Spice Diana Launches 9Yard Music Label, Ends Decade-Long Partnership with Manager Roger
In a significant move that reshapes Uganda’s music landscape, celebrated singer Spice Diana has officially launched her own independent music label, 9Yard, marking the end of her nearly decade-long partnership with manager Roger Lubega of Source Management .
The announcement confirms rumors that have circulated since early 2025 about professional tensions between the artist and her longtime manager, with both parties having previously dismissed speculation about a split . According to entertainment industry insiders, the separation appears amicable, driven primarily by Spice Diana’s desire for professional growth and greater creative control .
A New Chapter: The 9Yard Era Begins
Under the newly established 9Yard label, Spice Diana will now assume complete control over her music career, brand management, and business ventures . This strategic move positions the “Regular” hitmaker among a growing list of Ugandan musicians transitioning to self-management and label ownership—a trend increasingly reshaping the country’s entertainment industry .
“This marks a new chapter for Spice not just as an artist, but as an entrepreneur,” revealed a source close to the singer, hinting that the transition had been in development for several months . Beyond managing her own career, Spice Diana plans to expand 9Yard into a talent incubator, mentoring and signing promising young artists—a vision that aligns with her long-stated goal of entering the entrepreneurship and talent management space .
A Decade of Defining Success
The partnership between Spice Diana and Roger Lubega was widely regarded as one of the most successful artist-manager collaborations in Ugandan entertainment . Under Source Management’s guidance, Spice Diana evolved from an emerging talent into one of Uganda’s most influential female artists . Their collaboration spanned approximately ten years, a period marked by consistent chart-topping hits and commanding performances on major stages both locally and internationally .
Entertainment analyst Frank Ntambi had previously hinted at tensions between the two, suggesting as early as October 2024 that they were “keeping up appearances” until after Spice Diana’s tenth-anniversary concert in January 2025 . Ntambi claimed at the time that “It is confirmed that there is a bitter split but both parties are still containing it as they undertake preparations for the concert,” adding that it would be “the last Italian Job for Mr. Roger” .
Key Statements on the Transition
On the New Label: “With the launch of 9yard, Spice Diana is signaling a new phase in her career, one where she holds the reins of her music, branding, and business ventures.”
On Career Evolution: “This marks a new chapter for Spice not just as an artist, but as an entrepreneur.”
On Industry Trends: “This move positions her among a growing list of Ugandan musicians turning to self-management and label ownership, a trend reshaping the country’s entertainment industry.”
The Growing Trend of Artistic Independence
Spice Diana’s move to establish 9Yard reflects a broader global pattern where successful artists eventually take direct control of their careers and business affairs . Industry observers note that as artists develop their business acumen and brand influence, the dynamics of artist-manager relationships often evolve .
“Industry observers note that artist–manager relationships often evolve as stars grow in influence and business acumen,” reports one analysis of the situation, adding that “long-term partnerships can strain under the pressures of success, creative control, and financial independence” . Similar transitions have been observed internationally with stars like Beyoncé and Burna Boy, who eventually assumed ownership of their management and label operations .
Looking Forward
As Spice Diana steps into this new chapter, the Ugandan entertainment industry watches with anticipation to see how she will reinvent herself and her career under the 9Yard banner . The move represents not just a change in management structure, but a fundamental shift in the singer’s career trajectory—from artist to entrepreneur, from talent to business owner.
While neither Spice Diana nor Roger Lubega has made official public statements detailing the separation, sources describe the transition as professional and focused on growth . As one source close to the situation noted, the creation of 9Yard “signals a new chapter for Spice not just as an artist, but as an entrepreneur” —a development that may well inspire Uganda’s next generation of artists to take greater control of their creative and commercial destinies.
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