Celebrated Ugandan songwriter Shena Skies has dropped a bombshell that is shaking the music industry, accusing top artists of exploitation, lies, and disrespect, while boldly naming Rema Namakula and popular deejay duo Slick Stuart & Roja.
Speaking during a recent interview, the outspoken songwriter—real name Josephine Namagembe—revealed that she was the mastermind behind the hit song “More Of This”, yet her reward was nothing close to what fans would expect.
“They only gave me 20,000 shillings for fuel,” Shena said, leaving many stunned.
The song went on to dominate airwaves and playlists, boosting the profiles of Rema Namakula, Slick Stuart & Roja—but according to Shena Skies, she remained broke, ignored, and unappreciated.
“People think songwriters are rich, but I barely survive. I can write many songs, yet I sell only one song in a month or even after two months. That kind of money cannot sustain anyone,” she revealed.
Shena went further to call out artists who allegedly lie in the media, claiming they pay her millions when, in reality, they don’t.
“Artists go on TV bragging that they gave me 5 million, yet they never did. They paint a fake image that I’m expensive and wealthy, yet they pay me little money and keep promising to clear the balance,” she said.
In a shocking revelation, Shena also accused artists of using her talent to headline concerts while completely sidelining her.
“Even when a song becomes a mega hit, no one comes back to thank you. Some artists have never even invited me to concerts where my songs are the biggest hits,” she added.
Despite being one of the most sought-after songwriters in Uganda, Shena Skies says the industry has failed her, emotionally and financially. She admitted that if it wasn’t for her passion and God-given talent, she would have long quit music.
The songwriter also revealed that she has powerful unreleased songs she has kept for years—songs she believes could make certain artists stars—but because of their ungrateful and exploitative behavior, she has chosen to keep them locked away.
Shena Skies’ explosive statements have reopened the long-simmering debate about artist greed, songwriter exploitation, and fake success narratives in Uganda’s music industry.
As fans wait for responses from Rema Namakula, Slick Stuart & Roja, one question remains:
Are Uganda’s biggest artists building their success on unpaid talent?
