Apostle Jonathan Nalebo has sparked intense debate in Uganda’s music circles, claiming that Sheebah Karungi has surpassed many of her peers—including top male musicians like David Lutalo—and even some notable female contemporaries like Cindy Sanyu.
Speaking on a popular YouTube podcast, Nalebo praised Sheebah’s longevity, commercial success, and consistency, insisting her influence extends far beyond hit songs to dominate the contemporary music scene.
🎤 “Sheebah Doesn’t Depend on a Song Anymore”
According to Nalebo, Sheebah has moved past the stage where she relies on individual hits for survival. Instead, he positions her as an artist with sustained impact, a rare feat in the Ugandan music industry.
“Sheebah is big. Sheebah doesn’t depend on a song for survival anymore. That stage is behind her,” he said.
“Let me tell you, Sheebah is better than many male musicians who have sung for the same time as her and don’t have the songs she has.”
He pointed out that while many male artists of her era have struggled to maintain consistent relevance, Sheebah’s catalog of over 30 hit songs puts her in a league of her own.
📈 Dominating the Industry
Nalebo emphasized that Sheebah’s rise wasn’t a fluke or the result of one or two lucky hits. Her career, he argued, is built on hard work, consistency, and commercial appeal.
“Sheebah has more than 30 hits. Very few artists have a catalog of 30 hit songs,” he noted.
“Some people maintained their names because they worked hard in their time, like Iryn Namubiru and Juliana Kanyomozi. They were great in their era, but in this contemporary generation, there is no female artist who has reached Sheebah’s level.”
According to Nalebo, her dominance extends beyond her female peers, putting her ahead of most male artists in terms of marketability and influence.

⚖️ Sheebah vs. Cindy: A Controversial Take
When it comes to Cindy Sanyu, one of Sheebah’s biggest contemporaries, Nalebo offered a nuanced but controversial perspective:
“Cindy is a better artist than Sheebah, but Sheebah is a better commercial artist than Cindy.”
While acknowledging Cindy’s superior musicality, Nalebo insisted that Sheebah’s commercial prowess and reach have made her the bigger name in Uganda’s current music landscape.
👀 Not a Personal Favorite, But Facts Are Facts
Interestingly, Nalebo clarified that Sheebah isn’t among his personal favorite artists, highlighting that his judgment is based purely on measurable success and industry impact, not personal taste.
“I would confidently defend my argument if compared directly with artists like David Lutalo,” he added, underscoring his belief in Sheebah’s dominance.
🌟 Legacy and Longevity
Nalebo’s praise for Sheebah also touches on an important factor in music: longevity and consistency. He notes that she rose above her female peers early in her career and has continued to grow, turning her name into a brand and institution in contemporary Ugandan music.
Her ability to consistently release hit after hit is a testament to her business sense, talent, and adaptability in an industry where many artists fade after a few successful singles.
🔥 Fan Reactions: Debate Ignites Online
The podcast segment has already gone viral on platforms like TikTok and X, with fans divided:
Supporters of Nalebo’s view:
- “Sheebah is unstoppable! Facts don’t lie.”
- “David Lutalo is good, but Sheebah has consistency and hits.”
- “Commercially, Sheebah wins every time.”
Critics and Cindy fans:
- “Cindy is a better singer, hands down.”
- “This is unfair to male artists who worked hard too.”
- “Commercial success doesn’t always equal talent.”
The debate continues, fueling online discussions about talent vs. commercial success and the evolving dynamics of Uganda’s music industry.
🎯 Final Take: Sheebah’s Reign Continues
Whether you agree with Apostle Nalebo or not, one thing is clear: Sheebah Karungi is a force in Ugandan music, dominating commercially and maintaining relevance in a fiercely competitive industry.
💬 Do you agree with Apostle Nalebo that Sheebah is bigger than David Lutalo and commercially stronger than Cindy Sanyu?
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