Renowned comedian Amooti Omubalanguzi, born Allan Mujuni, opened up about one of the toughest in his career as an entertainer.
He notes that he faced significant life challenges in 2014 including the loss of his very close partner and comedian Paddy Ssali, publicly known as Paddy Bitama.
Paddy Bitama, a former presidential hopeful, breathed his last at the cancer institute at Mulago National Referral Hospital early in January 2014.
After Paddy’s passing, the Amarula Family comedy group members fell apart and the group split due to a power struggle.
God yet again tested Amooti when he almost lost his children when his house caught fire, however, his children managed to escape with injuries and burns, thanks to the neighbours who ran to their rescue.
That same year, Amooti Omubalanguzi lost his mother in a motor accident.
He is grateful to God for having seen him through the troubles that seemed to break his spirit in such a short time.
Lugaflow artist Da Agent has voiced his disappointment with Gravity Omutujju over the title of his soon-to-be-released song, Omunio.
Gravity had announced the new track on his social media platforms yesterday evening, revealing that it would drop today.
However, the title has stirred controversy among netizens and fellow artists.
Da Agent did not hold back, expressing his concerns about the choice of the title, which he described as offensive.
To my fellow artists, let’s not be too desperate to the point of making mistakes. It’s unfortunate that Gravity’s mother passed away, and sorry for your flopped concert. Many have been in a similar situation like you, but they haven’t stooped low like this.
The criticism extends beyond Da Agent, as netizens have also taken issue with the song’s title. Many argue that artists like Gravity, who holds influence, should be more mindful of the example they set for their fans.
Da Agent further emphasized the responsibility that comes with being a public figure, stating that such song titles can tarnish an artist’s image and set a bad precedent for the industry.
The year 2024 has not been short of amazing songs that our artists have blessed our ears with and often forced music lovers to the edge of their seats and eventually to the dance floor to shake what they got.
This has been achieved through churning out singles. At times, artists have joined efforts to drop bangers that have topped charts.
As the year winds up, we look at some of the biggest collaborations that have rocked our airwaves on both mainstream media and online streaming platforms.
Sipimika (Remix) – Yung Mulo feat. Sheebah
Initially, the song belonged to Yung Mulo as a single project. As it struggled to make a massive impact, Mulo got the idea of hooking up Sheebah for a remix, and in no time, it became a mega-hit on the land following the controversy that surrounded it that was sparked by Sheebah’s verse. The song has since garnered 1.8 m views on YouTube after seven months of its release.
Swiririri – Kapeke feat. Rickman Manrick
This track has been irresistible due to its playful kind of lyrics and vibe that it gives. Since its release about 7 months ago, the song has performed well and done wonders for rising star Kapeke giving a boost to his music career. It has garnered 1.9 m views on YouTube.
Tabbu – Dax Vibez feat. Ava Peace
Just like last year when Dax Vibez had a trending tune featuring Vinka dubbed “Believe”, this time again he worked on a masterpiece with Ava dubbed “Tabbu”. The chemistry that was displayed in the visuals made it more appealing for those who have watched the video.
The song has found its way atop the charts effortlessly.
Love Commissioner – David Lutalo feat. Rema Namakula
Without a doubt, two of the most gifted vocalists in Uganda; Lutalo and Namakula, did justice to their collaboration. The song is a soulful duet that has been loved by many. The song’s melodious rhythm and heartfelt lyrics celebrate the beauty of love and the joy it brings to those who embrace it.
Kun Nnya – Mudra feat. King Saha
This project was dropped about three months ago and it has amassed 700k views on YouTube. The joining of efforts between the two brings about a different touch and feel in the music industry.
– Kukyakala Na Kubwa” – 6IX KILLAZ
On this jam, Jeff Kiwa combined six female artists on a single project including Ava Peace, Zafaran, Nandor Love, Recho Rey, Jowy Landa, and Nina Roz. This was the first time Ugandan artists released an all-star song compromising only ladies. The song worked pretty well and so far has 843k views on YouTube.
Hoozambe(Remix) – D Star feat. Mudra
Released six months ago, the song has been a banger in nightclubs and different online streaming platforms, hitting 8m views on YouTube thanks to Shifura and TikTok for its virality.
Party Culture – Feffe Bussi feat. Nina Roz, John Blaq, Coco Finger, Karole Kasita
Released in August, the song got 600k YouTube views. It is off Feffe’s “The Paragon Album”, which was topping charts and playlists on major streaming platforms. The visuals bring you a party-themed concept to give you the right hype you need for a party.
