Veteran Ugandan musician Ragga Dee has spoken publicly about his copyright disagreement with Mickey Wine, reiterating that he has not given the artist permission to re-record one of his songs.
Addressing the matter, Ragga Dee emphasized that intellectual property should be respected and that any artist seeking to remake another musician’s work must first obtain written authorization. While discussing the issue, the veteran singer also revealed that he has previously granted other artists permission to reinterpret his music—but only through formal written agreements.
Despite the ongoing disagreement, Ragga Dee called for unity within Uganda’s music industry, urging artists to work together for the sector’s continued growth.
Written Consent Is Essential, Says Ragga Dee
According to Ragga Dee, there is an established process that should be followed whenever an artist wants to remake another musician’s work.
He said obtaining written consent is a fundamental requirement and should not be replaced by informal conversations.
“It’s not done that way. When you’re going to redo someone’s song, you have to get written consent.”
The singer explained that these agreements are generally handled privately between the parties involved rather than being announced publicly.
“It’s not usually publicized on TV, radio, or social media. It’s an agreement between two people, usually done in the studio.”
For Ragga Dee, documenting such agreements helps protect both the original creator and the artist seeking permission.
“I Have Not Given Him Consent”
When asked about Mickey Wine, Ragga Dee made it clear that he has not granted authorization for the remake.
“I have not met him because I have not given him consent.”
His comments indicate that, according to him, no written agreement exists between the two artists regarding the song in question.
Ragga Dee did not provide further details about any ongoing discussions or possible resolution.
Instead, he focused on the broader principle of respecting intellectual property rights.
Other Artists Have Received Permission
While maintaining his position on the dispute, Ragga Dee noted that he has approved requests from other musicians in the past.
He cited Sheebah Karungi as one of the artists who received permission to remake his music.
According to the singer, those approvals were always formalized in writing.
“I have people I gave consent to redo my songs, like Sheebah, and it’s always written consent, not verbal.”
By sharing that example, Ragga Dee underscored that he is not opposed to artists revisiting his catalogue, provided the proper procedures are followed.
His comments suggest that his concern lies with the process rather than the concept of remaking songs itself.
Calling for Unity Despite the Disagreement
Although he remains firm on the issue of copyright, Ragga Dee ended his remarks on a conciliatory note.
He encouraged musicians to support one another and prioritize the collective growth of Uganda’s music industry.
Rather than allowing disagreements to divide artists, he expressed hope that collaboration and mutual respect would strengthen the sector.
His message reflects a belief that protecting intellectual property and promoting unity can go hand in hand.
Why the Conversation Matters
Copyright remains one of the most important issues facing musicians, particularly as songs are increasingly shared and distributed across digital platforms.
Ragga Dee’s comments highlight the importance many artists place on obtaining proper authorization before reproducing another person’s work.
His emphasis on written agreements also reflects broader industry practices designed to clarify rights and avoid misunderstandings between creators.
While the disagreement with Mickey Wine remains unresolved based on the information provided, the discussion has once again drawn attention to the role of intellectual property in Uganda’s music business.
Human Angle
For Ragga Dee, the issue extends beyond a single song. After decades in the music industry, he says respecting another artist’s creative work begins with asking for permission and documenting that agreement properly. At the same time, he believes that protecting creative rights should not come at the expense of unity among musicians working to grow Uganda’s entertainment industry.
As conversations about music copyright continue, Ragga Dee says one principle remains non-negotiable: artists should always seek written consent before remaking another musician’s work.