Asiimwe, who has been a pioneer in the Ugandan gospel music industry for over two decades, spoke candidly about the sacrifices she made throughout her career. She acknowledged that the opportunities for upcoming gospel artists today are far better than they were during her early days, as they are able to earn from their music. In contrast, she explained, “I think I worked for free for nearly 18 years. I had children I was taking care of.”
Mary Asiimwe, a revered gospel artist from Western Uganda, has voiced her disappointment over remarks made by a young and upcoming male gospel singer in Mbarara. Speaking at a gathering of gospel singers held at New Pearl Hotel in Mbarara, Asiimwe expressed her dismay over the disrespectful comments aimed at her by the budding artist, who questioned her financial standing and contributions to the gospel music scene.
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The criticism, which centered around Asiimwe’s lack of material wealth, seemed to strike a nerve.
She recounted how the young artist wondered aloud why she did not even possess a “teaspoon of land” to her name.
Responding to these remarks, Asiimwe asserted that she has achieved accomplishments in her career that many artists, including her critic, have not.
“What I have done, he has not. I really felt bad,” she said
Asiimwe reflected on the blessings and opportunities that have come her way, despite the challenges and sacrifices.
She recounted a recent experience when she performed in a remote area of Uganda. During the event, a man from the UK who organised the crusade was so impressed by her performance and dedication that he offered to pay for her Visa to travel to London. Asiimwe is set to make this journey next month on the 29th.
She made it clear that the criticism over her lack of property ownership was irrelevant to her sense of fulfillment and purpose.
“Even if I am still renting, I am happy because I have not been thrown out of the house. My life is not about wealth but service, and God has sustained me,” Asiimwe said
Calling for a change in attitude among gospel artists, Asiimwe stressed the importance of mutual respect and positivity in the gospel music community.
“We as artists need to learn to treat ourselves better. This bad heart is a bad seed,” she remarked, urging both established and emerging artists to uplift one another rather than engage in disparaging behaviour.