Singer Laika Umuhoza, known professionally as Laika Music, has revealed a deeply personal struggle with depression following a disappointing experience with a fellow artist. In an emotional account, she described how a musician she had invited to appear as a video vixen in one of her music videos failed to show up for the shoot, leaving her heartbroken and battling depression.
According to Laika, the unnamed artist had given her every assurance, even responding with an enthusiastic "of course" when she confirmed his availability the day before the shoot. Despite their agreement and her efforts to accommodate his needs, he was absent when the cameras were ready to roll.
Recounting the incident, Laika said, "There's an artist; I won't mention the name, and he knows himself. I asked him to be a video vixen in my video shoot. We agreed on everything, and I tried to make sure he was good. I asked what he wanted, and even the day before the shoot, I asked him whether he would be present. He replied using the words 'of course', but on the day of the video shoot, he didn't show up."
She was quick to clarify that their relationship was strictly professional and not romantic, despite the disappointment that followed. Laika explained that she swallowed her disappointment, put on a brave face, and proceeded with the video shoot. However, the emotional impact caught up with her about a week later, plunging her into depression.
What hurt even more, she said, was the artist's silence. He never checked on her, explained his absence, or offered an apology. He simply carried on with life as though the incident had never happened. The experience, she added, has permanently damaged their relationship, and the two are no longer communicating.
This is not the first time Laika has been involved in a public dispute with a fellow musician. In 2025, she and singer Biswanka had a heated exchange during a radio interview, with both questioning each other's standing and contribution to the music industry. Biswanka took offence at Laika's apparent claim that she had never heard of him, arguing that it was arrogant of her to dismiss his name. Laika, on the other hand, was hardly impressed by Biswanka's credentials, arguing that he still had a long way to go before reaching a wider audience. Biswanka, however, was not ready to accept the junior-in-the-industry treatment, insisting that he was bigger than Laika.
Laika's story highlights the emotional toll of professional disappointments and the importance of accountability in the creative industry. Her openness about her struggle with depression also sheds light on the mental health challenges that artists can face.
