Rema Namakula, also known as Rema, is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, and record producer who has captivated audiences with her soulful voice and captivating performances. She was born on April 24, 1991, she is currently 33 years old, in Lubaga Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, to the late Hamida Nabbosa and the late Mukiibi Ssemakula. She is the last-born in her family.
Early childhood
Rema Namakula's early childhood was marked by both joy and sorrow.She grew up in a musical family, as her mother was also a singer and her aunt, Halima Namakula, was a veteran Ugandan musician and mentor. She developed a passion for singing at a young age and participated in various music competitions and events, such as the school choir, church choir, and the Coca-Cola Popstars in 2005.
However, Rema also faced tragedy early in her life, as she lost both of her parents when she was still young. This was a difficult time for her, but she did not give up on her dreams and aspirations. She relied on her faith, her family, and her friends to overcome the challenges and hardships she faced. She also found solace and inspiration in music, which became her source of strength and happiness. Rema Namakula's early childhood shaped her resilient and optimistic spirit, which has helped her achieve success and fame in her music career.
Educational background
Rema attended Kitante Primary School for her elementary school education and primary Education. She later joined Saint Balikudembe Senior Secondary School for both O-Level and A-Level studies. Then she joined Kyambogo University, where she pursued a bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Fine Arts. However, she did not finish her studies and dropped out of the university to focus on her music career. She says she plans to resume her education in the future and obtain her degree
Music career
Rema Namakula's music career is a remarkable story of passion, perseverance, and success. She started singing at karaoke when she was on senior 6 vacation. She then began her career as a back-up singer for Halima Namakula, who later on 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 fired her after he saw her talking about launching a solo album, which he didn't know about.
Rema then launched her solo career in 2013 with the hit song Oli Wange, which was written by Nince Henry. The song made her popular in the music industry of Uganda and earned her several awards.
Rema was inspired by her mother, who was also a singer, and her aunt, Halima Namakula, who is a veteran Ugandan musician and mentor. She was also influenced by other artists, such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Beyoncé. Rema started her music career in Kampala, Uganda, where she was born and raised. She has then expanded her reach to other parts of East Africa and beyond, collaborating with international stars like Trey Songz and 2Face Idibia at the Coke Studio Africa in 2016.
Rema has also released several songs that have topped the charts in Uganda and beyond, such as Katonotono, Lean On Me, Banyabo, and Loco. She has also won several awards, such as the HiPipo Music Awards for Best Female Artist in 2013 and 2014, and Record of the Year for Gutujja in 2020.
List of songs she has released
- Oli Wange
- Katonotono
- Lean On Me
- Lowooza Kunze
- Deep in Love
- Muchuuzi
- Atuuse
- Kukaliba
- Fire Tonight
- Ceaze and Sekkle
- Banyabo
- Loco ft Dj Harold ft Chike
- Tonyt
- This Is Love ft The Ben
- Linda ft Chris Evans
- Ngonze
- Gutujja ft B2C
- Tikula
- Ampisaawo
- Castle Of Destiny
- No You No Life ft B2C
- Binkolera ft Sheebah
- Asht ft Crysto Panda & Beenie Gunter
- Embeera Zo ft Sheebah
- Curvy Neighbour ft B2C
- Nyoola ft Eddy Kenzo
- We Made It ft Daddy Andre
- Guttuja ft B2C
List of wards won
Rema Namakula has won several awards over the years for her music and talent. Here is a list of her awards, according to the web sources:
- HiPipo Music Awards 2013: Best HiPipo Charts Artist, Best Breakthrough Artist, Best Female Artist, Best R&B Song for "Oli Wange".
- HiPipo Music Awards 2014: Best Female Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist (Dancehall), Best Female RnB Song for "Kukaliba".
- MTN Caller Tunez Award in 2015.
- Nominated for the Young Achievers Award in 2018.
- HiPipo Music Awards 2020: Record of the Year for "Gutujja".
Personal life
Rema Namakula's personal life has been as eventful as her career. She was in a long-term relationship with fellow Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo, with whom she shares a daughter, Aamaal Musuuza. The couple parted ways in 2017 amidst much media attention. In 2019, Rema found love again and married Dr. Hamza Ssebunya in a lavish ceremony, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Aaliyah Ssebunya, in 2021. Rema is a devoted mother and wife, who balances her family life and her music career with grace and dedication. She is also a role model and inspiration for many young girls and women in Uganda and beyond.
Rema Controversies
Rema Namakula has been involved in a number controversies in her personal and professional life. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Her breakup with Eddy Kenzo: Rema had a long-term relationship with fellow Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo, with whom she shares a daughter, Aamaal Musuuza. The couple parted ways in 2017 amidst much media attention. Rema claimed that Kenzo was spending too little time with her and their daughter because of his busy music career. She also accused him of cheating on her with other women. Kenzo denied the allegations and pleaded with Rema to come back to him. He even cried for her live on YouTube. However, Rema moved on and married Dr. Hamza Ssebunya in 2019, which sparked more controversy and drama between the former lovers .
Her glowing gown: When Rema introduced Hamza Ssebunya to her parents, she wore a dress that had disco lights all over it. The dress was designed by Fatumah Asha, a Ugandan fashion designer. The dress was meant to symbolize Rema's happiness and love for her new husband. However, some people criticized the dress for being too flashy and extravagant. They also questioned the source of Rema's wealth and accused her of being materialistic and wasteful .
Her commemoration of conception: Rema celebrated the day that her daughter with Hamza Ssebunya was conceived on Valentine's Day in 2021. She posted a picture of herself and her husband on Instagram with a caption that read: "Today is special to us (sebunyaz) not because it's valentine's but it’s the day Zaddy scored a goal in my net." The post caused a lot of reactions from her fans and followers, who either praised her for being open and romantic, or criticized her for being vulgar and inappropriate. Some people also mocked her for using the word Zaddy, which is a slang term for an attractive and wealthy man .
Rema Namakula is one of the most successful and influential singers in Uganda and East Africa. She has overcome many challenges and hardships in her life, such as losing her parents at a young age, breaking up with her long-term partner, and facing criticism and controversy from the public. However, she has never given up on her dreams and aspirations, and has pursued her passion for music with dedication and excellence. She has released many songs that have topped the charts and won several awards, and has collaborated with international stars. She has also inspired and empowered many young girls and women with her music and style. She is a devoted mother and wife, who balances her family life and her music career with grace and dedication. She is also a role model and inspiration for many people in Uganda and beyond. Rema Namakula's biography is a story of passion, perseverance, and success. She is a true star and a legend in the making.
