TAKEAWAYS

• Bad Black says music helped her cope with post-prison trauma.
• She released “Mad God” before quitting music.
• Her new show, “Beauty Beyond the Scars,” will focus on women and healing.

Ugandan socialite and entrepreneur Shanita Namuyimbwa, popularly known as Bad Black, has revealed that her brief attempt at music was partly driven by a desire to heal from the trauma and stress she experienced during her time in prison.

Bad Black, who spent more than three years behind bars following her conviction for fraud involving a British pensioner, turned to several ventures after her release, including music. She released a song titled “Mad Guard”, which attracted mixed reactions before she eventually walked away from the music industry.

Speaking during an appearance on Galaxy FM while promoting her upcoming show, “Beauty Beyond the Scars,” Bad Black said music was among the ways she tried to deal with the emotional scars left by her prison experience. She added that there is apparently no money in music.

“I was trying to heal from the trauma. Music was part of my healing process.”

She also took aim at celebrities who have attempted music without making a lasting impact, saying she believes she performed better than some of them.

Bad Black particularly singled out Zuena, dismissing her song “Owa Boda” while arguing that she was a stronger performer. However, she declined a request to perform “Mad Guard” during the upcoming show.

“The musicians I host will not sing. They will tell people why they entered music and why they did not sell themselves.”

According to Bad Black, her new show will focus on helping women confront personal trauma, offering them a space to share their experiences and find emotional support.

She also criticised the belief among some aspiring musicians that physical appearance alone can guarantee success in Uganda’s competitive music industry.