God Ye Buddy – Azawi, Vinka, Winnie Nwagi, Elijah Kitaka, Zafaran, & Levixone
This is one of the projects that saw Swangz Avenue camp in Zanzibar for a week. Off the #SwangzAllstarAlbum, the track was received warmly by music lovers and the visuals added a gospel feel to it.
With You – Geosteady and Feffe Bussi
The two blended pretty perfectly on this jam. Geosteady’s verse and Feffe’s punchlines spiced up the song thus becoming an instant hit on the scene. It came at a time when Geosteady was facing negative publicity and got his career back in the groove. Dropped in October, the song has 700k views on YouTube.
Mitawaana – Brian Avie feat. Vyper Ranking
This track is a celebration of Ugandan roots, blending energetic beats with smooth melodies that are sure to get you moving. Whether you’re at a party or just chilling, ‘Mitawaana’ is the perfect soundtrack to elevate your mood.
2024 has been an amazing year for all ardent local music lovers since there has been at least a lesson or two to learn, especially how old music regained popularity.
Old music regaining popularity has reinforced the fact that music is indeed timeless, highlighting how the relationship between social media and music depends on attention spans.
With most new releases currently lasting a minimal time, this brought back the idea that older music will always find younger audiences.
On TikTok, one of the most used apps currently, more than a handful of songs from previous decades have been brought back to renewed popularity, either temporarily or over longer periods.
Here are some of the songs that we managed to list:
Londa e Number (commonly referred to as ‘Atakwagala Oba Omulaba’) – Betty Mpologoma
If you grew up listening to Ugandan band music in the early 2000s, the name Betty Mpologoma is not new to your ears. She has a rich catalog of hit singles.
The year 2024 has seen her single “Londa e Number” (Produced in 2005) bounce back in style with the catchy line ‘Atakwagala Oba Omulaba’ which is commonly used as a meme for those who are heartbroken and facing disappointments in relationships.
Charles Yimirira Awo – Zani Lady C
Zani Lady C claims to have recorded this song in 1999 at Kasiwukira’s studio when starting her music career. She notes that the jam was produced by Tim Kizito who allegedly went missing in the USA.
Going by her statements, she says, “It’s a love song describing how much I admire my lover regardless of the hardships or challenges he could be going through. And that whatever struggles he goes through daily and those that are yet to come, wouldn’t change the love I have for him.”
The jam regained popularity with several individuals dropping challenges, especially on TikTok after Viola Nakitende re-did it.
Good Lover (I Love My Mwami) – Brown Shugar
Brown Shugar recorded this masterpiece about six years ago and the song had stalled. Just out of the blue, a Nkuba Kyekyo through her TikTok channel brought it back to life when she shared a video of herself cleaning Bobi Wine’s portrait while jamming to the song.
Just like that, the song became big again and Brown Shugar who had put her music career on ice, started getting wedding bookings and other performances plus media interviews. Thanks to the power of TikTok.
Bajjakakasa – Stabua Natooro
The phrase “American Height Ever Smart Mulenzi Muto” has gained her song popularity following how widely it is used by girls on TikTok. The common use of the word has kept Natooro’s star shining and gave her song a bigger mileage.
Ebichupuli – Chance Nalubega
Save for her comeback on the scene a few years ago when she did a song with Sheebah Karungi, Chance Nalubega has also enjoyed a return of her song ‘Ebichupuli’ on the playlists. 0755733308
CarolNantongo has opened up about her plans to embrace motherhood, stating that her journey to becoming a parent will begin after her debut concert this Friday at Hotel Africana.
While speaking to reporters yesterday, Carol shared her aspirations during a visit to Mengo, where she met with the Katikkiro of Buganda to formally invite him to her concert.
During their conversation, the Katikkiro jokingly inquired if it was true that Sheebah Karungi had given birth.
When the question of her own plans for children was posed, Carol responded enthusiastically:
I am going to give birth when I finish my concert, and I want twins.
However, she humorously admitted that she is still searching for a potential father for her future children.
Eddy Kenzo has weighed in on a recent letter from Gen Salim Saleh, addressing concerns about artists seeking financial assistance and support for their festive season shows.
Saleh, who oversees the Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) program, had called on Kenzo, as president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF), to streamline how artists present their requests.
In his letter, Gen Saleh urged artists to avoid making personal trips to Gulu, where he is based, as it disrupts his work under the OWC program. He proposed that artists channel their requests through Kenzo and the UNMF instead.
In his response, Kenzo defended his fellow artists, arguing against labeling them as beggars. He acknowledged that everyone faces challenges in life and that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
There is no person without problems. What’s important is having ideas. Even though some people want handouts, there are those who present brilliant ideas to Gen Saleh. He himself has worked on ensuring that the proper structures function, and if artists come to me, they will get the help they need.
