Singer Shy Shy Ug
Up-close. Shy Shy Ug is a budding artiste trying to find her way in the western Uganda music space. She believes that her passion for music is the only factor pushing her to remain relevant, writes Julius Byamukama.
Describe yourself for someone who has never heard of you…
I am called Brenda Arikiriza alias Shy Shy Ug, a munyankole born and raised in the Western Uganda district of Ibanda. I am an artiste based in Mbarara.
Why did you call yourself Shy Shy Ug?
My name means a lot of things. It is derived from ‘shine’ meaning I have to shine, but I am also naturally a shy person. You see how my name connects?
When did you start your music career and how is the journey treating your?
I started music early last year (2022) with my first song ‘Nonjabiriza’ . So far it is going on well. Yes it is a bit harder for starters but being committed and sticking to my goal is what is still keeping me moving. I have to brand myself until I hit my desired goals.
Since you started, how many songs have you recorded so far?
I have so far recorded six songs. Some of these songs have been recorded at Mercy Records and Alpha Music Records. Nonjabiriza and I am coming are the songs that are still getting much air play . Others are Otatina, Sente, I do and Tinkweshoma.
What/who inspired you into music?
I started loving music when I was still young and in school, I would sing at church in Sunday school. So I had it in my mind that at one time I would become a musician. At first, joining music was not easy for me because it required me to inject in money of which I did not have but because of my passion for music, I said I must do it.
What have you so far achieved in your music career?
I have only gained friendship. I have known and rubbed shoulders with people from different walks of life. I have only spent one year in the industry so I will not say I have made any money so far but I hope with time, I will be called and given appointments to perform on shows, something that will earn me some bit of money. I pray for that day,
What challenges have you encountered in this music games
There are so many challenges like unhealthy competition, where fellow musicians both upcoming and established won’t give me helping hand but instead want me to fall. But I try my best to keep on the right track. There is also another challenge that affects us ladies where everyone thinks he can use you before they do anything for you.
Where did you get the money to record your first songs?
