Women dominate Uganda's 2023 top celebrities list

Singer Spice Diana continued where she left off last year, again dominating the social media universe with a commanding presence.

She easily beat off to second place a resurgent Anne Kansiime, who had previously been the dominant force on Uganda’s celebrity scene.

Sheebah Karungi, Lydia Jazmine, Rema Namakula and Faridah Nkazibwe are the other women in the top 10; while Jose Chameleone, his brother Pallaso and Fik Fameica make up the ‘minority’ males in the top 10.

Uganda’s ‘sweetheart’ Juliana Kanyomozi comes in at #11, while controversial former child star Sheila Gashumba is a surprising strong 14, showing that controversy actually pays off. A typical example of being famous for being famous.

Radio’s Lucky Mbabazi retains her highest ranking radio personality from last year, at #15. And while King Saha was the ‘People’s Choice’ (seepage 19), he comes in at #17 on the main list. Apart from Kansiime, Alex Muhangi beats out other comedians, having packaged his Comedy Store well, and comes in at #21.

Douglas Lwanga (#22) again beats out other TV presenters, DJ Shiru (#23) is the DJ to beat them all, and Teacher Mpamiire (#25) continues to build his brand.

Anitah Fabiola (#26) might have got married and become quiet, but she’s still there. Bebe Cool (#28) will probably be disappointed at his showing, and Azawi fans will undoubtedly protest her #37 showing, but the numbers do not lie.

Do you remember Desire Luzinda (#38)? She might not be in our faces much, but in the social media universe, her presence is still large; as is Iryn Namubiru (#40) who is probably more noticeable for her curvier look than anything musical she has done.

Zuena Kirema (#42) is quietly working on her own presence, and with Bebe Cool makes the highest-ranking couple.

Another couple on the list is Flavia Tumusiime (#52) and husband Andrew Kabuura (#82).

Alien Skin is a commendable #59, showing that for a ‘ghetto boy’, he understands how the entertainment industry works. Or maybe the whole ghetto thing is just an act.

There was a time when sportsmen and women dominated the list, but this year the highest of them, Farouk Miya, comes in at #49, closely followed by fellow soccer player Emmanuel Okwi at #51. Other sports personalities making the list are Joshua Cheptegei (#70) and Dennis Onyango (#79).

None of the high achieving sports disciplines, rugby, netball, basketball and cricket made the

list, they really should think about building their brands.

Same goes for the fashion industry, with the highest, international model Winnie Aketch, at #56. Her colleague, Aamito, is at #90, while designer Anita Beryl comes in at #88.

Film was only represented by Eleanor Nabwiso (#68), like last year; which goes to say a lot about the film industry. If Ugandan films showed in theatres or streaming platforms, and the players’ pay depended on the numbers that watched them, then maybe they would pay more attention to their presence in the

social media universe. But right now, they get funding, produce forgettable films, and go on holiday. Wake up time is a-coming.

‘Bad girl’ Bad Black bounces back at #73, helped more by what she said rather than what she did, and a healthy TikTok presence.

Former Vision Group CEO Robert Kabushenga has shown a love for commentaries on controversial issues, and that earns him a spot at #93. Uncle Mo shows you don’t have to be crude or deprecatory to be funny, and rounds up the list at #100.

1. Spice Diana
2. Ann Kansiime
3. Sheebah Karungi
4. Eddie Kenzo
5. Rema Namakula
6. Lydia Jazmine
7. Jose Chameleone
8. Pallaso
9. Fik Fameica
10. Faridah Nakazibwe
11. Ykee Benda
12. Juliana Kanyomozi
13. Vinka
14. Sheila Gashumba
15. Lucky Mbabazi
16. King Saha
17. Winnie Nwagi
18. Cindy Sanyu
19. Apass Bagonza
20. Irene Ntale
21. Alex Muhangi
22. Douglas Lwanga
23. DJ Shiru
24. Geosteady
25. Teacher Mpamire
26. Anitah Fabiola
27. John Blaq
28. Bebe Cool
29. MC Kats
30. B2C
31. Martha Kay
32. Dianah Nabatanzi
33. Lynda Ddane
34. Gravity Omutujju
35. Anna Talia Oze
36. Zahara Totto
37. Azawi
38. Desire Luzinda
39. David Lutalo
40. Iryn Namubiru
41. Zanie Brown
42. Zuena Kirema
43. Navio
44. GNL Zamba
45. Canary Mugume
46. Irene Namatovu
47. Leila Kayondo
48. Wilson Bugembe
49. Farouk Miya
50. Hellen Lukoma
51. Emmanuel Okwi
52. Flavia Tumusiime
53. Zari Hassan
54. Prim Asiimwe
55. Angella Katatumba
56. Winnie Aketch
57. Levixone
58. Maurice Kirya
59. Alien Skin
60. Mesach Semakula
61. Brian Mulondo
62. Mun G
63. Judith Heard
64. Lilian Mbabazi
65. Grace Nakimera
66. Nutty Neithan
67. Ffefe Bussi
68. Eleanor Nabwiso
69. Precious Remmy
70. Joshua Cheptegei
71. Toniks
72. Kasuku
73. Bad Black
74. Gabbie Ntaate
75. Florence Nampijja
76. Catherine Kusasira
77. Doreen Nasasira
78. Deedan Muyira
79. Dennis Onyango
80. Khalifa Aganaga
81. Etania
82. Andrew Kabuura
83. Bina Babie
84. Abby Mukiibi
85. Patrick Idringi Salvado
86. Sylvia Owori
87. Fille
88. Anita Beryl
89. Gaetano Kagwa
90. Aamito Lagum
91. Nince Henry
92. Naava Grey
93. Robert Kabushenga
94. Ziza bafana
95. Sharon O
96. Hannington Bugingo
97. Ceasarous
98. Vyper Ranking
99. Uncle Mo
100. Tina Teise

1. Spice Diana

A graduate of Industrial and Fine Art from Makerere University, she first came to prominence when she goofed in a TV interview by claiming that she scored a non-existent aggregate of 32 in her UACE exams.