Kenzo also called on his peers to approach him for advice and work collaboratively to achieve their goals.
Nandor Love, Vinka, Karole Kasita, and Tracy Melon among other artists have released new visuals for their music projects and we look at them in this piece.
Kinawolovu – Nandor Love
This is turning into one of the biggest songs of 2024 with Nandor Love closing the year on a high. Produced by Genee, the track now has visuals that are garnering views rapidly on YouTube. Take a gaze:
Oli Omwana – Jowy Landa
Jowy Landa recently revealed how her brother’s health situation following an accident held her down from her music dreams. She is now back, however, all guns blazing, and her newest project speaks volumes about her musical intentions.
Tombowa – Brian Weiyz feat. Karole Kasita
Produced by Dr. Powerz, “Tombowa” is a song you might want to send to your lover. Both artists express their desire for each other, revealing their interest in each other’s company and exciting love.
Batuleke – Ava Peace, Vinka, and Winnie Nwagi
Released in November, the #SwangzAllstarAlbum has been welcomed warmly by music enthusiasts across the continent. Track 11 on the album is dubbed “Batuleke” and features Ava Peace who has had a steller year, musically. Vinka and Winnie Nwagi add the Swangz spice to the song whose visuals (shot by Grate Make Films) will definitely catch your eye.
Kakana – Tracy Melon
Trroy Studios artist Tracy Melon continues to showcase her vocal ability in her new song ‘Kakana’. It is a love song in which she asks her lover to relax and enjoy their love – a reassurance every lover needs in a relationship. The visuals directed by Trizz are a catch too. Take a gaze:
Josh Ruby is an Editor with high interest and knowledge in the Ugandan entertainment space, an industry he has been actively part of since 2010. Leads to breaking stories are welcome! More by Josh Ruby
Singer Lil Pazo has congratulated Vincent Kalibbala, the man who recently proposed to Irene Ntale for marriage.
Irene Ntale was proposed to last week by her longtime lover identified as Vincent Kalibbala in a beautiful engagement attended by close friends at the Sipi Falls.
Upon seeing the viral clip of Ntale’s engagement, Lil Pazo was very curious to find out how real it was. Initially, he claimed it was an AI-engineered clip.
Eventually, however, he accepted fate and congratulated Irene Ntale and her new man on their feat.
I have failed to find what my weakness was but congratulations to the guy, seems like there’s not much I can do now. I can only cry, she has taken me into depression, and I might need rehabilitation. She was the woman of my dreams.
Josh Ruby is an Editor with high interest and knowledge in the Ugandan entertainment space, an industry he has been actively part of since 2010. Leads to breaking stories are welcome! More by Josh Ruby
Patricia Nabakooza shared a sad account of her tough upbringing in Kawempe, where she and her family endured hardships, including being evicted from their home by former State Minister for Lands, Hon. Erios Nantaba.
In an interview with Ruth Kalibbala, Patricia revealed how her parents, Justine Ndagire and John Ssempijja, struggled to provide for their family.
Her father worked as a taxi conductor, but his income was barely enough to cover their basic needs. Despite these challenges, Patricia’s mother found innovative ways to support the family.
Since I knew how to dance, my mother would take me to rallies, concerts, and gatherings to perform so we could earn some money.
The family’s financial difficulties, however, came to a head when they fell behind on rent payments for a house owned by Hon. Nantaba.
Time came when our rent arrears had accumulated, and Nantaba decided to throw our belongings out in the middle of the night. She came earlier in the day and instructed her manager to kick us out. We lived on the streets with my parents and my siblings. That memory can never leave my mind.
Despite these struggles, Patricia’s parents prioritized their children’s education and worked tirelessly to make ends meet.
Amooti Omubalanguzi has opened up about the origin of the iconic Amarula Family comedy group, a name that holds rich history in Uganda’s entertainment scene.
Speaking in a recent interview, Amooti revealed that the name “Amarula” came about during his early days of performing comedy gigs at Club Silk.
At the time, Amooti was combining music and comedy, quickly earning a reputation for his humorous performances.
One of the attendees in the club really liked my humor and invited me to join him for a drink. He told me he’d give me an Amarula bottle.
True to his word, the man later hosted Amooti at his home and handed him a large bottle of Amarula, a popular liquor brand.
I couldn’t enter the club with it, so I kept it somewhere safe and told the bouncer I’d pick it after my performance.
Amooti then headed to another gig in Nansana, where he crossed paths with his friend Paddy, who also had a smaller Amarula bottle.
