Elijah Kitaka Opens Up About Sampling Fred Kanyike’s Song in ‘Ekyange’ and the Importance of Respecting Copyright
Swangz Avenue’s male artiste, Elijah Kitaka, is making a significant impact on Uganda’s music scene.
His latest hit, “Ekyange,” is gaining widespread attention across the country, further solidifying his presence in the industry.
Following the massive success of his previous anthem, “Hakuna Dawa,” Kitaka is firmly establishing himself as one of the most prominent artistes in Uganda’s music landscape.
In a recent interview with Sanyuka TV, Kitaka opened up about his music-making process, offering a revealing insight into his creative journey.
He shared that his new track, “Ekyange,” was inspired by a song by the late Fred Kanyike.
Aware of the potential controversy that can arise from sampling, Kitaka made it clear that he sought permission from Kanyike’s family before using the sound.
After receiving their blessing, Kitaka ensured that there were no legal or ethical concerns surrounding the song.
He emphasized the importance of musicians always seeking approval before sampling or redoing another artiste’s work to avoid copyright issues.
This follows a recent controversy involving rapper Gravity Omutujju, who faced strong criticism from the family of the late Paulo Kafeero over his song “Walumbe Zaya Remix.”
They claimed the track closely mirrored Kafeero’s original work without permission, highlighting the need for a more structured approach to sampling in the industry.
Also read: Gravity Omutujju Threatened with Lawsuit by Late Paul Kafeero’s Family Over ‘Walumbe Zaaya Remix’
As Kitaka’s career continues to soar, his actions reflect the importance of both artistic integrity and legal awareness.
Whether through his chart-topping hits or his responsible approach to sampling, the self-styled “Unusual” is undoubtedly carving out a legacy of honesty and respect in the entertainment industry.
VIDEO: It's important to reach out to the artist's family before sampling their song.- Elijah Kitaka#SanyukaBigendaBitya #SanyukaUpdates pic.twitter.com/vYLmoFtOLO
— Sanyuka TV (@sanyukatv) March 24, 2025
