Sheebah Karungi

Last updated

Sheebah Karungi
Sheebah Artist of the Year (2016-2017, 2017-2018).jpg
Sheebah Karungi in 2022
Background information
Birth nameSamali Karungi
Also known asQueen Karma, Sheebah
Born (1989-11-11) 11 November 1989 (age 35)
Kawempe, Kampala, Uganda
Origin Kawempe, Kampala, Uganda [1]
Genres Rhythm and blues, Dancehall
Occupation(s) Musical Artist, Dancer, Actress, Entrepreneur
Years active2006 – present [2]
LabelsKarma music
Member ofKarma music
Formerly ofTeam No Sleep (TNS)
Website sheebahcares.org

Sheebah Karungi (born 11 November 1989), professionally known as Queen Karma and Sheebah, is a Ugandan musician, dancer, actress and feminist activist. [3] She debuted her acting career in Queen of Katwe as Shakira. After quitting Obsessions, a dance group she joined in 2006, she started making music and later rose to recognition upon the release of her hit single "Ice Cream". In 2014, she released her debut project Ice Cream, a five-track EP which did well commercially and led her to win back-to-back HiPipo Music Awards Best Female Artist in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. She also won the Artist of the Year award twice, in 2017, 2018, and 2019 at the HiPipo Music Awards. In 2024, she was appointed vice president of the Uganda National Musician Federation assisting Eddy Kenzo who is the president of the federation. [4] [5]

Contents

Early life and career

Sheebah Karungi was born and raised by a single mother in Kawempe, a division of Kampala district, the capital city of Uganda. [6] After completing her basic education at Kawempe Muslim Primary School, she dropped out of school in senior two when she was a student of Midland High School, Kawempe. [7] At the age of 15, she started dancing for money after she joined a dance group called Stingers before she left the group for Obsessions Music Group in 2006. [8] At Obsessions she developed an interest in music, recording two songs before she left the group for a solo career in music. [9] [10]

In 2010, she released "Kunyenyenza", her first official single, produced by Washington. She went on to release another song titled "Bulikyenkola", featuring vocals from KS Alpha and Prince Fahim and then "Baliwa" featuring Coco Finger. It was until she released "Automatic", a song written by Sizzaman, that her solo career experienced a major turnaround. Upon the success of "Automatic", she teamed up again with Sizzaman to release "Ice Cream" to massive airplay and positive reviews before she went on to release another hit single, "Twesana". [11] [12]

In 2014, she released her first musical project, Ice Cream, a five-track EP which contained hit singles including "Ice Cream" and "Jordan". The EP was well received and helped win her Best Female Artist at the 2014 and 2015 HiPipo Music Awards. [7]

Her second project was titled Nkwatako. [13]

Sheebah Karungi.jpg Sheebah Karungi.jpg
Sheebah Karungi.jpg

Sheebah held Nkwatako Concert in 2016 and Omwoyo Concert in 2018 at Hotel Africana in Kampala. Both concerts were organized by her management, Team No Sleep. Omwoyo Concert was choreographed by Cathy Patra who has choreographed and appeared in most of her videos. On her second concert, Omwoyo, Sheebah was criticized for her low vocal ability as a live performer. [14] [15]

Sheebah is also a business woman. Under her Sheebah Investments program, she has opened a number of businesses around Kampala including The Red Bar, Red Events (co-owned with dancer Cathy Patra), a hair extension business called Sheebah by Natna, Natna Hair Founder Sina Tsegazeab and others. [16] [17]

Sexual harassment

Sheebah Karungi shared a video of herself on her social media platforms in which she described that a man who had armed bodyguards sexually harassed her before a performance. [18] She stated that he had acted inappropriately in front of her team before she stepped on stage during one of her performances. [19]

Personal life

She has stated that she does not intend to marry but that she might have children. [20]

Singles

Collaborations

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2016 Queen Of Katwe ShakiraAlongside Lupita Nyong'o, David Oyelowo and Madina Nalwanga

