Ugandan singer Liane Nakaweesi, known for her soulful hit “Singa,” has opened up about the harsh realities female artists face in the music industry.
In a candid interview, Nakaweesi admitted that while the music industry can be rewarding, it is also riddled with challenges for women, particularly for those who are attractive and ambitious.
“The music hustle is sure-real. As a lady, especially one who is nice-looking like me, we face a challenge of sexual harassment,” she shared.
Shocking Encounters and Exploitation
Nakaweesi recounted experiences where potential sponsors or promoters demanded inappropriate favors in exchange for career support.
“Most of the people who come in the name of helping us always want to use us first. There’s one who even asked me to bear him a child as collateral,” she revealed.
The emotional and mental toll of constant sexual advances forced Nakaweesi to step back from music for a period of time.
“I sometimes took a break from music because I was tired of being requested to sleep with men who pretended that they wanted to promote my work. But now, since the passion is back, I’m back into music. The desire is back — it even exceeds the ability,” she explained.
Personal Choices and Career Sacrifices
The singer also admitted that her personal relationships sometimes affected her career, as she once turned down performance opportunities to respect a partner’s wishes.
“There was a time when I used to chase gigs away when I was dating someone who didn’t want me to do music. I want the money I invested in music to return,” she said.
Despite these obstacles, Nakaweesi is determined to relaunch her music career with renewed energy and passion, ready to reclaim her place in Uganda’s competitive music scene.
Spotlight on Female Artists’ Struggles
Nakaweesi’s revelations shed light on a wider issue in Uganda’s music industry, where many female artists and video performers face exploitation and harassment. Similar cases include artists like Full Figure, who left Eagles Production due to persistent sexual advances, and discussions around other prominent female artists navigating the industry safely.
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