When Irene Ntale left renown record label Swangz Avenue in 2017 after nearly four years, many music critics around the city thought it was the beginning of the end of her career.
After the usual breakup drama between local artistes and their management that usually involves social media accounts, Ntale went on the low for a while.
By taking the back seat, Ntale, in a way, fell right into the path of the critics. ‘Where is she now?’ They asked. ‘Now that they have gotten you somewhere, you feel you have grown.’ They said.
“To be honest, the first year when I had just left it was tough because I was used to being babied,” Ntale admitted during an interview with Mbu last year. “I started working with my sister [Sandra Ntale Byenkya] as the manager but it was very tough in 2017 because there was a lot of backlash,” she added.
The noise never went unnoticed by the diva as she released a couple of songs as “Twelageko”, “Omutima Gwesibye”, “Kyolowooza”, “Boogie Down” (ft. StoneBwoy), “Stamina Daddy” to cool the fire and, if I may, prove she can stand on her own.
“I said I’m going to stand, I’m going to continue doing music because I have a fan base and they demand. So I continued working.”
Of course in the Ugandan music industry, a song is only as ‘good’ and big as its airplay on Radio and Tv, as well as bars and clubs. Everything else barely matters.
Whether “Stamina Daddy”, “Kyolowooza” or others that followed were ‘big’ songs, that’s for you to decide but Ntale stressed it was time for her to leave Swangz.
“Truth is I felt I needed to move on because I was there for four years,” she stressed. “Surely, if I hadn’t learnt anything in four years then I would clearly be dumb. I said, I’m going to take what I have learnt here and go do my own thing.”
Staging a successful concert is one the major measures of individual success of an artiste in the Ugandan industry. It was certain Irene Ntale would take that route in trying to prove her critics wrong and indeed she staged a concert dubbed Irene Ntale Unchained on July 6th, 2018. The three-hour live performance at Serena Hotel left all impressed, and proved she’s not about to relinquish her place in the industry.
“The most important thing for me was [to hold] a concert which I had to do everything from scratch and make sure it was great,” she said then.
Ntale basked in the success of the concert for the rest of the year but there was an inherent need deep down, probably related to her music distribution. A relatively quiet 2019 that started with her releasing “Enamba” visuals came to life around August when she was signed to Universal Music Group Nigeria, and shortly after she released “Nyamba“, a song that received some good airplay.
After outing “Nyamba”, Irene Ntale went into a hibernation of sorts but informed her fans, from time to time, that she was working on some projects. In fact, during her performance on the Club Beatz At Home online concert in April, Ntale revealed she had recorded music whose release was only delayed by COVID-19.
And on 24th July, she finally released a six-track Experimental Project titled “Sukaali”. “These six songs are, in a very deep way, an expression of my curtain call to those that have cheered for the music from the beginning. Think of it as my bouquet of flowers saying, thank you; saying alright let’s do this,” Ntale said of the EP.
I have listened to the EP over and over, back and forth since its release nearly a month ago and in this article I share what I think of each song.
The Irene Ntale we all have known over the years with that sweet charming raspy voice that never fades out of the mind returned with Every Way. It’s a song that will be played a lot at wedding receptions. Buta Magical did awesome production work and the song is a 7/10.
It’s easy to tell how much influence Nigerian music has had on Ugandan artistes and producers over the past decade or so. Onkubirako has that West African vibe with a little fusion of 90s Lingala, and can definitely be played across the continent. On the first listen, my mind ran straight to Yondo Sister’s A Chanun Son Gout. Nessim, one of the country’s top producers, did great and the song is a 6/10.
Mpima
Sir Dan Magic’s production work stands out on Mpima. The drums, especially the kick, and baseline in this lay back Afrodancehall tune make it one of my favourites on the EP. Irene Ntale’s little pinch of patois at the intro gets you locked in right away. The lyrics are captivating and it’s definitely a 7/10
Do you remember her 2014 single Sembera? If it was a classic, Sukaali is a Classic+ and one for the region. How Ntale cascades through the verses and choruses makes you want to listen to it again and again. However, some high notes, particularly on the chorus, are a little out of control and come off like a “shout” – that Juliana Kanyomozi kind of shout on high notes. Overall, the song produced by Nash Wonder & Oman Rafiki is one for ages. It’s a 7/10.
