When fame breeds jealousy

Jun 17, 2011

It happened in Kabalagala last week at De Posh bar. Singer Sherry Matovu of the Nsiimye ggwe song, was on stage. And as her audience walked up to tip or dance with her, there was one specific fan who really showed enthusiasm for the singer.

It happened in Kabalagala last week at De Posh bar. Singer Sherry Matovu of the Nsiimye ggwe song, was on stage. And as her audience walked up to tip or dance with her, there was one specific fan who really showed enthusiasm for the singer.

When he went up to dance with her, he refused to leave. Unbeknown to the man, Matovu’s husband, Thadeus Katumba was in the audience watching all this with rising ire. Suddenly, he stormed the stage and threw off the unnamed fan, before accusing his wife of allowing the fan to go ‘too far’. Our reporter, Robert Mutebi, later caught up with Sherry, who launched her album early this month, and asked her about the incident. He also talked to Katumba, a promoter and Sherry’s manager.

I have had enough
Sherry Matovu
I was disappointed, although I was sort of expecting it. My man is getting very possessive and this is becoming too much. I love Katumba and appreciate everything he is doing to help me develop my singing career. I know some men are more jealous than others but this is too much! In the end, he is going to chase away all my fans. What is a singer without fans?

And it is becoming a trend. These days, he demands to be wherever I go to sing. He is actually not a singer but he demands that we sing together on stage and I have to introduce him to the audience as my husband. I wouldn’t mind that but I don’t want it to be a daily occurrence.

And when it comes to my phone, I have countless problems. Whenever my phone rings and he is around, he wants to be the one to pick it and demand to know what the caller wants to say. Sometimes people call for shows and launches and want to speak with.

But he gets in the way and I miss out on opportunities. And even if I get an opportunity to sing and get paid, he cannot let me go on my own. He has to come along.

When we are not together, he calls me almost every 10 minutes. Woe to me if I don’t pick the phone for whatever reason!

I have tried to talk to him about it and failed. I have registered my dissatisfaction but he doesn’t want to see my point. It’s like I am seated on thorns in my marriage. I really pray that he changes.

I know how weak women are
Thadeus Katumba

In Buganda we have a saying; Atabubira nsiko ye, mwana wattu, taliira... (You have to protect your jungle from other hunters). I am old enough and I know love matters and the stupidity of intimate affairs.

I know how weak women are. why would I leave her to move out alone at night? What if she gets problems? Who is responsible? Who is answerable? I know she is mad at me but that is life! I hear men beating their wives but I have never beaten mine, showing some jealousy is not the worst thing in life!

My wife, Sherry, is still new in the singing world. She is still learning and there is still a lot to do for her to become an accomplished singer. She needs my support right now and I will always be willing to offer it.

And, by the way, I don’t regret anything I have done to protect my wife. She is my treasure, my money and my business. Everyone has a way they love their special one, this is my style.

Celebrities share their experiences
Suzan Muwonge, rally ace, wife of Lawrence Muwonge of Buddo SS
People have said my husband goes to all my rallies to tight mark me but that is not true. He is my number one fan and always there to support me and he does it very well, both emotionally and financially. That is why I really love and respect him. And if he asked me to stop, I would respect his decision. Celebrity wives must never forget that a wife will always be a wife. They should put their fame aside and respect their husbands.

Rehema Kebikomi, model with K Models and TV presenter
Male fans can be so enthusiastic. Many call me, but I don’t know how they get my number. Others call even during my television show! I use my boyfriend to discourage them. If anyone insists he wants to have dinner with me, I suggest to him that I come with my boyfriend. My experience is that whoever I tell that stops calling me.

Rebecca Sunitha, a.k.a Becky presenter Record TV
My fans call me a lot. At first, it gave my boyfriend a hard time because male fans would call at night and often, he would become jealous. I think he later realised that I don’t give them go ahead. You have to find a delicate balance not to chase away fans, while trying not to encourage them.

Fred Sseruga, director Eagles’ Production Band and husband to Catherine Kusasira, a singer
Loving a celebrity comes with that price. I know what it means. No privacy at all in our lives. Most fans feel at home when they touch their favourite celebrity. There is also the press ready to misinterpret it all. If you are not steady, you will be fighting everyone.

Jackie Tumwebaze Ssennyonjo, Gospel artiste and wife of Pastor Godfrey Ssennyonjo of
Kansanga Miracle Centre

My husband is supportive. He has never refused me to go to any place for ministry. I have toured most of Uganda and even gone abroad to South Africa, Nigeria and Denmark. Of course, minor problems arise like when I go for ministry without informing him or when I delay there. He gets very cross with me.


Sandra Kahunde, presenter on Record Television
Being a celebrity should not affect your relationship. But it can be a challenge if your partner does not understand the type of job you do. Mine is understanding. The numerous calls I get from fans don’t annoy him. I even answer them in his presence. We are free with each other’s phones. I let him have mine and sometimes I keep his. As adults, we know these people do not love us for who we are but for what we do, unlike our men.

Helen Lukomwa,
member HB Toxic dance group

For a woman, male attention is good, especially when fans say you are beautiful and smart. But most men become insecure. You have to try hard to make it seem right with him. Be open with him and help him understand. Remember, you will need him if the fan starts stalking you.

Jackie Chandiru, singer, song writer and make-up artist
Male fans think they have the right of way to access you. For us, it makes it more difficult to hook up with the right man because many guys who make advances genuinely cannot be differentiated from fans pursuing their fantasies. Many fans just want to prove a point to themselves that they have laid a celebrity and then they go out to brag about it to their friends.


Dorah Naamala,
presenter of breakfast show, Eky’enkya, on Bukedde TV

Male fans can be crazy. They do send messages requesting for your attention. Others meet you along the street and declare their emotions. But if you have risen to a level of a celebrity, you must know how to handle this situation. You politely turn them down and tell them you are comfortable with your man. Your man should not be scared. He should encourage you to speak to your fans.

Geoffrey Lutaya, director, Eagles Productions Band, husband to Irene Namatovu, singer in same band
I am used to that. I know what it means to be on stage as fans feel you belong to them. My wife tells me when a particular fan wants to take it to stalking level and I do the same.

Sylvia Namugenyi, singer of
Ki ssebo and Kisambagala

She recently split with Ronnie Nkoyooyo, her manager and boyfriend of three years.
“It is difficult to have a lover who doubles as a manager. Ronnie and I failed to mix love with business. I discovered that we could no longer get along as business partners and lovers at the same time. I suggested that I get another manager and we go on with our romance, but he refused. So I suggested he stops being my boyfriend and remains my manager, but he got so annoyed and almost chopped me into pieces. That is how our relationship ended.”

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