Maulana, Reign apologise to Pastor Bugembe over unauthorised remix of song

Comedians Maulana and Reign have apologised to Pastor Wilson Bugembe of The Worship House in Nansana, Wakiso district over making a remix  out of his Miracle song without his consent and incorporating in it political themes intended to criticise national leaders.

On June 4, 2024,  Reign Omusoyisoyi, born Obedi Lubega, took to the studio and released a remake of Bugembe's Miracle, featuring Rhodah K.

Reign’s version titled Musenze sounded political, targeting both the ruling regime and certain opposition Members of Parliament from the National Unity Platform, who have since opposed their leader, Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, better known as Bobi Wine.

In an interview on Thursday, June 13, Maulana and Reign clarified that their actions were intended for comedy and they chose his song out of deep admiration for Bugembe. They asked him to forgive them.  

“We are here to request our lovely pastor and friend, Wilson Bugembe, to  reconcile with us. We are on our knees, requesting him to forgive us. We did not intend to hurt him or his fans; instead, we love him so much, and he is our star. That's why we used his song. The remix we released was not intended for any political purposes; instead, it was made for comedy since we have our show in the same month. We request all our fans we annoyed to forgive us. All the prominent leaders who were hurt in different ways by the song, please, we beg you to forgive our unseriousness. We shall never ever make the same mistake," they said.

However, on his part, Reign, declared his intentions to pursue politics.

"I promise to take the right direction, but never to hurt innocent souls. I request our elders in music to always guide us whenever we go astray," he said.

Bugembe clarified in a previous statement that he has no intentions of taking any legal action against the comedians. However, he requested that Reign make amends by doing the right thing. 

According to Bugembe, the remake has caused him trouble, with several phone calls from concerned well-wishers and friends.

He said they were surprised by the collaboration with Reign on such a song, which they never expected from him.

On Sunday, June 9, in an interview after the church service, Bugembe set the record straight, distancing himself from the song. He stated that Reign released the remix of his song without his knowledge.

Furthermore, Wilson reiterated his strong relationship with President Yoweri Museveni, expressing deep appreciation for the freedom of worship that Ugandans enjoy under his leadership.

Bugembe also emphasised that he has been a longtime friend of Bobi Wine, both as musicians. 
"I love President Museveni so much, and I have sincere reasons why I love him. He allowed me to start my church, and others, giving us the freedom of worship and praise to God. The freedom of worship in Uganda is amazing. I love President Museveni, and in equal measure, I love Bobi Wine because he is my friend with whom I have been making music for a long time. So, this church is for all people, whether you are of the opposition or the Government. We don’t want anyone to be political while here," Bugembe said.

He added: "As for that song, yes, it is my original composition, but Reign did a remix of it without my knowledge, and I’m not a part of it. Reign made a remix of my song, but with political themes.He is my friend, but I didn’t know anything about the song. I also just saw the song released with political lyrics, replacing my own. I do not have any problem with him; instead, he should do the right thing using the right direction. I do not intend to take any legal action against him because God gave me talent as a gift for free." 

The comedians appreciated Bugembe for not taking any legal action against them, even though he had all the rights to do so.

"He did not threaten us, but instead portrayed the true picture of a pastor. We ask even God to forgive us for playing with His message in what was a gospel song."