Uganda has had a variety of gospel artists with different genres. They have been instrumental in bringing a number of people to church and impacted lives of many. Many have gone silent for years however, amidst their silence, their songs are still changing lives.
Betty Nakibuuka Ssenyonjo.
The legendary Ugandan gospel music singer has been singing for the past 25 years. Betty accepted the Lord Jesus in 1991 and after joining church, she started working with the children’s church.
During the prayer and worship session with the children, Betty started composing songs to sing with the children. Not only did the children love her music but even adults started singing her songs.
She then realized that she could be a great singer and through the help of friends she managed to record her first album.
‘There was a time my name did not sound in the industry, I soaked my self in God’ Betty is known for songs such as, Abaddu Bayesu, tumutendeleze, Luyimba Lwange Munene Munene among others. Nakibuuka is also the mother of the famous Gloria Mulunji Ssenyonjo also know as Baby Gloria. Betty introducef her first child Gloria to music as a toddler and has mentored her through her entire journey.
She is married to John Senyonjo and together they have three children Including Gloria Senyonjo, Baby Gloria
Betty Namaganda.
She is not an every year album singer and she seems not to be bothered about not coping with Today’s trend in music.
Having received Jesus Christ as Lord and savior in 1991, Betty Namaganda released her first song Nali Ntabula Mukubo in 1994.
With over two decades in the Christian music industry,her songs are still relevant in all circumstances. Her singing journey started at Masajja redeemed church where she joined the church choir. While at that church she formed the Rock Jesus Band. Since there were not so many platforms to promote music then, Namaganda and her band took on streets to sing and promote their music. The band was short-lived and later collapsed.
In 2000, Namaganda and her husband Pastor Robert Senyonga formed another band ” The priest Band” which has lived the test of time and still ministering. Even though, she is not an Every year singer, Namaganda ascribes all what she is into God. It’s the passion she has for God and preaching the gospel that has encouraged her to keep singing..
George Okudi.
Famously known for his Wipolo song, Pr George Okudi came became famous when he got awarded as the Best Male Artists in East Africa at the Kora Wards in Johannesburg in 2003.
Born and raised by a single mother in abject poverty in Soroti far North eastern Uganda, he ascribes his achievements to trusting God and hardwork. Okudi took on singing gospel music and most of his songs are inspired by his daily experiences.
Much as he is no longer so popular on the gospel music scene in Uganda, Pr George Okudi now ministers with Tower of hope in Washington DC, a charity organization that helps to raise money to help disadvantaged children in Uganda. He also runs Okudi Music Dynasty Studio.
While performing, his magnetic strokes and the energy he uses often move the crowds. His popular songs include Wipolo,Don’t you worry and Nimaro.
Martin Sseku.
The songs that announced Martin’s entry into gospel music were Koona Endongo Ya Yesu and Silitya. Martin Sseku accepted the Lord Jesus Christ when he was 16years old. He joined the music industry at 20 years and has never looked back.
He is convicted that once you accept Christ, he purifies you and you are tied to him. He disappeared from the Christian scene in Uganda for some years while he toured and worked on several projects abroad. 2018 saw a mega come back of Martin Sseku in Uganda as he celebrated 20 years of his music.
Sseku still exhibits strength, zeal and passion while he performs his song. He has recorded over 100 songs with 9 albums. He is one the legendary artists who still moves with the trend. His fan base is not only local as he has done quite a number of songs in English growing his fan base abroad.
One thing he endeavors to do while performing his songs is evangelism to win souls to Christ.
Currently, he is a radio presenter on Top television hosting an evening drive show’ KULIKAYO, every Monday to Friday 5:00pm to 7: 00pm. He is also into music production and strictly produces songs for the christian musicians.
Fiona Wamala Mukasa
She is the late Elly wamala’s daughter and music stems from the bloodline. She was very popular in the early 90’s and late 80’s. She started singing as a child in her father’s band when she was eight 8) years old. She sang in the band for three years until her father put her off stage to protect her from the unpredictable public eye until she was old enough to handle public attention.
Fiona later left her father’s band to Join Rubaga Miracle Center cathedral choir a decision she never regrets even when her father thought it was a bad idea. All she wanted was to draw her fellow youth into church by the music she was singing in the choir. While at miracle center, she teamed up with Limit X and sang for a while. The Limt X members left her in 1989 and singing became hard and boring but she pushed on with it.
After her songs; falling in love with jesus, Bisule and Weyambe topped the charts, Fiona also left Uganda for London to concentrate on raising her children. She kept ministering in london and Nigeria but the fan base was not as loyal as it were in Uganda. She went silent for some time.
In 2012, Fiona made a come back into the gospel music in Uganda. She is very passionate about loving God and raising a God fearing family.
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