US-based Ugandan musician Zani Lady C real name Susan Basemera has come forward to claim ownership of the trending song on TikTok dubbed ‘Charles, Yimilira Awo’.
According to Zani, she did the song way back in 1999 at the start of her music career and it recently gained popularity on the social media platform with many users participating in the challenge.
Just like many of the old songs that come back to life on TikTok, netizens did not know the voice behind this masterpiece until Zani Lady C revealed her identity. She expressed her gratitude to the public for reviving her song and making it a trend all over.
I have come out to clarify about a certain song that is doing rounds on TikTok, that is my song. I first want to thank the people who have been using this song on the app, old is gold, thank you so much; you did a great job. Ugandans on other social media networks have also loved it so much, Zani Lady C revealed.
Zani Lady C’s revelation comes after fellow singer Viola Nakitende released her version of the song but pointed out that it was just a cover, not a new version. She said she recorded it after discovering it in her former boss’ collection of old songs two years ago.
She had kept it in her archives and only released it after she saw the song making rounds on the video-sharing platform. She praised the song’s timelessness and encouraged fellow musicians to create similarly enduring music that can be appreciated even in their absence.
I ask my fellow artists to compose timeless songs so that even when you die after 100 years, people can still listen to the song and love it. We should go back to good music and stay away from obscenity, Zani Lady C said.
However, Viola’s cover song sparked controversy for allegedly copyright infringement of another person’s song. In response, she apologized for redoing the song without permission but explained that it was because she had enjoyed it so much.
I want to ask for forgiveness. There are very many songs but I chose that one because It is a good song. Personally, I cannot attack anyone who decided to redo my song because that means they have loved it. That is an inspiration to other people to release more good songs. Even when I die and after 50 years someone redoes my ‘Tosimuula’ song, it keeps my memory alive. It is a good thing. I say this in front of the camera, people are free to do it even after I’m dead and no one should ever castigate you, Viola Nakitende stressed.
