Singer Mesach Semakula who rose to fame in the 90s after releasing captivating love songs, is sharing words of wisdom with artists who are currently at the peak of their careers. With a career spanning decades, the ‘Sigwe Onsimila’ hitmaker has managed to stay relevant in both the music industry and the business world.
He emphasizes that fame is temporary and urges artists to prepare for a future beyond their current popularity. To sustain a long-lasting career, Mesach advises creating music that resonates with a wider audience, rather than just catering to personal experiences.
I tell musicians that if you are writing a song, do not write about you but what is happening to everyone. This will help you stay relevant and important for some good time. There is a time when you are at the peak but there is no one who can maintain being at the top forever. Take time to think about that moment when you fall.
There will be a time when you have to retire. You might be doing very good music and with a lot of enthusiasm, even better than the new acts but you have to get to a point when you have no choice but to pave the way for new ideas and stars. Think about that time when you will not have that fame,” he said.
While acknowledging that artists may be exceptionally talented, Mesach Semakula notes that fans’ preferences inevitably change, and it is important to plan for when they do. He encourages artists to explore investments beyond music, ensuring a secure life after their fame subsides.
As artists, people do not get tired of us because we do not know how to sing but because there comes a time when people know all the good that you have done and it no longer excites them. They know your every move and no longer come running when you call them. Sometimes the audience that believes in you grows up and their taste changes despite how good you are. You will be a very good artist but it just won’t be your time. Your time will always pass, Mesach Semakula noted.
Mesach Semakula’s piece of advice is in relation to the harsh reality in the music industry where once-celebrated artists have fallen into decline, struggling to make ends meet after their music is no longer getting attention.
Try and do some other things when not on stage, anything else that will come through for you. Every time you get money, use some of it to invest. Fame should not put you off. Stay humble and not despise people, it doesn’t take anything from you, Mesach Semakula stressed.
