Multi-talented leading Ugandan female singer Sheebah Karungi of the “John Rambo” and “Nkwatako” hit fame has made her debut on Africa’s biggest music platform – Coke Studio Africa 2017 and impressed with her lead on an all East African cocktail of music produced by Malawian born music producer based in South African: Gemini Major. On the show, Sheebah was paired alongside Asegnew Ashko from Ethiopia to create wonderful music fusions cutting across authentic Ethiopian music and the best of Uganda dancehall. The two also collaborated with Tanzanian rapper Bill Nass on a hip-hop remix of his smash hit single “Chafu Pozi”. Premiering to raving reviews, Coke Studio Africa is currently on air and will broadcast in more than 30 countries across Africa till December of 2017.
“My dream is to become an international artist not just locked in Uganda and to be the biggest super star I can ever be,” Sheebah says of the opportunity Coke Studio Africa has presented to her, adding: “Being on Coke Studio Africa this year is one of the things that make me feel like am on my way now. I am so honored to be here and that Coke Studio has recognized me. Africa is recognizing me and I am happy to be working with talented producers and musicians. I am going to use this opportunity to do everything I can to go the next level.” Sheebah confirms that she is already in talks with Bill Nass on new collaborations post Coke Studio. Since her Coke Studio recording, Sheebah has also released a song with Coke Studio Nigeria artist Runtown.
Sheebah asserts that to remain on top of the music industry, all artists must be “on time, wake up early to do work,” adding, “I will do this for the rest of my life and push every day until I make it to the top.” In the past few years, Sheebah’s career has been on an upward trajectory, with 2017 being her peak so far. Formerly a member of Obsessions, the sensational all-girl Ugandan group music group, was this year crowned the Female Artist of the Year at the prestigious awards HiPipo Awards this year. Her release of the remix of her song “Nkwatako” featuring Nigerian artist Solidstar and “Weekend” with Runtown are two of Sheebah’s top hit songs released this year. She talks on her Coke Studio original song collaboration with Asegnew Ashko: “I love women empowerment and was very happy we got to write a song that touches on early or forced marriages. This is a must listen!”
Other top Ugandan acts featured on On Coke Studio Africa – 2017 include returning artists: Eddy Kenzo and Lydia Jazmine alongside first timers: Bebe Cool and Ykee Benda, with the latter featuring on the show’s Big Break Segment that grants up and coming artists a chance to work with industry greats and established acts.