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Quick Facts
Born
1947
1947
From
Uganda
Uganda
Journey
Hadija Namale, born Hadija Kiryango Namale in 1947 in the Mpigi District of Uganda, is a seminal figure in the East African music scene. Her journey began in a challenging polygamous marriage at just 13, yet she swiftly found her voice in the music industry. Inspired by her brother, Yusuf, she started performing in Bunia before becoming a prominent presence in Kampala's vibrant music hubs in the 1960s. Namale's evocative blend of Afrobeat, highlife, and taarab set the stage for her success.
Her hit single 'Zoozo' achieved remarkable sales, while 'Mukulike Omwaka' became a festive staple, demonstrating her diverse musical prowess across languages like Runyankore, Kinyarwanda, and Lingala. Known as the 'queen of melody,' her rich vocals and distinctive rhythms captivated audiences, cementing her influence in Ugandan music history. Though health challenges prompted a shift towards community roles in later years, Hadija's mentorship and her enduring festive classics continue to inspire.
Now residing in Mpigi, Hadija balances her time between cultural advocacy and preserving her artistic legacy, urging new artists to seek harmony and learn from the past.
