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Irene Gladys Namubiru, also recognized as Iryn Namubiru, is not just a mother and businesswoman but also stands out as one of Uganda’s finest female singers. With her light and lyrical voice, she has made a significant impact in the Afro-pop genre.
Iryn Namubiru faced a tragic incident in November 2018 when the boat she was on sank in Lake Victoria, resulting in the loss of more than 30 lives. Fluent in English, French, and Luganda, she holds dual citizenship in both France and Uganda, having married a French man in the past.
Early Life and Education:
Born on December 13, 1981, in the Central Region of Uganda, Irene Namubiru attended Bugema Adventist Senior Secondary School in Luwero and Namasagali College in Kamuli. Subsequently, she pursued education at the Airways Tourism and Hotel Institute, Stendhal University in Grenoble, France, and Cavendish University in Uganda. During her time at Namasagali College, she befriended fellow Ugandan artist Juliana Kanyomozi.
Music Career:
Irene’s journey in music started in 1995 when she joined the group Da Homies, featuring DJs Ragga Dee and Molar-Messe. She contributed as a studio arranger and keyboardist, releasing hits like “Bamusakata,” “Mukwano,” and “Mukyala tokaba.” The group’s success prompted Irene to make her first stage appearance in September 1995.
In 1999, she collaborated with Kanyomozi to form the R&B all-girl group I-Jay. Their album “Wait,” released in 2000, included songs like “Wait RMX” and “Not Good Enough.” After the group disbanded, Irene moved to France and teamed up with Julien Grout to form the Afro-Soul group Nujeli, releasing the LP “ENSI.”
However, Irene Namubiru gained widespread recognition in 2006 with the release of her album “Nkuweeki,” marking the beginning of her ascent as one of Uganda’s top female musicians. Hits like “Y’ono” and “Birowoozo” have contributed to her success, earning her numerous awards, especially at the 2011 Pearl of Africa Music Awards.
Controversies:
Iryn Namubiru has faced criticism for her attire in music videos and concerts, with some claiming it goes against Ugandan traditions. In 2009, she responded to criticism of her swimsuit in the “Bonna Obasinga” video by creating a new version to appease critics.
In 2019, she expressed her displeasure with young rapper Fresh Kid, stating that his behavior and attempts to emulate adult artists were inappropriate.
Japan Arrest:
On May 3, 2013, Irene Namubiru was arrested in Tokyo, Japan, for possessing illegal drugs, specifically ecstasy. Despite being found with the substance, the court did not find her guilty of drug trafficking charges, and she was released.
Family and Personal Life:
Iryn Namubiru was previously married to a Frenchman named Frank Galusy Morel, with whom she has two sons. Reports suggest domestic issues led to their separation. She later dated NTV’s news anchor Gabriel Epenu, but the relationship faced opposition from Gabriel’s family.
Irene Namubiru, known for juggling her music career with family life, has also been linked to former Vice President of Uganda, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, although these allegations were part of the reasons cited for the end of Prof. Bukenya’s marriage.
Despite these personal challenges, Irene Namubiru remains committed to her music and family, sharing custody of her children and actively participating in their lives.
Awards and Recognitions:
Throughout her career, Irene Namubiru has received several accolades, including Best Female Artist and Best R&B Song at the PAM Awards, Diva Award for Best Collaboration in 2007, and Best Afro Single at the 2010 Diva Awards. She experienced a remarkable year in 2011, winning Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best R&B Single of the Year at the PAM Awards.
Iryn Gladys Namubiru – Controversy:
Critics who harbor disapproval towards Namubiru have voiced concerns about her choice of attire in music videos and, occasionally, at live concerts. Detractors argue that her outfits deviate from Uganda’s traditional dressing norms, setting what they consider a negative example for aspiring musicians.
In 2009, a substantial number of individuals, including some of her own fans, expressed discomfort with the revealing swimsuit she wore in the music video for the immensely popular song “Bonna Obasinga.” Responding to the criticism, Namubiru opted to create a new video for the song to appease her detractors. Nonetheless, many of her supporters defended her, praising her “creative” fashion choices, and contended that those criticizing her were resistant to embracing new styles and were socially conservative.
In 2019, Namubiru openly expressed her displeasure with the young rapper Fresh Kid, stating that his behavior, which she perceived as invading adult spaces, disgusted her. Recounting her first encounter with Fresh Kid at Comedy Store, she acknowledged his talent but suggested he should associate with individuals his age to avoid unnecessary attention from adults. Namubiru further criticized his attempts to emulate adult artists during interviews.
Mocking one of Fresh Kid’s songs in which he addresses the challenge of not being taken seriously due to his young age, Namubiru humorously remarked that if he were her child, she would still be cradling him on her lap at his current age of seven.