Allergy is contemporary R&B Soul at its best. Wow…! Josh Wonder did an amazing production job. The baseline, keys, percussions, and solo were on point, the lyrics and emotions she pours in give me goosebumps and make me feel some type of way. Allergy is a ballad, created for late night radio and lay back Sunday afternoons. It’s my favourite song on the EP and a 9/10.
Do you remember that dancehall tune Omutima Gwesibye from di gyal dem Irene Ntale? Well, Turn Up is not far from it, probably because they were both made by the same producer – Nash Wonder. However, Turn Up feels like a downgrade from Omutima Gwesibye but it’s a good song nevertheless. It’s a 5/10.
If you haven’t checked out the new EP, what are you waiting for? Its available on all music streaming sites. Get going!
(Story compiled with major help of Kaweru Franklin, a music fan and critic with firsthand experience in music production)
Akabina n’ebitundu by’ekyama bitwaliddwa, naye ddala ki ekiri mu bantu!
Poliisi ekutte abantu basatu (3) ku ttemu eryakoleddwa ku mwana myaka 3 e Kikandwa mu disitulikiti y’e Kiboga.
Omwana Katongole Charles yazuuliddwa ng’attiddwa ekyalese abazadde Ronald Kasibante ne Betty Tulina nga basobeddwa eka ne mu kibira.
Omwana yabula akawungeezi k’olunnaku olwa Mmande, era Poliisi olwayitiddwa, kwe kuleeta embwa ezikonga olusu.
Embwa, zakulembedde abasirikale okutuusa omwana we bamuttidde, nga nengoye ze, zisuuliddwa zonna zijjudde omusaayi.
Oluvanyuma, embwa zaatutte abasirikale eri omutuuze Kintu ku kyalo Ddabiriza era yenna yasangiddwa ng’ajjudde omusaayi.
Omwana yazuuliddwa mu lutobazi lwe Kanoga nga yattiddwa dda era nga asaliddwako ebitundu by’ekyama, amatu n’akabina.
Wabula Racheal Kawala, omwogezi wa Poliisi mu bitundu bye Wamala agambye nti Poliisi ekutte abantu basatu (3) okuyambako mu kunoonyereza nga n’omusajja Kintu bagenda kumutwala mu ddwaaliro okumwekebejja obwongo n’okuzuula ekyamuwaliriza okutta omwana omuto.
Ate omulambo gw’omwana, gwatwaliddwa mu ddwaaliro ekkulu e Kiboga okwongera okwekebejjebwa.
Kawala agumizza abatuuze okusigala nga bakakamu nga Poliisi egenda kukola kyonna ekisoboka abantu bonna abenyigidde mu ttemu, batwalibwe mu mbuga z’amateeka ku misango gy’okutta omuntu.
Gavumenti mu ggwanga erya South Sudan erangiridde nti amassomero gonna omuli n’amatendekero agawaggulu, gakuddamu okuggulawo, okusomesa abayizi b’eggwanga okuva nga 3, omwezi ogujja Ogwokutaano.
Abayizi bakulungudde omwana mulamba nga bali waka wakati mu kulwanyisa Covid-19.
Abayizi abali mu mwaka ogusembayo, abali mu kibiina eky’omusanvu (P7) ne ‘secondary’, bakkirizibwa dda okudda ku massomero mu October 2020, okubatekateeka okutuula ebigezo byabwe.
Okusinzira kw’amyuka omukulembeze w’eggwanga Cluster Hussein Akol, akakiiko akali ku ddimu ly’okulwanyisa Covid-19, kalaze nti Covid ayongedde okukendera mu ggwanga nga ye ssaawa, bayizi bonna okudda ku massomero.
Ate Minisita w’ebyenjigiriza Awut Deng, agambye nti amasomero galagiddwa okuwa abayizi n’abasomesa sanitayiza, Masiki, okwetangira okulwala nga bazeeyo ku massomero.
South Sudan yakazuula abantu 10,486 abalwadde, yakafiisa abantu 114, 10250 basiibuddwa nga bafunye obujanjabi nga ddwaaliro, basigaza abalwadde 122.
The US government, through its mission in Kampala, has opened up on reports that it supports opposition groups such as Robert Kyagulanyi aka Bobi Wine’s National Unity Platform (NUP), and expressed commitment to talks to reverse visa restrictions.
On April 16, US secretary of state Antony Blinken announced a visa ban for Ugandans accused of undermining democracy, violating human rights and undermining democracy.
Days later, Bobi Wine welcomed the state department decision.
