Singer Spice Diana has shared her frustration with the Uganda Performing Rights Society (UPRS), saying that while she recently accepted a royalty payment of Shs1.4 million, she does not believe it reflects the value her music has generated over the past two years.
Speaking during an interview on Sanyuka TV, the award-winning artist reflected on her experiences with royalty payments, revealing that she once rejected a much smaller payout because she felt it undervalued her work. Although she ultimately accepted the latest payment, Spice Diana says it has not changed her concerns about how artists are compensated. At the same time, she offered fans an optimistic update on several international collaborations that are waiting to be released.
Why She Accepted the Payment
Spice Diana explained that her feelings toward royalty payments have evolved, even if her concerns remain the same.
She recalled that the first payment she ever received from UPRS amounted to just Shs20,000.
According to the singer, she returned the money because she considered the amount disrespectful.
This time, however, circumstances were different.
“I didn’t return this one because for the first one, which was Shs20,000, I felt disrespected. But with the Shs1.4 million, that day I needed money and I said I won’t get petty and I took it.”
Although she accepted the payment, she emphasized that doing so did not mean she believed it accurately represented the royalties she should have earned.
“But I wasn’t satisfied because I don’t feel like that’s what I have made for the last two years.”
Her remarks reflect her personal opinion regarding the value of the royalties she believes her music generated.
Growing Debate Around UPRS Payments
Spice Diana’s comments come at a time when discussions about music royalties continue to dominate Uganda’s entertainment industry.
Several musicians have recently questioned the amounts they have received from UPRS, raising broader concerns about how royalties are collected and distributed.
Among them is Weasel Manizo, who recently announced that he had severed ties with the organization after reportedly receiving Shs250,000 in royalties for the Goodlyfe music catalogue covering an 18-month period.
While Spice Diana did not indicate that she plans to leave UPRS, her comments add to the ongoing conversation surrounding artist compensation in Uganda’s music industry.
Looking Beyond Uganda
Despite her disappointment with royalty payments, Spice Diana says her attention remains firmly on growing her career internationally.
The singer revealed that she has already completed several collaborative projects with artists from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and other countries.
According to her, the songs themselves are ready.
The biggest challenge has been coordinating schedules with the featured artists and organizing international video shoots.
“There are other factors like the other artist having their own plans and also having to travel to other countries to do the videos.”
She explained that these logistical hurdles have delayed the release of the collaborations rather than any creative issues.
International Collaborations on the Way
Although fans may have to wait a little longer, Spice Diana expressed confidence that new music will arrive before the end of the year.
“But before this year ends, I hope to drop a very nice collaboration. I have recorded projects already, but time is the problem. I have lots of them with Nigerians, Zimbabweans, and others.”
While she did not reveal the names of the artists involved or specific release dates, the update suggests that several international projects are already complete and awaiting the right time for release.
The collaborations could mark another step in her efforts to expand her audience beyond Uganda.
Why Her Comments Matter
Royalty payments remain one of the most closely watched issues in Uganda’s music industry, with artists increasingly calling for greater transparency and improved returns for their work.
Spice Diana’s remarks reflect concerns shared by a number of musicians while also highlighting the balancing act many artists face between advocating for fair compensation and continuing to focus on creating new music.
Her comments about international collaborations also signal that, despite frustrations at home, she remains committed to growing her career on a broader stage.
Human Angle
For Spice Diana, the conversation isn’t simply about money—it’s about recognition for years of creative work. While she accepted the recent payment because she needed it, she says the amount still fell short of what she believes her catalogue has earned. Even so, she continues to channel her energy into new opportunities, with international collaborations now forming a major part of her next chapter.
As debate over music royalties continues, Spice Diana says she is looking ahead rather than standing still—hoping that both fairer compensation and exciting international releases are still to come.