Ugandan singer A Pass has made bold claims about local artists inflating their success on YouTube by buying views. Speaking to Shalom 256, the musician revealed that he often laughs when he sees some artists boasting about numbers he knows aren’t real.
“I know what they are doing. I can see how a song is growing and tell this one bought views,” A Pass said.
Quality Over Quantity: The Wuuyo Standard
A Pass pointed to his own hit Wuuyo as an example of music that endures over time, despite not racking up instant views.
“I’ll use myself as an example. My song Wuuyo doesn’t have one million views until now, but let me ask—how many hit songs released this year are comparable to Wuuyo? Look at the lyrical strength, the composition structure, and how appealing it is, yet it’s 10 years old,” he explained.
He emphasized that true artistry is measured by timelessness and quality, not inflated numbers.
“Many songs that are played now can’t be played in the next two years,” he added.
Breaking the English Song Myth
A Pass also challenged the common notion that English-language songs don’t succeed in Uganda. He cited his hit collaboration Memories with Lilian Mbabazi, which he claims was written in just 30 minutes but has remained one of Uganda’s most beloved songs.
“Memories was written by me in 30 minutes and produced. It’s among Uganda’s greatest songs,” he stated.
A Lesson for Upcoming Artists
Through his candid revelations, A Pass highlighted a key lesson for aspiring musicians: authenticity, quality, and longevity matter more than short-term hype. While buying views may give the illusion of success, it cannot replace true talent or a well-crafted song that resonates with listeners for years.
Fans applauded A Pass for his honesty, praising his emphasis on substance over numbers and his ability to create songs that stand the test of time.
Do you agree with A Pass that many artists inflate their YouTube views? Drop your thoughts below and tell us your favorite timeless Ugandan hit!
