The Ugandan music scene is heating up with a fresh wave of controversy after top female artists Jowy Landa and Pretty Banks publicly challenged Spice Diana’s recent remarks on hit songs and artist longevity.

In a recent interview, Spice Diana stirred debate when she claimed that once an artist is established, they no longer need hit songs to maintain their place in the industry. “When your career is already solid, you don’t need to chase hits,” she suggested, sparking whispers across the entertainment world.

But not everyone is buying it.

Rising star Jowy Landa didn’t hold back when addressing the media, calling the idea unrealistic in today’s competitive industry. “You don’t walk into a studio planning to release a flop,” she fired back. “We’re all chasing hits—don’t let anyone fool you. Everyone wants that song that blows up, even the big names. Maybe they’re not under pressure, but deep down, they want it.”

Jowy went on to break down the harsh financial reality behind producing music, giving fans a peek into the high-stakes hustle behind every track. “We invest millions into a single project. An audio alone can cost a million shillings. Add another 7 million for a quality video—do you really think we’re okay with that going unnoticed? No way!”

Pretty Banks also weighed in, delivering her thoughts with grace but firmness. While she acknowledged Spice Diana’s opinion, she made it clear that every artist—big or small—is hoping for that hit. “That’s her view and I respect it,” she said, “but I believe every artist pushes their music with the hope that it connects. We love our songs, and we want the fans to love them too. That’s why we never stop promoting.”

With bold statements flying and no signs of slowing down, it’s clear that behind the glitz and glam of Uganda’s music industry lies a grind that never stops—and a hunger for hits that every artist, no matter how ‘established,’ still feels.