Sheebah Karungi’s journey reads like a defiant anthem. From being disowned by her family to reigning as Uganda’s fourth-top artist and launching her own record label, her story is a testament to resilience, financial savvy, and unapologetic independence. In an exclusive Ugamusic.net investigation, we trace how the Queen transformed adversity into empire.
The Breaking Point: “My Mother Sent Me Away”
At 15, Sheebah made a choice that would define her life: dropping out of school to join the dance group Stingers. Her mother, Edith Kabazungu, viewed the move as disgraceful, disowning her instantly. As Sheebah recounted:
“I felt hurt; having no one besides me even when hospitalized after an accident. But I understood my mother’s insecurities about my career.”
Survival Mode:
· Kigali Hustle: She traveled to Rwanda at 16, performing to survive. Every payout funded essentials for the family that rejected her
· Societal Stigma: Female dancers faced accusations of prostitution—a prejudice Sheebah battled while dancing for Obsessions
The Turnaround: Music as Liberation
Sheebah’s solo debut in 2010 sparked a revolution. Hits like “Automatic” and her Ice Cream EP (2014) catapulted her to stardom. But her true power lay in leveraging success for autonomy:
- Financial Independence: “Even your parents will love you more when you have something to put on the table,” she declared, highlighting money’s role in gaining respect .
- Industry Dominance:
- Ranked #4 among Uganda’s top artists in 2025 .
- 2025 UMA nominations: Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist, Best Collaboration
Karma Music Ug: The Ultimate Power Move
In 2025, Sheebah unveiled her most ambitious project yet: Karma Music Ug, a record label dedicated to mentoring emerging artists . This venture distills her philosophy:
“We don’t just make beats—we design Uganda’s sonic identity.”
Label Vision:
- Mentorship: Nurturing talent facing the barriers she once did.
- Creative Control: Rejecting industry gatekeepers who sidelined her early career
Defying Conventions: “I Won’t Move into a Man’s House”
Sheebah’s independence extends beyond music. In a viral interview, she rejected traditional relationship norms:
“I cannot leave my house. My man lives at his; we meet when we choose.”
Her stance echoes her brand: Nakyeyombekedde (self-made woman)—a label embraced by fans and feminists alike
The Comeback: “Return of the Queen”
After a seven-month maternity hiatus, Sheebah announced a triumphant return: a concert on August 22, 2025, at an undisclosed Kampala venue. The event symbolizes her relentless reign—a celebration of the empire she built from nothing.
The Legacy: More Than Music
Sheebah’s impact transcends charts:
- Cultural Shift: Challenging stigma around female artists and dancers.
- Fan Army: Launched the “Sheebaholics”—a global community celebrating her ethos .
- Blueprint for Artists: Proof that ownership (of art, finances, and narrative) is true power
Epilogue: The Queen’s Wisdom
“I’m what I am because of you; you are part of my family,” Sheebah told fans at a recent event . For Uganda’s artists, she’s more than family—she’s the standard.
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