Singer Cindy Sanyu has reminded fellow artists that genuine support from fans — rather than awards, media appearances or publicity — is what ultimately builds a successful music career.
Speaking about what truly makes an artist a star, Cindy argued that media recognition usually comes after an artist has already established a following among ordinary people.
According to the singer, an artist first has to prove their popularity on the ground before the attention from television, media platforms and other publicity channels follows.
“Someone will give you an interview because they saw you attract five people at Owino or 10 people somewhere talking about you, so it starts with the normal people.”
Cindy believes artists should therefore remain connected to the people who support their music directly, warning that losing touch with their grassroots audience can eventually affect their popularity.
For her, an artist’s ability to attract and maintain a genuine following is a much better measure of star power than the amount of media exposure they receive.
“Let’s stay with our people on the ground. The people on TV first see that you’re attracting numbers down here and say you’re a star. It doesn’t come from TV and all these ads that you pay for, it comes from genuine love from these normal people.”
Her comments put the spotlight on the relationship between Ugandan musicians and their audiences, particularly the fans who show up at performances, talk about songs and keep artists relevant beyond the publicity cycle.
For Cindy, the message to artists is straightforward: before the interviews, advertisements and recognition come the people who actually listen to and support the music.
And in her view, that genuine connection is what turns an artist’s visibility into lasting star power.