Ugandan singer Stabua Natooro has publicly voiced her frustration over a growing trend in the music industry — upcoming artists branding themselves as “junior” versions of established musicians.
The “Tujanjawaze” hitmaker is urging new talent to drop the practice and focus on building their own identities instead of relying on the reputation of already established stars.
Her message is clear: success should be earned, not borrowed.
And she is not holding back in how she describes the issue…
“Stop Using Our Names To Build Yours”
Speaking strongly on the matter, Stabua Natooro criticized artists who attach themselves to established names in an attempt to gain quick recognition.
“Ladies and gentlemen, especially those who use our names by adding the word ‘Junior,’ I would like to inform you that this is our business,” she said.
She stressed that music is a profession that requires years of investment, effort, and consistency.
“Build your own business and thrive, but not on our names. Stop playing with our brands,” she added.
For Natooro, the issue is not just branding — it is about respect for the work that established artists have put in over the years.
The Cost Of Building A Music Career
Natooro went on to explain that becoming a recognized artist is not an overnight process.
She highlighted the years of sacrifice, financial investment, and persistence required to build a career in music.
“These songs that we perform, we worked tirelessly to be where we are,” she said.
According to her, even gaining public recognition took time and effort, with many challenges along the way.
“Even getting people to know us wasn’t easy — we have overcome a lot,” she added.
Her message emphasizes that success in the industry is built, not borrowed.
And then things got even more direct…
A Warning To Promoters
Beyond addressing upcoming artists, Stabua Natooro also turned her attention to event promoters.
She urged them to stop booking or supporting artists who use established names as a marketing strategy.
“Even promoters who hire these people, please do us a favor and don’t give them our money,” she said.
She argued that such practices undermine the work of original artists and distort the value of their brands.
For her, protecting artistic identity is just as important as creating music itself.
A Growing Debate In The Music Industry
Stabua Natooro’s remarks highlight a broader conversation happening within Uganda’s entertainment industry.
As new artists emerge, branding and identity have become increasingly important in standing out in a crowded market.
However, the use of “junior” labels or name associations has sparked debate about originality and authenticity.
Some argue it helps newcomers gain attention quickly, while others see it as damaging to established brands.
The internet had thoughts, and discussions around the issue continue to grow across social media platforms.
The Bigger Picture: Identity In Music
At the heart of Natooro’s message is a call for creativity and independence.
She believes that every artist should build their own path, rather than relying on comparisons or borrowed identity.
Her stance reflects a wider industry truth — longevity in music depends on originality, not imitation.
Stabua Natooro’s message is a strong reminder to upcoming artists about the importance of identity and hard work.
Build your name.
Protect your brand.
And earn your place in the industry — without borrowing someone else’s spotlight.