Ugandan singer Lydia Jazmine has confirmed receiving Shs 1.4 million in royalties from the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), saying the payment has left her questioning whether musicians are being fairly rewarded for years of work.
The singer said she chose not to publicly discuss the payout when other artists began revealing what they had received, preferring to remain silent until now.
Her confirmation comes after fellow musician Spice Diana disclosed receiving Shs 1.4 million in royalties, while Weasel Manizo said his payment was about Shs 250,000.
Although Jazmine acknowledged receiving the money, she said the amount does not reflect the effort she has invested throughout her music career.
“You can’t tell me all those years I have worked for Shs 1.4 million,” she said, expressing disappointment over the payment. She added that after seeing what other artists had received, she was left wondering whether the royalty distribution system was working as expected.
Her remarks have added fresh momentum to an ongoing conversation within Uganda’s music industry about how royalties are collected and shared among artists.
Many musicians have long argued that royalty payments remain too low compared with the popularity of their music and the years spent producing and promoting their work. Others have called for greater transparency in the collection and distribution process so artists can better understand how their earnings are calculated.
The latest disclosures by several high profile musicians have brought renewed public attention to the issue, with industry players expected to continue pressing for reforms that ensure creators receive compensation they consider more reflective of their contribution to Uganda’s entertainment sector.
