The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, Pius Bigirimana has urged parents of Patrick Ssenyonyo alias Fresh Kid to keep him in school and avoid exploitation of promoters.
Fresh Kid, 7, is Uganda’s youngest most popular musician.
His freestyle rapping skills have since left the nation in awe.
Music promoters continue to invite Fresh Kid to perform at their events.
But Bigirimana, who met Fresh Kid and his parents at his office in Kampala on Thursday, said steps must be taken to avoid exploitation.
“You (family) should have a Memorandum of Understanding with the promoter,” said Bigirimana.
“The performance and distribution of the proceeds of what is collected should be guided by the MoU,” he emphasised.
The PS said the family must “ensure that the kid goes to school and develops the talent on weekends or in holidays. He can also can perform at concerts or school exhibitions but not to go into bars.”
Bigirimana further said Fresh Kid “must have enough sleep and should never be exploited again.”
The Ugandan laws protect minors from exploitation.
Fresh Kid’s family said they were happy to listen to Bigirimana on how they could develop his talent while securing his education.
“We reached on a way forward,” said Bigirimana, adding, “He sat in my chair and promised to study hard and become a Permanent Secretary one day on top of his music.”