Awards and nominations

YearAward ceremonyPrizeRecipient/nominated workResultRef
The Uganda Music AwardsFemale Artist of The YearHerselfWon [22]
2018Abryanz styles and fashion awardsFashionable music video of The YearHerself/Mumy YoNominated [23]
2017Zzina AwardsArtist of The YearHerselfWon [24]
Female Artist of The YearHerselfWon [24]
Best Collaboration of The YearSheebah & Ykee BendaWon [24]
Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards Fashionable Music Video of the Year (Uganda) "The Way"Nominated
2016 Most Stylish Female Artiste (Uganda) Nominated
2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best African Female ArtistHerselfNominated [25]
Zzina AwardsBest Female ArtistWon [26]
4th HiPipo Music AwardsWon [27]
Best ArtistNominated [28]
Best Afropop Song"Nipe Yote"Nominated [28]
"Otubatisa"Nominated [28]
East Africa Best Video"Siri Zari"Nominated [28]
Video of The YearWon [29]
Uganda Entertainment Awards 2016Best Female ArtistHerselfWon [30]
Artist of the YearNominated [30]
Best Dance/Live PerformanceNominated [31]
Best Dancehall ArtistNominated [31]
Video of the Year"Nkwatako"Nominated [32]
20153rd HiPipo Music AwardsBest Female ArtistHerselfWon [33]
Artist of the YearNominated [34]
Best Duo Group ArtistHerself with Pallaso Nominated [34]
Song of the Year"Twesana"Nominated [34]
Best Ragga Dancehall Song"Mundongo" with PallasoNominated [34]
Best Afrobeat Song"Twesana"Nominated [34]
Best Afropop Song"Go Down Low" with PallasoWon [35]
Uganda Entertainment Awards 2015Best Female ArtistHerselfWon [36]
Best Dancehall ArtistNominated [37]


Associated acts

  1. Ykee Benda
  2. Fik Fameica
  3. Roden Y Kabako
  4. Chance Nalubega
  5. Runtown
  6. Solidstar
  7. Carol Nantongo
  8. Meddy
  9. Alvin Kizz
  10. The Ben
  11. John Blaq
  12. Grenade Official
  13. Irene Ntale
  14. Selector Jeff
  15. Orezi
  16. Ahdi weezy ke

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Juliana Kanyomozi</span> Ugandan musician, actress (born 1980)

Juliana Kanyomozi is a musician actress and entertainer. She is a multiple award-winning Ugandan pop musician, an R&B and Afro Beat Singer well known among Western Uganda's decent musicians. Juliana was born on 27 November 1980, at Toro Fort Portal in Western Uganda of the Mutooro tribe. She is one of Western Uganda's descent among other musicians including Angella Katatumba, Allan Toniks and Ray G.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bebe Cool</span> Ugandan recording artist

Bebe Cool is a reggae and ragga musician from Uganda. He started his career around 1997 in Nairobi, Kenya, but moved back to his native country a few years later. Bebe Cool was one of the first artists affiliated with Ogopa DJs, a production house and record label in Kenya.

Radio & Weasel was a Ugandan music Duo that performed under their record label Goodlyfe Crew a Ugandan music group with lead performers being singers Moses Radio and [Weasel Manizo]. Moses Radio provided smooth RnB vocals while Weasel's contribution is a fusion of reggae, ragga and dancehall vibes. Because of their prominence, Moses Radio and Weasel formed their own duo known as Radio and Weasel. The Lead singer Moses and Vocalist Radio died on 1 February 2018 from brain injuries after an assault by a bouncer at a club in Entebbe. Radio's attacker threw him down about 3 metres (9.8 ft) onto a concrete pavement which resulted in massive intracranial hemorrhage. Radio and Weasel also formed The Goodlyfe Crew. The crew saw many changes in its set-up but at various times included Chagga, Lenin Briton, and Lawrence. Many of its members had their own solo projects and collaborations.

