has not yet responded to the growing controversy.
