Ugandan singer John Blaq has opened up about the hardships he faced before breaking into the music industry, while claiming he played a role in helping fellow singer Gloria Bugie establish herself.
In a recent interview, the singer, known for songs such as Tukwatagane and Do Dat, reflected on his early struggles, including working at construction sites as a porter and facing eviction threats over unpaid rent.
“I was doing portage on building before making a hit. I vanished at night with my mattress when my landlord was demanding me,” he said.
His account offers a glimpse into the difficult circumstances he experienced before his music career became financially rewarding. The singer said he struggled to meet basic needs, including rent, before gaining recognition in Uganda’s entertainment industry.
Blaq, however, appeared to take the hardships in stride, also making light of how he spends his money, particularly on women in his family.
“Ladies eat my money like my sister and mum because they are also ladies,” he said.
The singer also reflected on his early experiences performing with live bands, saying he initially feared that environment. He recalled meeting fellow singer Zafaran during that period and credited her with supporting him as he navigated the music scene.
He said he was pleased to see her progress and establish a place for herself in the industry.
The conversation also turned to Gloria Bugie, with whom Blaq collaborated on the song Aliwa. He said he was happy to see her career develop, claiming that she was relatively unknown when they first crossed paths about four years ago.
“I am happy that even Gloria Bugie is somewhere she is because I remember last four years she wasn’t known,” he said.
Blaq’s remarks suggest that he sees the growth of artists he encountered earlier in their careers as part of his own journey through the industry. His comments also brought renewed attention to his collaboration with Bugie on Aliwa, which introduced the two singers to a wider audience.
Gloria Bugie, whose real name is Gloria Busingye, has since gained recognition with songs including Nyash, also known as Bankyawa, and Aliwa. She has continued to pursue a wider audience through music releases, collaborations and other industry engagements.
John Blaq, born Kasadha John in Jinja, rose to prominence in 2018 with songs such as Romantic, Tukwatagane and Sweet Love, featuring Vinka. His distinctive vocal delivery and dancehall-influenced sound helped him establish a following in Uganda’s music industry.
His rise, however, followed a difficult period marked by financial struggles. He has previously spoken about his upbringing in Bweyogerere and disagreements with former management over the rights to some of his earlier music.
His latest comments offer a glimpse into the relationships he has built with other performers and the challenges artists face while trying to establish themselves in a competitive industry.
For now, Gloria Bugie has not publicly responded to his remarks.