Moses Nakintije Ssekibogo, also known as Mowzey Radio, sometimes referred to as Moses Radio, was a Ugandan musician. He was one of the main performers of the Ugandan music group Goodlyfe Crew together with Jose Chameleone's brother Weasel Manizo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rema Namakula</span> Ugandan singer

Rehema Namakula, known professionally as Rema Namakula or simply Rema, is a Ugandan singer, songwriter and music producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Lutalo</span> Ugandan musician

David Lutalo, is a Ugandan musician, artist and performer from East Africa, who rose to fame ten years back with his hit Kapapaala in 2008, released under his own Record Label "Da Hares". He started recording music in 2008 and has several solo songs to his name as well as several collaborations with Eddy Kenzo, Bebe Cool, and Goodlyfe Crew, Solid Star.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vampino</span> Musical artist

Vampino, born Elvis Kirya, is a Ugandan dance hall musician and actor who began his career in the early 2000s debuting his acting career in Nana Kagga's 2012 film, The life. He was one half of the duo "Benon and Vamposs." He is a brother to musician Maurice Kirya. He is signed to Swangz Avenue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flex D'Paper</span> Musical artist

Alex Julius Kwesigabo, better known by his stage name Flex D'Paper, is a Ugandan rapper and songwriter born and raised in Kampala. Starting off his music career, Flex D'Paper was part of the high school rap group, The Rapaholix, which he started with friends, Dasper Cosine and later joined by Apass as an affiliate with whom the trio put out a mix tape, The Eviction Notice that included chart topping singles like "Burning", "Party Life" and "Follow Me" which topped countdowns in Uganda such as NTV and Sanyu FM. Flex D'Paper was part of the 2014 UG Cypher including the finest Ugandan rappers: Navio, Keko, Big Tril, Don MC, AirporTaxi rappers St. Nelly Sade, GNL Zamba, DJ Global, JB, The Mith, Ruyonga, and Atlas.

Undercover Brothers Ug also simply known as Undercover Brothers are a Ugandan music duo composed of guitarist and vocalist Jay K Mulungi and vocalist Timothy Kirya, whose music career sparked off when they won the auditions and represented Uganda in the sixth season of East Africa's biggest singing competition Tusker Project Fame. The duo released their first album titled At Dawn in December 2014. In December 2016, their song Nsikatila was nominated in the Best R&B Song category at HiPipo Music Awards (#HMA) 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pallaso</span> Ugandan musician

Pius Mayanja known by his stage name Pallaso is a Ugandan recording artist, songwriter, producer and videographer. His music genre specialty is Afrobeats, Hip hop, Dancehall, Afropop, and RnB. His musical journey started back in 2000 when he started out at Leone Island, a musical group owned by his older brother, Dr. Jose Chameleone. He later moved to the US, where he lived for 10 years, before returning to Uganda in 2014. Upon his return, he set out to establish his now very celebrated musical career, and formed the group, "Team Good Music" which seems to be working well in the Uganda Music Industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nsikatila</span> 2014 single by Undercover Brothers Ug

Nsikatila, sometimes spelt Nsikatira, is a world-pop love song by Ugandan music duo Undercover Brothers Ug. It was released as the second single from their first EP album and first major release, At Dawn in December (2014) and re-released in January as the first single from their 2016 album, Hitlist. Co-written by the duo's Timothy Kirya and Jay K Mulungi and produced by Jude Mugerwa, the lyrics portray a lover who stammers whenever he talks to his lover.
Nsikatila was in December 2016 nominated for Best R&B Song at the HiPipo Music Awards (HMA) 2017

Hannington Muhumuza Wacha, also simply known as Producer Hannz or Hannz Tactiq, is a Ugandan hip hop and Dancehall producer and DJ. He is the CEO of Hannz Records located in Makindye, Kampala. He has worked with most of Uganda's top hip hop and dancehall musicians including Navio, Rabadaba, Dr. Jose Chameleone, Bebe Cool, Sheebah Karungi, Mun-G and many more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fik Fameica</span> Ugandan rapper

