TAKEAWAYS
- UNMF mediation led by Eddy Kenzo helped settle the dispute between D-Star and Mudra D Viral.
- Mudra agreed to pay UGX 670,000 monthly for 12 months effective immediately.
- Royalty sharing was settled at 60% for D-Star and 40% for Mudra.
Dancehall singer D-Star, popularly known for his viral hit Hoozambe, is celebrating after reaching an agreement with fellow musician Mudra D Viral over royalty payments linked to the Hoozambe Remix.
The two artists had reportedly fallen out over claims surrounding revenue generated from the remix, with allegations circulating that Mudra had earned over UGX 140 million from streaming platforms. Mudra consistently denied the reports, maintaining that he had not received such earnings from the song.
The matter was later taken before the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), where mediation was led by federation president Eddy Kenzo.
Following discussions, it was established that the reported streaming figures had been exaggerated and that Mudra had not earned the alleged amount from the remix.
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“I’m grateful to UNMF and Eddy Kenzo for stepping in and helping us find common ground,” D-Star said after the meeting.
As part of the resolution, Mudra agreed to begin paying UGX 670,000 monthly for 12 months, effective immediately, while a broader royalty-sharing framework was also settled.
Under the agreement, D-Star will receive 60% of the song’s royalties, while Mudra takes 40% moving forward.
“Further meetings will continue so that we resolve everything amicably and see the way forward,” D-Star added.
The development marks a positive turn for the two artists, who were once close collaborators and frequently performed Hozambe together as the song exploded into a viral sensation, amassing millions of views online and dominating entertainment circles.
Fans and industry stakeholders have since applauded Eddy Kenzo and UNMF for promoting dialogue and harmony within Uganda’s music industry, describing the settlement as a step toward better protection of artists’ rights and fair compensation.
