TAKEAWAYS

• Cindy says retirement is not an option and believes reinvention is the key to a long music career.
• She revealed she adjusted her image after marriage while preserving her “King Herself” brand.
• The singer challenged younger artists to learn from veterans instead of repeating the same mistakes.

Dancehall singer Cindy Sanyu has revealed that she has no plans of retiring from music despite spending more than two decades in the entertainment industry.

Speaking to Mr Henrie during an interview on NRG Radio, the self-proclaimed “King Herself” said she has remained at the top because she studies the careers of others, learns from their mistakes and continually reinvents herself.

Reflecting on the possibility of being “cancelled” by fans, Cindy admitted the thought has crossed her mind but said she refuses to live in fear.

“I’ve learned a lot from the people that have gotten cancelled. I listen a lot more than people think. I analyse a lot, and I try not to make the same mistakes they made.”

Instead of worrying about public opinion, Cindy said she draws inspiration from legendary African musicians who have continued performing well into old age.

“I don’t think about retiring. My retirement is changing style, changing the branding and understanding where I am in life—not quitting music.”

The singer, who first rose to fame as a member of Blu*3 before launching a successful solo career, said she hopes to remain an active performer even in her seventies by adapting her stage performances and image to suit each stage of life.

Cindy also opened up about the adjustments she made after getting married. She revealed that she and her husband had honest conversations about her image and stage outfits before agreeing on a compromise that allowed her to protect both her marriage and her artistic identity.

“I’m still the King Herself. That’s not a brand you marry. That stays on its own.”

She added that while she slightly toned down her dressing, she was never interested in living to please her in-laws, insisting that if her husband is comfortable with her choices, the rest of the family is his responsibility.

The veteran musician also expressed concern about Uganda’s younger generation of artists, saying many fail to learn from those who built the industry before them.

According to Cindy, today’s musicians often repeat the same mistakes made by earlier generations instead of studying history and seeking guidance from experienced artists.

Having debuted with Blu*3 more than two decades ago, Cindy remains one of Uganda’s longest-serving female musicians, continually evolving her brand while maintaining her place among the country’s leading performers.