Fik Fameica also known as Fresh Bwoy, is a Ugandan rapper and songwriter. He is popularly known for showcasing his versatality in different genres including Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Afropop and dancehall. His musical debut came in 2015 with "Pistol" under the Black Man Town music label, led by a Ugandan music icon Geosteady. His later songs, "Salawo" and "Mbega Wa Bbaala" gained him a recording contract with Kama Ivien Management. His club hit "Batuwulira" followed by "Byenyenya" made him the most booked Ugandan artist in 2017. Fik won awards in Uganda and East Africa and went on to win Uganda's most popular artist in 2017. In 2018, he was crowned Breakthrough Artist, Best in Hip-Hop and Best Rap Song for his track "Kutama" at the annual HiPipo Awards.

Namakula Mary,, commonly known as Mary Bata, is a Ugandan female songwriter and artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Blaq</span> Musical artist

John Blaq is a Ugandan musician, songwriter & performing artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maro Uganda</span> Ugandan musician and songwriter (bon 1987)

Ronald Magada, professionally known as Maro Uganda, is an Ugandan musician, songwriter and performer, currently based in Bonn Bad godesberg Germany. He is known for his songs, "Mubbi Bubbi" featuring David Lutalo, "Rising star", "Kyokoba", "Anjagala" and has done international features like "Chip in" featuring Mark Forster and Maurice Kirya, "Imani" by BSMG, among others.

Catherine Mbabazi commonly known as Cathy Patra is a Ugandan dancer, choreographer, fashion model and businesswoman. She won the Best Choreography in Africa award and her group RVC won Best Dancing Group in Africa at the 2021 Zikomo Awards in Zambia.

<i>Kampala Boy</i> 2021 studio album by Flex DPaper

Kampala Boy is the first studio album by Ugandan musician Flex D'Paper, released on 10 December 2021. The album features guest appearances from Swae Lee on the intro and songs with Navio, Fik Fameica, A Pass, Keko, Shena skies, Wake the Poet, Mozelo Kidz, Kemishan, Lagum the rapper. The production includes Aethan Music, Mio Made, Sam Lamara, Wake the Poet, Bad Chwezi and Lucian.

Rahmah Pinky is a Ugandan musician and once an artist from Team No Sleep (TNS). She was signed to replace Sheebah Karungi, who quit the record label.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B2C Entertainment</span> Ugandan music group

Born To Conquer (B2C) Entertainment, also known as Kampala Boys, is a Ugandan music group of three musicians who sing together. B2C is made of [Delivad Julio], [Mr. Lee B2C] and [Bobby Lash B2C]. Delivad Julio and Mr. Lee sing with soothing soft RnB vocals while Bobby Lash B2C sings the Ragga and dancehall vibes. The three formed B2C entertainment from school as they were students at Crested secondary school in Makindye Division in Kampala. Because of their consistency, the trio decided to start professional music in 2016 with their breakthrough song known as Tokigeza produced by Diggy Baur.

