" Ugandan music veteran and Uganda Musicians’ Association (UMA) president Cindrella Sanyu, better known as Cindy, has stirred fresh buzz in the entertainment world by challenging fast-rising star Ava Peace (alongside Jowy Landa) to a head-to-head music battle concert. Cindy says a proper music battle — where the artists perform on the same stage — would benefit the performers, fans, and the industry as a whole. She believes that such a face-off is the most exciting way to determine who truly has the crown in Uganda’s female music scene: “I think the two girls should go for a battle because it’s the only

way to know the actual queen…” Cindy said, noting that this could also be financially rewarding for both sides. � Pulse Uganda What Cindy’s Call Means in the Bigger Music Debate Cindy’s challenge touches on a long-running conversation in Ugandan entertainment about generational talent and leadership in music. Veteran Versus New Wave Cindy, a seasoned performer with decades in the industry, is often seen as part of the “established guard.” Ava Peace, on the other hand, is one of Uganda’s fastest-rising new stars — winning major awards like Artist of the Year at the 2025 Zzina Awards and Best Female Artist at the HiPipo Awards. By urging a concert battle, Cindy isn’t just hosting a show — she’s pushing for a continental-level competition that would spotlight upcoming talent like Ava Peace on big stages traditionally dominated by veterans. Boost for the Creative Economy Cindy also argues that such battles can be commercially beneficial: They bring fans together in large venues. They increase ticket and merchandise sales. They buzz on social platforms far beyond Uganda’s borders. Industry commentators say this could be a win-win for artists if packaged well — especially during festival seasons and major music events. Reactions From Fans and Artists Though Cindy has publicly issued the challenge: There’s no official confirmation yet from Ava Peace or her management on whether she accepts the battle proposal. Social media fans are already debating “Who would win?”, with some backing Cindy’s experience and others praising Ava Peace’s award-winning momentum and fresh sound. Tensions of “queen of music” rivalries often drive music engagement and streaming figures — and this challenge has done just that. What Comes Next For this challenge to move forward, several things may need to happen: Agreement by both artists (and their teams) Event planners and promoters to structure the battle (e.g., date, venue, rules) Marketing & fan engagement campaigns to make it a flagship entertainment event If it goes ahead, this could be one of Uganda’s most talked-about music moments in 2026 — a potential turning point in how artists engage and compete in the entertainment sector. Industry Context This isn’t the first time Cindy has been vocal about music issues — she’s also recently called for more musician unity and fair resource distribution within the industry, including funds allocated by government bodies. "