Shena Skies Reveals Shs20,000 Payment for “More of This” – Calls Out Artist Greed

Behind many of Uganda’s biggest anthems hides a quiet frustration — and one songwriter is finally saying it out loud.

Shena Skies real names Shena Namagembe has broken her silence on the exploitative underbelly of the Ugandan music industry, revealing she pocketed a mere Shs20,000 — basically fuel cash — for crafting the lyrics to “More of This,” the infectious collab by Rema Namakula, Slick Stuart, and DJ Roja that lit up airwaves and playlists.

“That was it — Shs20,000 for fuel,” she shared in a raw interview, laying bare the painful gap between a song’s massive success and the person who gave it words.

Songwriting in Uganda, she says, is a grind few understand. “I’m fortunate if I move one song a month,” Shena explained. “It’s not enough to live on.” The real sting comes when those rare tracks explode: artists pocket the glory and streaming revenue while songwriters chase credit and royalties that rarely arrive.

What hurts even deeper, according to Shena, is a subtle but consistent pushback once writers start standing on their own feet financially.

“I used to miss it, but now it’s clear: some artistes get uneasy when songwriters become stable,” she said. “When you’re desperate, you’ll accept anything. But when doors open and money flows in, you stop chasing crumbs. Suddenly you’re ‘too expensive’ and ‘hard to reach’ — and they lose the control they once had.”

She believes this isn’t accidental — it’s a pattern designed to keep creators dependent.

Despite the bitterness, Shena hasn’t lost her fire. She’s channeling everything into her upcoming album Prescription, a project rooted in the idea that music can heal, soothe, and speak directly to wounded hearts.

On the flip side, Rema Namakula — who has leaned heavily on Shena’s pen — has nothing but high praise.

“Skies is superb,” Rema declared. “She’s behind most of the big songs people love, but nobody talks about it. She’s fast, urban, and just amazing.” Rema specifically shouted out Shena’s lyrics on “Loco” (her collab with Nigerian star Chike and DJ Harold), a track that’s racked up millions of views.

Rema even predicted brighter days ahead: “Her time is coming. People will soon give her the flowers she deserves.”

For now, Shena Skies is one of the most quietly influential voices in Ugandan music — writing hits, calling out unfairness, and refusing to stay silent. Her story is a wake-up call: real change in the industry won’t come from streams alone — it starts when creators demand their rightful seat at the table.