Ugandan singer Shakira Shakiraa has hit back at veteran musician and Vice Chairman of the Uganda National Cultural Center (UNCC), Phina Mugerwa, accusing her of being jealous of the current generation of female musicians and their appealing physiques.
This controversy follows the UNCC’s recent decision to ban songs from artists Gravity Omutujju and Lil Pazo for vulgar content.
Phina Mugerwa also stated that female musicians engaging in nudity and provocative performances would face action from the UNCC. However, Shakira, whose songs are on the blacklist, believes Phina’s criticisms are driven by envy.
The singer took to scrutinizing Phina’s past career, suggesting that the veteran artist was not as “morally upright” as she portrays herself today.
Shakira pointed out that Phina once idolized Colombian pop star Shakira, adopting sexualized dance moves, revealing outfits, and a lifestyle far from the angelic image she now claims.
According to Shakira, while the Ugandan audience didn’t embrace such performances back then, they now do, and young artists like her are benefiting from this shift.
“I think she’s just jealous of the young, sexy, and beautiful musicians,” Shakira remarked. “When I started paying attention to her, I discovered she wasn’t as holy as she claims. She used to idolize Shakira, copying her dances, dress style, and lifestyle. The problem is, Ugandans didn’t accept her back then, but now they accept us, and we’re succeeding, unlike her.”
Known for her bold stage presence and provocative social media posts, Shakira denied being vulgar, asserting that she has never exposed her skin in public.
She also refused to apologize to the UNCC, stating, “I don’t have a reason to apologize for my music. I make it for my fans, and I can’t control how others interpret it.”
