Rising Ugandan singer Neliah has revealed that she earned Shs200,000 for providing back-up vocals on Sheebah Karungi’s hit song Boy Fire, describing the payment as a major milestone in her musical journey.
Released five years ago, the track features Sheebah and Selecta Jef, with Neliah contributing additional vocals to the project. The song has since accumulated nine million views on YouTube, according to the supplied report.
For Neliah, the experience was significant not only because she worked on a successful song but also because it introduced her to the earning opportunities available to singers who contribute behind the scenes.
Speaking about her career, she explained that she had not previously realised artists could receive payment for providing back-up vocals in the studio. She said the opportunity came through her growing relationships with music producers and established performers.
“I have not achieved the things I would like to achieve yet, but I can see that there is something promising. I started working with producers like BIT and got opportunities to work with big artists. I never thought you could get paid for backing up artists,” Neliah said.
She recalled that Selecta Jef paid her Shs200,000 after she completed the back-up vocal work on Boy Fire, making it one of her first significant assignments of that kind.
“I did back-up vocals on Sheebah’s ‘Boy Fire’ and got paid Shs200,000 by Selecta Jef. I was very happy with the payment because it was my first major back-up job,” she added.
Neliah’s experience highlights a part of the music business that audiences do not always see. Beyond the lead performers, recording projects can involve back-up singers, session musicians, producers and other contributors whose work helps shape the final sound.
Her work has also extended beyond studio recordings. Neliah disclosed that she has performed as a back-up vocalist for Bebe Cool, although her collaboration with the singer has been on stage rather than in the recording studio.
According to Neliah, the experience has offered both financial benefits and opportunities to develop her vocal skills. She said Bebe Cool paid her Shs700,000 the last time she performed with him.
“I have done back-up vocals for Bebe Cool on stage, not in the studio. He pays well. The last time I backed him up, he paid me Shs700,000,” she revealed.
Neliah also credited the veteran singer with helping her improve her technique, saying the lessons extended to singing in different settings, including live performances and studio sessions.
“Working with Bebe Cool taught me a lot because he taught me how to sing both in the studio and outside the studio,” she said.
Although Neliah says she has yet to achieve all her career ambitions, her experiences working with established names such as Sheebah and Bebe Cool have given her valuable exposure to different sides of the industry.
Her story also illustrates how back-up vocalists can earn income and gain practical experience while building their own musical careers.