Shakira Shakiraa defends friendship with late King Oyo

Ugandan musician Shakira Shakiraa has defended her personal connection to the late King of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru Rukidi IV, following social media criticism. After the King passed away in the United States on August 27, 2026, at age 34, Shakira shared that she had been friends with the monarch and had an acquaintance with the Queen Mother, Best Kemigisa.

Netizens accused the singer of exaggerating the relationship to gain publicity or “clout” following the King's death. Shakira addressed these claims, explaining that their friendship began naturally at a gym when the King assisted her with a malfunctioning piece of exercise equipment. She clarified that their bond was a casual friendship developed through regular gym visits and insisted she has no interest in trending for the sake of attention, stating she remains focused on her music and business ventures.