Ugandan singer Stecia Mayanja has criticised the new generation of musicians, arguing that much of today’s music lacks lasting impact and does not match the songwriting standards she experienced during her generation.
During a recent interview with Spark TV, the band singer was asked to compare the music of her era with the songs being released by contemporary artists. Her response was sharply critical, with particular concern about vulgar lyrics, short-lived hits and what she described as a decline in meaningful songwriting.
Stecia argued that some modern songs are unsuitable for audiences of all ages and quickly disappear from public attention after gaining popularity.
“These days, artists do not leave the studio; the songs they release go off quickly. Their music doesn’t make sense anymore. They fade off the scene easily,” she said.
The singer also pushed back against the perception that older musicians are outdated, arguing that established artists can regain prominence when newer acts fail to produce music with staying power.
“They call us outdated but we easily take up their spots at the top because they keep releasing useless music,” Stecia added.
She further questioned whether some contemporary musicians could comfortably share their own songs with their children, pointing to what she sees as a problem with the content of some releases.
Stecia Mayanja Says Older Artists Took More Time With Music
Beyond the lyrical content, Stecia highlighted the difference in how artists approach recording and releasing music.
She said musicians of her generation invested in albums that could remain relevant for years, reducing the need to return to the studio constantly in search of another hit.
In her view, the current emphasis on trends encourages some artists to release music quickly without creating songs that audiences will remember for the long term.
Stecia also pointed to collaboration and professional feedback as important parts of the songwriting process during her era.
She explained that songwriters would consult more experienced writers to strengthen their compositions and seek opinions from other producers before releasing songs to the public.
That process, she suggested, helped give songs greater depth and a better chance of connecting with listeners beyond their initial release.
Her comments add to an ongoing debate within the music industry about the differences between older and newer approaches to making music, particularly as streaming platforms and social media create pressure for artists to release content frequently.
However, Stecia’s remarks reflect her assessment of the industry rather than a universal judgment on all contemporary musicians. Today’s artists also work across different genres and release strategies, while some continue to build lasting audiences through albums and carefully developed songwriting.
For Stecia, the central issue is not simply whether music is old or new, but whether artists are creating songs with substance, careful craftsmanship and the potential to remain relevant long after their initial popularity fades.