Why one-hit wonders do not make other bigger songs

The challenge of creating subsequent hit songs after an initial breakthrough track is a widely discussed issue in Ugandan musical circles. Numerous emerging artistes have struggled to add larger songs to their portfolios.

From older-generation artistes like Ziggy Dee with Eno Mic, Hajjat Madina with Bibuuza, and Lady Mariam with Tindatine, to new artistes like Eezzy with Tumbiza Sound, Freeboy with Kwata Essimu, and Pia Pounds with Tupaate, it is evident that establishing more significant hits has proven to be a daunting task.

Former artiste manager Joseph Yiga, also known as JozeyKing, who played a pivotal role in elevating the musical careers of singers King Saha and Geosteady, suggests that the ability to produce subsequent hits depends on how artistes conduct themselves after achieving success.

Yiga attributes the lack of follow-up hits to indiscipline, changes in management, excessive pride, and disrespect toward those who initially supported their careers.

He emphasises that making a second hit requires considerable effort, which some artistes may struggle to handle.

Yiga highlights that creating hit songs involves well-written lyrics, top-notch production targeting a specific audience, and a robust promotional strategy.

He points out that artists often face challenges as audience preferences constantly evolve, necessitating multiple promotional approaches, which can be financially burdensome.

"When some of them realise that they have got a hit, they feel so big, chair managements and then start disrespecting managers and media people. But generally, it's not easy to make a second hit as soon as possible as it takes so many efforts, which some of these artistes can not handle," Yiga says.

Vivian Mimi, a young artiste known for her hit song Hajji, acknowledges the difficulty of understanding why subsequent hits elude many artistes. She believes that recognising a hit song is instinctive, relying on its vibe and the response from those knowledgeable about music.

"It's not only us, but those before us too. You invest money in another song, follow the same process as the first one, but still, success doesn't materialise. When a song will be a hit, you can feel it. It's about the vibe, how people talk about it, and its unique sound," Mimi expresses.

Biswanka, another promising talent with a trending song titled Ontunulemu, suggests that producers sometimes overhype subsequent songs, claiming they are automatic hits, only for them to fall short of expectations.

He adds that artistes may lose hope after releasing multiple average songs.

According to Biswanka, artistes who are also skilled writers have a better chance of creating additional hits, emphasising the importance of self-expression rather than relying solely on external writers who may not fully understand the artiste's vision.