TAKEAWAYS

• Viboyo says Irene Ntale decided to leave Swangz Avenue while her contract was still active.
• Ntale’s departure became controversial after she raised concerns about her treatment and payment at the label.
• Viboyo says an artist’s success after leaving a label ultimately depends on the individual.

Veteran singer and Swangz Avenue member Viboyo has opened up about Irene Ntale’s controversial departure from the music label, saying the singer made the decision to move on while her contract was still in force.

Ntale rose to prominence under Swangz Avenue establishing herself as one of Uganda’s promising female musicians. She went on to enjoy several successful years under the label before her relationship with Swangz Avenue eventually came to an end.

Her departure, however, was followed by controversy after Ntale publicly complained about aspects of her time at the label, including claims that she was not being paid enough. The matter generated considerable discussion among Ugandan music fans, with questions also emerging about the contractual relationship between the singer and the label.

Speaking on Baboon Forest Media, Viboyo was careful to distance himself from speaking on behalf of Swangz Avenue, noting that the label has its own structures and management.

“I’m not a spokesperson for the label. The label is a proper label; it has structures and stuff like that,” Viboyo said.

He nevertheless maintained that, from his understanding, Ntale simply wanted to move on and made that decision while her contract was still active.

“One thing I would say is Irene wanted to move on. It was her decision. She wanted to move on and she did. The contract was still on,” he added.

Ntale’s exit also raised questions about what happens to musicians after leaving established labels that have handled much of their music, promotion and career management.

According to Viboyo, however, an artist’s ability to thrive after leaving a label ultimately depends on the individual. He noted that some musicians become even more aggressive in their careers after leaving labels, while others may struggle to maintain the momentum they had while signed.

He also avoided judging Ntale’s career after Swangz Avenue, arguing that only the singer herself can determine whether she is comfortable with where she is now.

Viboyo said that even if Ntale had been his own artist, he could not automatically determine whether she was comfortable because that is something that comes from within.

The comments have once again brought attention to the often complicated relationship between Ugandan artists and record labels, particularly around contracts, creative control, finances and what happens when an artist decides to go independent.