Irene Gladys Namubiru: Japan Arrest:
On May 3, 2013, Irene Gladys Namubiru faced a legal predicament in Tokyo, Japan, where she had arrived to perform at a music concert. Accused of possessing illegal drugs, specifically ecstasy, she was taken into custody at Narita International Airport before her scheduled performance.
Reports indicated that her fans, purportedly Ugandans residing in Japan, learned about her arrest during the concert and rushed to the airport to assist her. However, the Japanese Police, citing her French passport, informed them that assistance was beyond their jurisdiction. Namubiru subsequently sought help from the French Embassy in Japan.
Found with 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (ecstasy) concealed in her luggage, Namubiru was transported from the Tokyo airport detention center to a police station in Central Tokyo. At a hearing on May 24, 2013, the court did not find her guilty of drug trafficking charges due to insufficient evidence linking her to the level of a drug dealer. As a result, Japanese authorities cleared Namubiru of drug trafficking charges, securing her release.
Award Winners and Nominees:
Namubiru garnered accolades at various awards ceremonies, including Best Female Artist and Best R&B Song at the PAM Awards. Her achievements also encompassed the Best Collaboration Diva Award in 2007 and recognition as the Best Afro Single at the 2010 Diva Awards. The PAM Awards acknowledged her as the Artist of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and she secured Best Female Artist and Best RnB Song at the 2011 PAM Awards. Additionally, her song “Ndeyreya” received the Best Band Song accolade at the 2013 HiPipo Music Awards.
Collaborations:
Namubiru engaged in collaborative efforts, working on projects such as “Nze Nawe” with Dr. Hilderman, “Olugendo” with Kenneth Mugabi, and “Addicted” with Maro. She collaborated on two songs with “Happy Science” in Japan in 2012, contributing to her diverse musical repertoire.
Family and Personal Life:
Once married to Frenchman Frank Galusy Morel, Namubiru shares two sons with him. Despite their separation, reports suggest domestic violence, infidelity, and concerns about safety contributed to their breakup. Following this, she briefly dated NTV’s news anchor Gabriel Epenu, but the relationship faced opposition from Gabriel’s family.
In an interview after a disagreement with Epenu, Namubiru mentioned finding happiness in a new relationship, although she refrained from disclosing details. Accusations of an affair with former Vice President of Uganda, Prof. Gilbert Bukenya, were part of the reasons cited for the dissolution of his marriage to Dr. Margaret Mary Musoke. Dr. Margaret alleged Prof. Bukenya’s infidelity, involving well-known musicians like Irene Namubiru and Sheila Nvanungi.
Juggling her music career with family life, Namubiru actively participates in her children’s lives, sharing custody with their father. The singer remains resilient despite personal challenges, committed to her musical endeavors and family responsibilities.
Early Life and Educational Background of Irene Gladys Namubiru:
Born on December 13, 1981, in the Central Region of Uganda, Irene Namubiru embarked on her educational journey at Bugema Adventist Senior Secondary School in the Luwero District and later attended Namasagali College in the Kamuli District for high school. Following her secondary education, Namubiru pursued further studies at the Airways Tourism and Hotel Institute, Stendhal University in Grenoble, France, and subsequently enrolled at Cavendish University in Uganda.
During her time at Namasagali College, Namubiru crossed paths with Juliana Kanyomozi, a fellow Ugandan performing artist, forging a friendship that would later become a significant connection in her music career.
Irene Gladys Namubiru – Musical Journey:
From a young age, Irene Namubiru harbored a passion for singing, consistently striving to elevate it to a prominent role in her life. Her musical odyssey began in 1995 when she joined the group Da Homies alongside singer-rapper DJs Ragga Dee and Molar-Messe. Collaborating with “Joss Jew” Mawejje as a studio arranger and keyboardist, they released several singles, including well-received hits like “Bamusakata,” “Mukwano,” and “Mukyala tokaba.”
Her debut single, “Learn to Say Goodbye,” found its place on the group’s subsequent album, earning commendation. In September 1995, Namubiru marked her inaugural stage appearance, setting the stage for her evolving musical career.
In 1999, Namubiru and her Namasagali College friend Juliana Kanyomozi joined forces to establish the R&B all-girl group I-Jay. The group’s debut album, “Wait,” released in 2000, featured seven songs, including “Wait RMX” (with Steve Jean), “Not Good Enough,” “Mwana,” “Wait,” “Emirimu,” “Vivi LA,” and “Two to Make it True.” Although the album received radio play in Uganda, the group disbanded soon after its release.
Upon relocating to France, Namubiru, in collaboration with Julien Grout, formed the Afro-Soul group Nujeli. They produced an LP titled “ENSI,” showcasing their musical prowess and diversity. This period marked Namubiru’s continued exploration of her artistic identity and the foundation for her subsequent rise to prominence in Uganda’s music scene.
Iryn Namubiru Songs
