I hate seeing my daughter’s nakedness - Shakira Shakiraa's father

Singer Shakira Kamulegeya Kyebalaba, popularly known as Shakira Shakiraa, is facing criticism from her father regarding her choice of attire.

During an interview on June 19, 2024, Kamulegeya Kyebalaba made it clear that he has never been in favour of the Otutte Kiwede singer's dressing. 

There are musicians, according to Kamulegeya, who have managed to achieve success and respect in the industry without compromising on decency. He feels that despite supporting her career, she should dress more modestly and decently.

"My problem with Shakira is her dressing. I talked to her about her it as it has been bothering me a lot lately. I called her and advised her to change.  My daughter should start wearing decent clothes like Rema Namakula, Iryn Namubiru, Juliana Kanyomozi, and those artistes from Eagles Production. They are always smart in decent clothes; they have money and are respected by the public," he said.

Kamulegeya noted that an artiste can still be smart in long clothes that adhere to cultural  norms.

"Culturally, a lady was meant to keep her body covered, and it’s meant to be seen by only one special person who is her husband. There are parts of a lady that are not supposed to be seen by many people; they are secrets for her special person," he said.

He believes that his daughter's way of dressing is bringing shame to their family and the cultural norms of Buganda. 

"Let me state it here for people to know that I am not supporting Shakira's dressing. You’re not thinking about how this reflects on our family. It matters because it goes against the values I’ve tried to instill in you. People judge not just you, but our entire family based on how you present yourself. Have you thought about how this affects us? But at what cost, Shakira? You’re putting your career ahead of your family's reputation and our feelings. It seems like you don't care about the impact of your actions on us. Times may have changed, but respect and decency should not. You’re being selfish and not considering the consequences. You should be more mindful and considerate of your family's values and how your actions affect us. Being true to yourself doesn’t mean disregarding your family. You need to find a balance that respects our values while allowing you to express yourself. Until then, I can’t support your choices. You are my good, beautiful girl, and I love you so much. Talking through the media, since it’s her policy, may work and make some changes to her dress code. Seriously, I pray to God to see her change. On Idd, she dressed well, and I felt like that’s my daughter,” Kamulegeya said.

Later, we interviewed Shakira to inquire whether her differences with her father over her dressing had caused a rift between them. 

In her defence, she maintained that as an artiste, she has a specific image she wishes to portray and that her attire is chosen accordingly for each occasion.

Shakira noted that she is on good terms with her dad and that her parents are very proud of her. 

"My dad can never get rid of me. He just bought me a new phone. I am his best child. My parents are very proud of me. I am not explicit really. I dress according to the occasion. I was at the mosque in the morning and I wasn’t dressed like this, but when I am on stage, so I dress differently for it. What bothered my dad was the videos, which I explained to him, and he understood. I am looking forward to changing in the future and not wearing these kinds of clothes for the rest of my life," she said.