Ykee Benda, the owner of Mpaka Records, recently opened up about his feelings following the abrupt departure of Dre Cali, an artist formerly under his wing. He shared his dismay at Dre Cali’s sudden exit from the country without prior notice, which left their contractual agreement hanging.
Initially, Dre Cali had left for an overseas performance, with assurances of his return. However, upon arrival at his destination, he seemingly opted to explore other opportunities without informing Ykee Benda or the Mpaka Records team.
Months passed, and there was no word from Dre Cali regarding his plans, despite having an active contract with Mpaka Records. Ykee Benda, in a cautionary move, alerted Ugandan musicians about the risks of arrests and false promises from promoters, drawing attention to the ordeal faced by Dre Cali.
Finally, after Ykee Benda went public with his disappointment, Dre Cali reached out with an apology via email, expressing regret over his actions. Ykee Benda, still grappling with the hurt caused by the situation, admitted to feeling hesitant about signing new artists to his label.
Nevertheless, he assured that Mpaka Records had continued to engage with new talents, like Ugaboys, implementing clearer contracts to prevent future misunderstandings. In essence, Ykee Benda’s candid revelation sheds light on the challenges faced by artists and labels in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of communication and transparency in professional relationships.
