Don’t kill Fresh Kid’s talent, MPs tell government

A section of Members of Parliament has asked the government to go slow on young pop star Patrick Senyonjo popularly known as Fresh Kid.
Addressing journalists at Parliament Monday afternoon, National Youth MP Anna Adeke and Western MP Mwine Mpaka on behalf of the Parliamentary Forum on Youths, have instead asked government to nurture the young singer’s talent and advised State minister for Youth and Children Affairs, Ms Florence Nakiwala Kiyingi to consider lobbying for more resources to help in developing young talents.

The MPs say whereas Fresh Kid needs education, the prevalent levels of youth unemployment in the country should be put into consideration.
They have also appealed to the singer’s management not to succumb to pressure but work within the confines of the law to develop his talent.

There call comes after Ms Nakiwala urged Fresh kid to drop the microphone and go to school.

Ssenyonjo has rocked the music industry with great performances whenever called on to entertain revellers, but the minister says it is a breach of the Children Act and other regulations.
In an interview with Daily Monitor last Thursday, Ms Nakiwala, who has come under criticism especially on social media platforms, said she was not against the boy and his talent but wants him not to be used to break the law.

“The law does not allow such a child to work or be employed for money because he cannot operate a bank account and cannot have a Tax Identification Number to pay taxes. So, until the law is amended, my hands are tied and I can only partner to counsel him and make sure he is in school,” Ms Nakiwala said.
Fresh Kid’s music came to the attention of the minister on Tuesday this week through her interface with people who expressed concern about the message in his songs.
At the age of seven, a childlike Fresh Kid can only be counselled when caught in wrong because the law only provides for those aged 12 and above to be taken to a remand home if found in conflict with the law.