What began with a malfunctioning gym machine eventually grew into an unlikely friendship between Ugandan musician Shakira Shakiraa and the late King of Tooro, Omukama Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV—a bond she insists was genuine, despite online skepticism surrounding her claims.
Following the monarch’s passing, Shakira joined the nation in mourning and spoke publicly about her personal connection to the young ruler. She revealed that the two had been gym buddies and that she had also developed a warm acquaintance with the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa.
However, her disclosures quickly ignited debate across social media platforms. While some online commentators questioned the true intimacy of her connection to the King, others accused the singer of leveraging the monarch’s legacy to chase clout and remain in the public eye.
Pushing back against the criticism, Shakira dismissed claims that her relationship with the late King was a calculated move or a publicity stunt.
According to the artist, the friendship originated under ordinary circumstances during a workout session when a gym machine she was using stalled. Seeing her struggle, King Oyo stepped in to assist.
“I was on one of the machines and it refused to work, and he came, he helped me out. From there we started hellos, and then it matured into a friendship,” Shakira recounted.
She noted that their simple greetings evolved into a familiar rapport as they frequently crossed paths during fitness sessions. She clarified that her statements were intended solely to acknowledge their casual interactions, rather than to imply any deeper relationship.
Unfazed by accusations that she used the King’s memory to bolster her public profile, Shakira maintained that online trends have never driven her music career or commercial ventures.
“I am the kind of person that doesn’t care whether I’m trending or not, whether my music is played or not. I focus on my businesses, that’s all,” she stated.
Reflecting on her comments following the King’s death, Shakira emphasized that she merely shared the memory that meant the most to her—an unscripted connection forged over exercise equipment.
“When they asked me about him, I shared my experience because that stood out in my friendship with him,” she said.