David Lutalo offers Zafaran free collabo following exploitation remarks

Singer David Lutalo has shown support for Swangz Avenue's Zafaran, real name Josephine Nakyoonyi, after she called out male artistes over asking for sexual favours in exchange for collaborative opportunities.

“Uganda’s music industry should uphold mutual respect and professional integrity, rather than turning it into a marketplace for exploitation. Let’s work together to create a music industry that values talent and collaboration over coercion and misconduct. As a female artiste in Uganda, I am disheartened by what male artistes take us through before we work with them. A male artiste will ask for sex in return for a collaboration, really? Is that what other females are doing?" Zafaran said in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, June 6, 2024.

Upon watching the interview on Bukedde TV2s Vibe Mix show on June 6,  Lutalo offered to work with Zafaran on a new music project.

He said she does not need to pay or give him anything.

“I promise Zafaran, I will give her a collaboration without making any sexual advances. She can come for the collabo; I don’t want anything in return. I come from a good family and I was taught how to treat women. I do not mix business with pleasure because I know the remedies might be not good at all," Lutalo said.

"I have done a lot of collaborations with women for free. In fact, I even give rising male artistes free songs provided they are talented. Juma Mulokole is making concerts today. We need to help and build a strong legacy that will replace us when we cannot release new songs anymore. They are the new Uganda. They deserve our support," he said.

Lutalo has collaborated with singer Rema Namakula on Love Commissioner and Webiba, as well as Shakira Shakiraa on Am In Love. 

He expressed regret that Zafaran went through such a bad experience with some males in the industry.

"She should not give in. Let her keep being a strong woman," Lutalo said.

He advised her to speak up in case of troubles of such kind.

Lutalo urged his fellow male musicians to stop exploiting female artistes, saying it spoils their brands and repetition.

Singer David Lutalo. File photo

 
During a phone interview with Zafaran, she said other people often think they (artistes) lead enviable lives, but we face challenges.

"I faced the issue I raised many times. I wondered if an artiste in a record label can face such, what of those ones without management?" she said.

Zafaran advised female artistes to come together to fight sexual exploitation in the industry, urging them not to keep quiet.

She appreciated the offer extended to her by Lutalo.

"I am so happy and excited to hear from my star, Lutalo. I did not expect male artistes like David to still be in existence since I was harassed enough times. I appreciate the offer and I pray to God to bless him. Lutalo is a superstar. I am sure his offer will add a lot to my career," Zafaran added.