Cinderella Sanyu, also known as Cindy Sanyu, is a renowned dancehall artist, afro-pop singer, and songwriter from Uganda. Cindy initially gained fame as one of the original members of Blue 3, alongside Lilian Mbabazi and Jackie Chandiru. Over the years, she has shared the stage with prominent artists such as Psquare, Wahu, Tiwa Savage, Shaggy, and Davido. Her 2009 solo album, *Ayokya Ayokya*, featured hit tracks like "Mbikoye" and "Nawewe."
Cindy is celebrated as one of the leading female dancehall artists in East Africa today. Her latest hit, "Boom Party," has topped charts in Uganda and across Africa. Additionally, she leads her own band, Band Cindy.
#### Early Life and Education
Born on August 28, 1985, in Kampala, Cindy's full name is Cinderella Sanyu Muyonjo, and she hails from the Mbale district. She belongs to the Munyoro/Itesot tribe and is the fifth of eight children.
Growing up in Ntinda barracks due to her father's military service, Cindy experienced a unique childhood marked by the presence of military training. Despite her small stature, which prevented her from joining the school choir, her mother encouraged her musical talents by taking her to church, where she learned to sing.
Cindy began her education in the Mbale district, attending Wenale Primary School. She continued her secondary education at Ngora High School for her first two years, then moved to Wenale View Secondary School Mbale for her third and fourth years. She completed her A-levels at Mbale Progressive High School.
After high school, Cindy chose to pursue a career in music instead of continuing her formal education. ### Music Career
Cindy Sanyu began her singing journey at the tender age of six in her church in Ntinda. At 16, she participated in a talent search organized by Capital Radio, Uganda's leading radio station at the time.
Following this talent search, Cindy started collaborating with Steve Jean, who ensured her entry into the Coca-Cola Pop Stars contest. This contest led to the formation of the girl group Blue 3 in 2003, with Steve Jean as their manager. Blue 3 quickly became one of Africa's biggest musical acts, touring countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, and Nigeria. With Blue 3, Cindy achieved significant success, earning numerous awards and nominations.
In 2005, Blue 3 was nominated for Best Artist/Group and Best Music Video from Uganda at Kenya's Kisima Awards. They also received nominations for Video of the Year at the Pearl of Africa Music Awards in 2005 and 2007. Additionally, they were nominated for Best East African Group at the 2005 Kora Awards and Best East African Video at the 2005 Tanzania Music Awards. The group continued to gain recognition, receiving nominations for Best Group and Best Performer at the Channel O Music Awards in 2006. They were even up for an MTV award before Cindy's departure.
#### Solo Career
In 2008, Cindy Sanyu parted ways with Blue 3 due to rule violations and embarked on a solo career. That same year, she released her debut single "Mbikooye," which earned her a nomination for a PAM Award in 2009 as a talent to watch.
Her first solo album, *Mbikooye*, featured successful tracks like "Nawewe" and "Outta My Mind." Cindy collaborated with P Square on the hit song "You and Me," which gained significant popularity in East Africa.
Cindy's breakthrough came with the release of "Ayokya Ayokya," her first dancehall track produced by Washington. This song solidified her reputation as the leading female dancehall artist. In 2010, she released another hit, "Only," also produced by Washington. In 2012, her song "Selecta" gained substantial airplay on international channels across Africa.
Throughout her career, Cindy has collaborated with artists such as Psquare, Juliana Kanyomozi, Fidempa, Bobi Wine, and Byaxxy. Her most successful year was 2019, marked by the release of her biggest hit, "Boom Party," and a triumphant performance at the Cricket Oval. "Boom Party" topped the charts and received multiple award nominations. ### Film Career
Cindy Sanyu ventured into acting, making her debut in the drama film *Bella*. Her portrayal of the lead character earned her a nomination for Best Young Actor in an African Lead Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. She also received a nomination for Best Actress at the Uganda Film Festival Awards in 2018. Cindy later starred in *November Tear*, which was released in 2019.
- **PAM Awards**: Talents to Watch Out For, Female Artist of the Year (2008) - **DIVA Awards**: 2009 - **BUZZ TEENIEZ**: Best Dancehall Artist, Best Female Artist of the Year (2010) - **Afrima Awards**: East Africa's Best Female Artist (2016) - **Bingwa Awards**: Best Ugandan Artist - **Zzina Awards**: Best Dancehall Song (2020) - **Zzina Awards**: Best Female Artist (Nomination, 2020) - **Africa Movie Academy**: Best Young Actor (Nomination) - **Nigerian Entertainment Award**: Lead Role (Non-Nigerian, Nomination)
### Personal Life
Cindy Sanyu was in a relationship with Mario Brunette, with whom she has a daughter named Amani. The couple later divorced and had custody disputes. Cindy also dated Ken Muyiisa, who was married to Phina Masanyalaze, but the relationship ended. Recently, Cindy got engaged to Joel Okuyo Pyrnce, a filmmaker and director.
- **Collaborations**: - "Tempo" with Dafla Boss, Mudra Mwoto, Karole Kasita - "Tebimala" with Viper Rankings - "Dancehall" with Eddy Kenzo - "Locomotive" with Radio, Weasel - "Dilemma" with Bobi Wine and Mr. G
### Controversies
After Cindy left Blue 3, fellow members Jackie Candiru and Lilian Mbabazi criticized her behavior. Not long after, Cindy's explicit photos were leaked, and she accused her former boss, Steve Jean, of being responsible. The two have not reconciled. Additionally, Cindy's relationship with Ken Muyiisa, who was married to Phina Masanyalaze, caused a public feud. The relationship ended after Muyiisa failed to attend a significant family event at Cindy's home.
Recently, Cindy has been embroiled in a feud with fellow artist Sheeba Kalungi. The two have exchanged diss tracks, and Cindy even challenged Sheeba to a public confrontation, which Sheeba's management declined.
