Rema Namakula

Rema was born in Lubaga Hospital, on 24 April 1991, to the late Hamida Nabbosa and the late Mukiibi Ssemakula.[1] She is the last-born in her family. She attended Kitante Primary School for her elementary school education. She studied at Saint Balikudembe Senior Secondary School for both O-Level and A-Level studies. Later, she joined Kyambogo University.[1] which she never completed and says she plans to do so in future

During her Senior 6 vacation, she began singing karaoke. Later, she became a back-up singer to another Ugandan female musician Halima Namakula, who became her mentor. She continued her music career as a backup artist for Ugandan musician Bebe Cool in Gagamel, Bebe Cool's recording group. In 2013, Bebe Cool was watching television when he saw Rema talking about launching a solo album, which Bebe Cool didn't know about. So he fired her and she went solo.[2][3] In 2013 she released "Oli Wange" which was written by Nince Henry which made her popular in the music industry of Uganda.[2]

In 2016, Rema Namakula was selected to represent Uganda at the fourth season of Coke Studio Africa 2016. Other Ugandan recording artists selected included Lydia Jazmine, Eddy Kenzo and Radio and Weasel.[4] Other participants in the invitation-only event included 2Baba (2Face Idibia) from Nigeria and Trey Songz from the United States.[5]

Over time, Namakula began a romantic relationship with Ugandan recording artist Eddy Kenzo.[6] On 26 December 2014, Namakula gave birth to a daughter at Paragon Hospital, in the Kampala neighborhood of Bugoloobi. Kenzo (real name Edrisa Musuuza), who has another daughter (Maya Musuuza) from a previous relationship,[6] acknowledged being the father and named the newborn Aamaal Musuuza.[7]

On 14 November 2019, Namakula introduced her new fiancé, Dr. Hamza Ssebunya, in a ceremony that took place at her home in Nabbingo, near Kampala. The introduction was a national affair, as thousands camped out along the procession route to her home.[8]

On 7 November 2021, Namakula welcomed her second child. A baby girl named Aaliyah Ssebunya.[9]

• "Oli Wange"
• "Katonotono"
• "Lean On Me"
• "Lowooza Kunze"
• "Deep in Love"
• "Muchuuzi"
• "Atuuse"
• "Kukaliba"
• "Fire Tonight"
• "Ceaze and Sekkle"
• "Banyabo"[10]
• "Loco" (featuring DJ Harold and Chike)
• "Akaffe Che"

HiPipo Music Awards 2013: Won

• Best HiPipo Charts Artist[11]
• Best Breakthrough Artist[11]
• Best Female Artist[11]
• Best R&B Song, "Oli Wange"[11]

HiPipo Music Awards 2014: Won

• Best female Artist of the Year[12]
• Best female Artist (Dancehall)[12]
• Best female RnB song – Kukaliba[12]