Ugandan music legend Mesach Semakula has finally broken his silence on rumors that he once had a bitter rivalry with fellow veteran singer Lord Fred Sebatta — and his response might surprise longtime fans.
In a heartfelt interview, Semakula dismissed claims of any serious feud, clarifying that whatever differences existed between them were blown out of proportion by industry gossip and miscommunication.
“We have never had bad blood with Lord Fred Sebatta,” Semakula said firmly. “Even his song ‘Tteriba Dogo’ was not about me or Eagles. It’s just that sometimes we had small misunderstandings as people.”
Rumors That Wouldn’t Go Away
For years, fans and industry insiders speculated that Semakula and Sebatta — two of Uganda’s biggest traditional music figures — were not on speaking terms. Many believed Sebatta’s 1990s hit “Tteriba Dogo” contained subliminal jabs aimed at Mesach and his camp, especially the Eagles Production team, where Semakula was a key figure.
But according to Mesach, those rumors were completely false.
The Oluvannyuma singer explained that while there were brief misunderstandings during their rise in the early 2000s, the tension was not personal — rather, it was fueled by third parties who thrived on creating divisions among top musicians.
“There were people who would tell us not to deal with certain artists if we wanted to live peacefully,” Semakula revealed. “That kind of talk created unnecessary friction. And since we were young, we would follow what our elders told us.”
How Competition Fueled the Misunderstanding
Mesach went on to explain that another source of perceived conflict was competition for performance venues.
During Lord Fred Sebatta’s prime, his influence in the music industry was unmatched. He had the power to pull huge crowds wherever he performed — something that naturally created tension with other artists trying to earn a living from live shows.
“Sebatta was very powerful back then,” Semakula recalled. “The challenge was that his program schedulers weren’t mindful of other artists. They would put up his posters in areas where we had already planned shows.”
According to him, this led to significant financial losses for smaller artists. Fans would often skip their concerts to wait for Sebatta’s shows — even if they were scheduled weeks later.
“We ended up making losses and incurred debts because of that,” Semakula admitted. “It was frustrating, but it wasn’t personal. It was just the way the system worked at the time.”
A Lesson in Maturity and Forgiveness
Despite those difficult moments, Semakula made it clear that he has nothing but respect for Lord Fred Sebatta and the legacy he built.
He praised Sebatta for paving the way for many younger artists and acknowledged that the industry’s early competitive spirit helped sharpen their resilience and work ethic.
“We were all still learning then,” Semakula reflected. “What matters now is the contribution Sebatta made to our industry. I respect him and wish him well.”
Fans React: “Real Legends Handle Things Peacefully”
After the interview aired, fans took to social media to applaud Semakula for his maturity and humility, praising him for choosing peace over controversy.
“This is why Mesach is a legend — always calm, respectful, and truthful,” one fan commented.
“He’s showing the younger artists what professionalism looks like,” another added.
Music critics also noted that Semakula’s comments are a refreshing reminder of how Uganda’s golden generation of musicians valued integrity and brotherhood, even when competition was fierce.
Honoring the Old Guard
Both Mesach Semakula and Lord Fred Sebatta have made immense contributions to Uganda’s music scene. While Sebatta dominated in the 1990s with songs like Abakozi, Nnyinimu, and Tteriba Dogo, Mesach rose to fame in the 2000s as part of Eagles Production and later Golden Band, with chart-toppers such as Njagala Nyimbire Omutanda, Oluvannyuma, and Sigwe Onsimira.
Their legacies continue to inspire new artists in Uganda’s evolving music landscape — proof that respect and reconciliation can coexist with greatness.
Mesach’s Message to the Next Generation
Before ending his interview, Mesach shared some advice for Uganda’s young musicians:
“Never let outsiders control your relationships in the industry. Work hard, focus on your music, and respect those who came before you.”
His message resonates at a time when music rivalries and social media drama often overshadow artistry and collaboration.
What do you think about Mesach’s revelation?
Should more artists address old industry rumors with honesty and peace?
Share your thoughts below and keep following E Page One for more exclusive stories from Uganda’s music icons.