“I am issuing this statement regarding the announcement of visa restrictions by US Secretary of State, on Ugandan officials who illegally interfered with the recent election, rendering it neither free nor fair”, his posted on Facebook.
Bobi Wine commended US for the ban
Since the announcement of the sanctions and even before, several government officials had accused the US and EU of backing Bobi Wine to cause regime change in Uganda.
But according to Brian George, a public affairs officer at the US Mission in Kampala, the US doesn’t support any political party’s or politician’s agenda.
“The United States doesn’t support any particular political party or individual,” George told NBS.
“The United States was very clear from the onset that we support democratic process and that includes the conduct of free, fair and transparent elections that represent the will of the Ugandan people.
George added that Uganda had been warned of sanctions against human rights violations.
“The second point was that we were going to pay close attention to the conduct of the elections and we wouldn’t hesitate to pass sanctions on individuals who violate human rights.”
He also hinted on US government’s readiness to hold talks with Kampala over sanctions, human rights and democracy.
“The United States shall continue to have open and frank conversations with the Government of Uganda,” George noted.
Enock Mugabi aka Eye Witness is a Journalist, Seasoned Writer and Music Analyst with a passion for sports. Connect with him on social media using the links below in bio.
Cathy Patra won two awards for Best Choreographer in Africa, and Best Dancing Group in Africa.
The two awards won at the Zikomo Awards in Zambia seem to have opened so many doors for Ugandan dancer and choreographer Cathy Patra.
On Friday 9th April 2021, the honorary Zikomo Awards were held in Zambia to reward exceptional African artists from various industries.
The Zikomo awards are a platform to shine a light on artists who are working hard but are constantly sidelined or overlooked by the media.
The main focus of the event was to reward, appreciate, and recognize individuals and Charity organizations who are helping the underprivileged in different communities.
Ugandan dancer Catherine Mbabazi a.k.a Cathy Patra won two awards for Best Choreographer in Africa, and Best Dancing Group in Africa.
The Awards bagged by Cathy Patra
Uganda was well represented at the awards as Doreen Kabareebe also walked away with the Best African Female Model and best Humanitarian Awards.
Cathy Patra’s win has won her recognition from several personalities including fellow celebrities like Pastor Wilson Bugembe who congratulated her upon the win.
About Cathy Patra
With a very strong passion for dance at an early age of five, Catherine Mbabazi, a Ugandan dancer loved to showcase her talent at family gatherings and at school.
This passion transitioned into a fulltime profession in 2004 when she joined Miracle Teens at Miracle Centre Church for 10 years.
She later joined Atim Rozmerie and Viccy Birungi Namuyomba one of Uganda’s Best Dance Duo in 2014.
They formed a dance trio known as RozViccyCathy (RVC). They have since become popular in the entertainment industry collaborating with major artists across Africa.
RVC has worked with Jose Chameleone, Sheebah Karungi, Burna Boy, D’banj, Patoranking, Nyanda, Awilo Longomba, Bebe Cool, Tekno Miles, Mr Eazi, Vanessa Mdee, Eddy Kenzo, Mr Vegas, Phyno, Solidstar, Charly na Nina, Radio and Weasel, Deejay Pius, Active Boys, Buravan, Roberto, Ann Kansiime, Maurice Kirya, Navio, Cindy Sanyu, Iryn Namubiru, A Pass, Spice Diana, Ykee Benda, Rema Namakula, among others.
The trio has also featured twice on the CNN Africa Voices together with their Tabu Flo brothers. They have carried out workshops in Uganda, Africa, Europe, and Canada.
RVC members have choreographed and directed shows like Uganda Entertainment Awards, Club Music Video Awards, I AM FEMALE Production, among others.
Cathy Patra is a versatile and diverse dance artist who performs Ugandan traditional dance styles, Latin, Dancehall, Hiphop, Modern, Afro Jazz, Whacking, Vogue, House, and African Contemporary.
With these styles she has worked with different companies and organizations.
She is aslo a professional Creative Director who does Commercial Shows/Concerts, Theatre productions, Teaching, Social Work and Product
She uses her talent and passion to inspire and motivate the society especially the girl child and fellow women.
Catherine has choreographed and directed successful shows like Sheebah’s Omwooyo Concert 2018, Rema’s Concert in 2019, Spice Diana’s Concert in 2019, Airtel Flashmob, among others.
She is also an Entrepreneur, Ambassador, Digital Influencer, Commercial Model, Fashionista, and a Manager.