Ugandan singer, songwriter, and producer Nutty Neithan has revealed that being ignored by Lydia Jazmine’s camp unexpectedly pushed him into releasing what would later become one of the biggest songs of his career, “Emu Temala.”
Speaking candidly about the experience, Neithan shared how the song—originally written with Lydia Jazmine in mind—never even made it past her management team. What followed was a bold decision that completely changed his trajectory in the music industry.
Here’s how a quiet “no” turned into a nationwide anthem.
Nutty Neithan Opens Up About Writing Songs for Other Artists
Nutty Neithan is not just a performer—he’s a creative architect.
According to the artist, songwriting often starts with a specific voice or personality in mind. As a producer and writer, he says he regularly creates music tailored for other artists when he feels their tone, brand, or delivery would elevate the song beyond what he could personally offer.
“As a creative, I usually write songs with specific artists in mind,” Neithan explained, noting that collaboration has always been a major part of his artistic process.
But as he’s learned over time, not every creative vision is welcomed—especially when management teams get involved.
“Emu Temala” Was Meant for Lydia Jazmine
One of the biggest surprises from Neithan’s revelation was that “Emu Temala” was never meant to be his song.
According to him, the track was originally written specifically for Lydia Jazmine, one of Uganda’s most recognizable female artists.
“Emu Temala was supposed to be for Lydia Jazmine,” Neithan said.
Confident in the song’s potential and believing Jazmine’s voice would be a perfect fit, he submitted the track through the proper channels. But things didn’t go as expected.
Stopped at the Gate: “Her Manager Said No”
In an industry where management teams often serve as gatekeepers, Neithan says the song never even reached Lydia Jazmine herself.
“Her manager at the time said no,” he revealed bluntly.
The decision left him frustrated—not just because the song was rejected, but because it was dismissed without meaningful engagement.
“Some people just show off for no specific reason,” Neithan added, hinting at the power dynamics that often sideline creatives behind the scenes.
For many artists, that would’ve been the end of the story. For Nutty Neithan, it was only the beginning.
Turning Rejection Into a Risky Decision
With no green light from Lydia Jazmine’s camp, Neithan was left with a choice:
- Shelf the song
- Or take a risk and release it himself
He chose the latter.
“Left with no option, I decided to record and release the song myself,” he said.
At the time, it was a gamble. While Neithan was already respected as a writer and producer, releasing “Emu Temala” under his own name meant stepping fully into the spotlight as a recording artist.
The Gamble Paid Off—Big Time
What happened next shocked even him.
“Emu Temala” didn’t just perform well—it blew up.
The song quickly gained massive traction across the country, dominating playlists, radio rotations, and conversations within Uganda’s music scene. Fans connected with its sound, message, and delivery, propelling it into hit status.
Almost overnight, Nutty Neithan was no longer just “the guy behind the scenes.”
From Producer to Powerhouse Artist
Thanks to the success of “Emu Temala,” Neithan earned widespread recognition in multiple roles:
- Songwriter with hit-making instincts
- Producer with commercial appeal
- Recording artist capable of carrying a major record
The song redefined how the industry viewed him—and how he viewed himself.
What was once a rejection became a defining career moment.
A Lesson Learned: Being More Selective
Following that experience, Nutty Neithan says he became far more selective about who he shares his work with.
The reason? Protecting his art.
“My main concern now is protecting my work from being misused or underappreciated,” he explained.
In an industry where ideas are often passed around freely, Neithan believes creatives must guard their work more intentionally—especially after seeing how close “Emu Temala” came to never being heard.
Not All Doors Were Closed
Despite the setback with Lydia Jazmine’s camp, Neithan was quick to point out that his journey hasn’t been defined by rejection alone.
He highlighted several positive collaborations that reaffirmed his faith in artistic partnerships.
Shout-Outs to Artists Who Valued His Work
Among those he praised were Lilian Mbabazi and Ceaserous, both of whom he says fully appreciated and respected his creative contributions.
“They really valued my work,” he noted.
Neithan also hinted at collaborations with other big-name artists, though he declined to name them, explaining that some preferred to keep those projects private.
Behind the Scenes of Uganda’s Music Industry
Nutty Neithan’s story sheds light on a broader reality within the music business—one where:
- Management decisions can override artistic potential
- Creatives are often overlooked behind closed doors
- Rejection doesn’t always reflect the quality of the work
“Emu Temala” stands as a reminder that sometimes the songs meant for others are the ones that define you most.
Fans React: “It Was Meant for Him”
Since sharing the story, fans have reacted strongly online, with many saying the song ultimately landed where it belonged.
Others praised Neithan for betting on himself instead of walking away discouraged.
Final Takeaway
Nutty Neithan’s journey with “Emu Temala” is more than a music anecdote—it’s a lesson in resilience, self-belief, and creative ownership.
What started as being ignored by Lydia Jazmine’s camp turned into a career-defining moment that elevated him from behind-the-scenes talent to front-line hitmaker.
Sometimes, the biggest wins come from the doors that never open.
Do you think “Emu Temala” was better as a Nutty Neithan song?
Should artists release songs meant for others when they’re rejected?
👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned to Entertainment Page One (E Page One) for more exclusive music stories and industry tea.