References

  1. "How singer Sheebah Karungi built her ugx 1.8 billion Queendom". New Vision. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  2. "Sheebah Karungi Biography, Wiki, Profile, Life Story". www.howwe.ug. Retrieved 5 April 2023.
  3. "The Wayback Machine has not archived that URL". MBU. Retrieved 20 April 2023.[ dead link ]
  4. "Eddy Kenzo unveils 13 leaders of Uganda National Musicians Federation".
  5. "Uganda National Musicians Federation names inaugural leadership".
  6. Naigino, Stella (18 August 2022). "How singer Sheebah Karungi built her sh800m Queendom". New Vision. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  7. 1 2 Orville Muhumuza (20 February 2015). "INTERVIEW: Sheeba's journey from a Karaoke girl to an international start". Chimp Reports. Archived from the original on 1 June 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  8. Johnson Grace Maganja (24 July 2015). "Uganda: Sheebah Will Live Her Dreams, No Matter What". The Observer. AllAfrica . Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  9. Edgar. R. Batte (3 July 2014). "Sheebah came from rock bottom". sqoop.co.ug. Archived from the original on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  10. "I have never thought of being a wife - Sheeba". New Vision. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  11. "INTERVIEW: Billion Reasons To Believe, Sheebah Karungi Shares Her Story". news.ugo.co.ug. 28 July 2015. Retrieved 24 August 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  12. "Sheebah Karungi". Uganda Blizz. Archived from the original on 16 November 2018. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  13. "SHEEBAH KARUNGI TO FINALLY HOLD AN ALBUM LAUNCH". Big Eye. 18 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 August 2016. Retrieved 24 August 2016.
  14. "Sheebah's Nkwatako Concert Sells Out". Spurzine. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  15. Sejjombwe, Isaac. "Omwooyo concert: How live band, outrageous outfits outshone Sheebah". Sqoop. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  16. Muriisa, Habre. "Sheebah Karungi Finally Launches Her Hair Extension Business". Chano8. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  17. Kisitu, Herman. "Sheebah Launches Red Events, Her 4th Business Besides Music". The Times Ug. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
  18. Matogo, Philip (15 May 2022). "Sheebah and why politics matters". Monitor. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  19. "Sheebah nearly boycotts show after being 'sexually harassed' by a man". MBU. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  20. "I'II have babies but I won't be pressured into it – Sheebah". MBU. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  21. Kigundu, Abraham. "Sheebah Karungi Releases 'Samali' Music Album". Blizz. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  22. "Uganda Online - Abryanz Style and Fashion Awards 2017 Winners". www.ugandaonline.net. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  23. [ dead link ]
  24. 1 2 3 "Sheebah Karungi wins big at Zzina Awards: Here's the full list of winners". Bigeye.ug. 8 April 2017. Archived from the original on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 18 December 2017.
  25. Howwe (17 June 2016). "Sheebah Karungi nominated in Nigerian Awards, Best African female artist". Howwe.ug. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  26. Howwe (6 March 2016). "SHEEBAH KARUNGI Wins 2016 FEMALE ARTISTE of The Year Zzina Award, Full Winners List". Howwe.ug. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  27. Jacky Achan (31 January 2016). "HiPipo Awards: David Lutalo named artist of the year". Sunday Vision. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  28. 1 2 3 4 "#HMA2016: Nominations for the 4th HiPipo Music Awards Released. Lucky Fan to win Convertible Peugeot 207". hma.hipipo.com. Kampala, Uganda. 4 December 2015. Archived from the original on 17 September 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  29. "Lutalo, Sheebah win big at the HiPiPo awards". Uganda Online. 31 January 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  30. 1 2 Nasa Tushabe (20 August 2016). "Full List of Uganda Entertainment Award Winners 2016". Uganda Online. Archived from the original on 27 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  31. 1 2 "UGANDA ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS 2016: HERE'S THE FULL NOMINEES LIST". talkmedia Africa. 21 June 2016. Archived from the original on 22 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  32. "Full List of nominees in Uganda Entertainment Awards 2016". ugblizz. 20 June 2016. Archived from the original on 26 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  33. "2014 Female Artist of The Year is SHEEBAH KARUNGI, Of Course". howwe.ug. 8 February 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 "Sheebah, Kenzo, Bebe Cool and Radio & Weasel top HiPipo Music Awards 2015 Nomination list". HiPipo Awards. Kampala, Uganda. 10 December 2014. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  35. "Winners of the 3rd HiPipo Music Awards". HiPipo Awards. 9 February 2015. Archived from the original on 4 April 2015. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  36. "Uganda Entertainment Awards 2015: The Full List Of Winners". 411ug. 5 September 2015. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  37. Alfred Ochwo (7 September 2015). "Lutalo, Benon Kibuuka shine at Uganda Entertainment awards". The Observer. Archived from the original on 1 January 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.