Ugandan dancehall powerhouse Cindy Sanyu has finally opened up about why she chose to keep her maiden name despite being married to Prynce Joel Okuyo since 2021 — a decision that has sparked conversation among fans and fellow artists.
Speaking during a recent NTV interview, Cindy explained that her decision was deeply intentional — a way of protecting her artistic identity and legacy.
“The brand Cindy is not a family thing but a personal thing,” she said. “I separate Cindy from everything. The Cindy you see on stage grows and develops on her own, regardless of who is around her.”
Cindy emphasized that she worked tirelessly to build the ‘Cindy’ brand, which she considers her lifelong legacy. For her, blending that with her marriage would blur important boundaries between her personal and professional worlds.
“When I’m home, I’m Mrs. Okuyo and a mummy to my kids. But when I’m on stage, I’m The King Herself. Those are two different people,” she explained. “This separation helps me protect what I’ve built and stay grounded.”
Despite her strong stance on brand independence, Cindy assured fans that she fully embraces her roles as a wife and mother when offstage.
“When I’m with my children, I’m not a star. I don’t even do makeup. I’m just mum,” she shared with a laugh.
The award-winning singer also cautioned fellow female celebrities against merging their artistic brands with their husbands’ identities, saying it often dilutes their individuality and hard-earned recognition.
“Some artists get married and start rebranding around their husbands. That’s risky. You might love your man, but your brand should remain yours — because what if things change?” she added pointedly.
Cindy Sanyu, known to fans as “The King Herself,” continues to reign as one of Uganda’s most resilient and self-aware entertainers — a queen who knows exactly how to keep her crown, her name, and her power.
