“Talk to Me Before Redoing My Music,” Fred Sebatta Urges Artistes

Veteran Ugandan singer Lord Fred Sebatta has spoken about the long-running issue of other artistes redoing his songs.

One of the most notable examples is “Sam Wange,” redone by Sheebah Karungi and released on February 10, 2022.

The remake brought the classic hit back into the spotlight and introduced it to a younger audience.

While appearing on BM Focus, Sebatta said he has no hard feelings toward artistes who remade his music in the past.

He explained that many of those projects happened when he was unwell and facing personal challenges.

He said the renewed attention to his songs ultimately helped him receive much-needed support.

In those days, as you all know, I was sick. The people who redid my songs then, I did not blame them because everyone was looking for something that could lift me back onto my feet. Whether I earned from it or not was not the issue, but they really helped me.In fact, they are the ones who took me to the federation so I could get help.

Looking ahead, Sebatta says things will now be handled differently.

With a copyright system set to be in place, he wants artistes to involve him before redoing his music.

He adds that clear terms must be agreed upon first.

Whoever wants to redo any of my songs now has to approach me so we can come to an understanding before they proceed. Many things have to be agreed upon, like how they are going to redo the song and how they will sing it

With a catalog full of timeless hits, Sebatta’s music continues to inspire both his peers and a new generation of performers.