By BigEyeUg Team
Legendary Ugandan musician Lord Fred Sebatta has finally spoken out about the long-standing issue of fellow artistes remaking his songs, making it clear that he holds no grudges over what happened in the past.
Sebatta revealed that many of the remakes were done during a very difficult period in his life when he was battling illness and personal challenges. According to the veteran singer, he understood why other artistes chose to revisit his music at the time and never blamed them for it.
“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,” Sebatta explained. He added that whether or not he directly benefited financially from the remakes was not his main concern then.
The Kadongo Kamu icon says the renewed attention his songs received actually worked in his favor, as it helped him access much-needed support. “They really helped me. In fact, they are the ones who took me to the federation so I could get help,” he noted.
However, looking ahead, Sebatta says things will not be as informal as they were before. With a structured copyright system expected to be put in place, the singer insists that any artiste wishing to redo his music must first approach him.
He emphasized the need for proper communication and clear agreements before any remake is done. “Whoever wants to redo any of my songs now has to approach me so we can come to an understanding before they proceed,” Sebatta said.
He added that several important details must be agreed upon in advance, including how the song will be redone and how it will be performed. Sebatta’s message signals a new era of professionalism and respect for intellectual property, while still acknowledging the support he received during his most challenging times.
