Veteran Ugandan musician Papa Cidy has called for a share of the royalties from songs he recorded together with fellow artist Jose Chameleone, arguing that he made significant contributions to the projects and deserves recognition for his role.
Speaking about his concerns, Papa Cidy specifically referenced the hit song Daniela, claiming that he invested both time and resources into the project and therefore believes he should benefit from the royalties generated by the music.
The singer also alleged that he was not paid for their most recent performance in London, a claim that has sparked discussion among music fans and industry stakeholders. According to Papa Cidy, artists who contribute to successful projects should be fairly compensated and acknowledged for their efforts.
Drawing comparisons with other figures in Uganda’s music industry, Papa Cidy cited Master Parrot and Bobi Wine, saying he does not want to leave this world without receiving proper recognition for the work he contributed to over the years.
“I do not want to die without being recognized for what I contributed,” he reportedly said, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights and interests of artists who collaborate on musical productions.
His remarks come at a time when conversations around copyright, royalties, and artists’ rights continue to gain momentum within Uganda’s entertainment industry. Many musicians have increasingly called for stronger enforcement of copyright laws and fair distribution of earnings generated from their creative works.
Neither Jose Chameleone nor his management had publicly responded to the claims at the time of reporting. However, the comments have already ignited debate among fans, with some supporting Papa Cidy’s call for recognition while others argue that any royalty-sharing arrangements should be determined by existing agreements between the artists.
The development adds another chapter to ongoing discussions about ownership, compensation, and recognition in Uganda’s music industry, where many veteran artists continue to push for greater protection of their contributions and intellectual property rights.
