- Sheebah Karungi says appreciation varies by region, with rural areas often underappreciating top musicians.
- She highlights poor performance conditions: potholed roads, low pay, dilapidated stages, and faulty equipment.
- Calls for government support and unity among Ugandan artists, emphasizing the need for proper funding and copyright laws.
Songstress Sheebah Karungi has opened up about whether she feels truly appreciated for her stature and contributions to Uganda’s music industry. The Queen Karma is one of the top and most influential musicians the country has ever had and undoubtedly the most successful female singer of her generation.
Reacting to the question, Sheebah said she feels appreciated in some places and by some people, but at times she feels underappreciated, especially in certain areas, particularly rural regions.
“The love is real in some corners, but in others, you feel like you are invisible,” Sheebah revealed.
The Nakyuka singer noted that many of the venues they perform in are not befitting for stars. She pointed out how they travel on potholed roads, perform for meagre pay, on dilapidated stages, and often lack working microphones.
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“All these conditions cannot support the lifestyle of a musician,” she said, attributing the challenges to the country’s lack of adequate resources and underdevelopment. She added that the Ugandan government is yet to back the music industry in the way other countries have, which would allow stars to live comfortably and pursue their craft fully.
Additionally, Sheebah noted that many Ugandans do not wish each other well, which has prevented the music industry from uniting with a common voice.
“I wish Ugandans could celebrate each other’s success; that’s when the industry would truly thrive,” she added.
The former TNS singer is also part of Eddy Kenzo’s UNMF, which is currently working with the government to ensure the creative sector is fully funded and supported by a well-functioning copyright law.
