Ugandan music promoters Bajjo Events, and Abitex, have publicly criticised Cindy Sanyu for allegedly turning down an invitation to perform at Sheebah Karungi’s “Neyenziza” concert.

The event took place last weekend at Lugogo Cricket Oval, but Cindy’s absence did not go unnoticed, sparking criticism from both promoters.

According to Abitex, Cindy’s refusal to attend and perform at the concert was an indication of a “bad heart.”

He claimed that Cindy has not yet come to terms with the music battle she had with Sheebah last year.

The promoters believe that Cindy, despite being an established artist, continues to showcase behaviour akin to that of an upcoming artist, which, in their view, negatively affects her career.

Abitex expressed his disappointment, saying, “Every time you look into the camera and show the world that you are a decent person with that plastic smile… this is what is wrong with people like Cindy, and this is one of the things that make her behave like an upcoming artist when she is actually an established artist. She is bad-hearted.”

Abitex also highlighted Cindy’s struggle to secure gigs during her music career, suggesting that she had a powerful start with the all-girl band Blu3 but did not maintain her presence in the industry due to her attitude.

He further stated that Cindy’s career only regained relevance after the music battle with Sheebah, which took place last year, and it was after this event that she started to secure performances.

Abitex was of the opinion that Cindy should have attended Sheebah’s concert as a gesture of unity and respect, considering the battle had ended.

He also shared an instance when he reached out to Cindy to promote the Acidic Vokoz concert where Cindy allegedly responded by asking who Acidic Vokoz was and never followed up. This, according to Abitex, is another indication of Cindy’s “bad heart.”

Similarly, Bajjo voiced his concerns, expressing that Cindy’s decision not to attend Sheebah’s concert was not only unfortunate but also indicative of an uncooperative nature.

He mentioned that Cindy refused to attend the event, citing her husband’s recent return from abroad as the reason.

Bajjo stated, “Lesson to Cindy and her team, she was called to come and perform for Sheebah, and she refused, saying that her husband had just returned from abroad. God will never bless bad-minded people. She will forever be an upcoming artist.”

Both Abitex and Bajjo appear to believe that Cindy’s actions demonstrate a lack of support for fellow artists and events within the Ugandan music industry. They argue that such behaviour may hinder her from reaching her full potential, despite her talent and standing as an artist.

Cindy has not publicly responded to the criticisms from Abitex and Bajjo regarding her decision to decline the invitation to perform at Sheebah’s concert. Whether her reasons were personal or professional, the debate underscores the complexities of artist relationships and industry dynamics in Uganda’s music scene.