While social media was still mocking her about it, she released a song, titled 32. It doubled as a joke, and she rode high on it. In the years that followed, Spice Diana (Diana Hajara Namukwaya) held regular concerts, on many occasions selling out. But her big bang arrival was 2023. She had the music, and held the Lugogo Cricket Oval concert that was a huge success.

It raised controversy as she went on a war path with the notorious dancer, Ritah Dancehall, with the latter arrested over harassment. She was later released after apologising to the singer.

Then her name was also muddled in a murder case, when a dead body was allegedly dumped in front of her gate at home in Makindye.

Controversy, good music, the looks, and a consistent social media presence kept her in the limelight, for good and for worse.

Due to her exceptional fashion sense, she was awarded as the Best Stylish Female Artist in the 2018 Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards.

2. Anne Kansiime. The comedian, who rose up on the wings of the sketch comedy group, Fun Factory, has kept to a script that has worked for her before. She has a different product for different platforms. So, she has kept with her group, Fun Factory, which celebrated 20 years of existence in 2023 with a show at Serena Hotel.

She has also maintained a presence on TV with her Kan See Me show on DSTV. She has also been a feature on several Stand Up shows throughout the year. In the years past, her troubled love relationships were fodder for tabloid press, but she settled down, gave birth in 2021 and nothing much has been heard about that side of her life since.

She has kept a steady team of writers and directors around her for her various projects, which gives her a competitive age. Kansiime’s comedy often revolves around aspects of her personal life.

3. Sheebah Karungi. The singer was not just in our ears throughout 2023, but also in our eyes. When she was not singing, she was quarreling with one or other celebrity. She had a go at Spice Diana, who the Sheebaholics (the moniker for her legion of fans) baptized Bilungo (Spices). Artistically speaking, Sheebah was born in so-called Karaokee clubs, as a dancer.

She later graduated and joined The Obsessions in 2006, a group that started out as dancers, but later added singing and acting to its repertoire.

As the group took a dive to oblivion, she started a solo career, and later joined Team No Sleep - a talented but notorious hub of artistes that lived up to its name. The members had many chaotic nights.

She later formed her own stable. For 2023, she had a successful show at Lugogo Cricket Oval, then had a music battle with Cindy and was much involved in the controversial Uganda National Musicians.

4. Eddy Kenzo. Edrisah Kenzo Musuuza, professionally known as Eddy Kenzo, is a Grammy-nominated singer, president of the Uganda National Musicians Federation, and CEO of Big Talent Entertainment. He gained fame after the release of his 2014 single Sitya Loss and its viral video featuring the Ghetto Kids.

Kenzo has won various national and international awards, including a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award in 2018 and a BET Award in 2015.

5. Rema Namakula, aka Rehema Namakula, rose from a school choir to a backup artist for Halima Namakula and Bebe Cool. Known for hits like Tinkula and Sili Muyembe, she represented Uganda in Coke Studio Africa. Previously with Eddy Kenzo, she’s now married to Dr. Hamza Sebunya, and they share a child.

6. Lydia Jazmine - Lydia Nabawanuka, better known as Lydia Jazmine, began her career in school and church choirs before joining the Gertnum band. She later worked as a backup singer for Radio and Weasel. Her first single, a duet with Rabadaba titled You Know , gained attention, and she has since released hit songs like You and Me, MasuUka , and Nkubanja . She has made various appearances in the gossip press.

7. Jose Chameleone. Joseph Manyanja’s music style incorporates Ugandan folk, Central African rumba, zouk, and reggae. Chameleone started his career as a DJ in a Kampala night club in 1996 and became active as a musician in 1998 in Kenya with the Ogopa DJs record label. He has released successful albums such as Mama Mia, Mambo Bado, Jamila, Kipepeo, Bageya, Shida za Dunia, Bayuda, and many more.

8. Pius Mayanja, known by his stage name Pallaso, specializes in Afrobeats and dancehall music. Pallaso began his musical journey at Leone Island, owned by his older brother Dr. Jose Chameleone. After moving to the US, he returned to Uganda and established his own group called Team Good Music. Some of his hit songs include Go Down Low, Twatoba, and Amaaso. In a violent rage, he slapped Alien Skin, and the incident blew his fame like a wild fire.

9. Fik Fameica, also known as Shafik Walukaga, is a rapper and songwriter. Before pursuing music, he worked as a fashion designer in Owino. Fik is known for showcasing his versatility in different genres, including hip-hop, Afrobeats, and Afropop. His musical debut came in 2015 with his hit song Pistol. Fik has won awards in Uganda and has released several hit songs like Buligita, Kutama, and Bwepapa featuring Sheebah Karungi.

10. Faridah Nakazibwe is a Ugandan journalist and former Luganda news anchor, as well as a famous morning show host. Faridah has transitioned away from active journalism and is now involved in ventures such as digital marketing and personal businesses.

The story first ran in Weekend Xtra January 20-21, 2024