Top 10 Ugandan songs of 2019

The industry showed great progress in 2019 when Vinka and Irene Ntale made history by becoming the first Ugandan artists to sign with Sony Music and Universal Music, respectively.

Eddy Kenzo placed Uganda on the international map once again when he scooped the Best Entertainer of the Year award at the African Entertainment Awards in the US. His nomination pitted him against African heavyweights Diamond Platnumz (Tanzania), Shatta Wale (Ghana) and Nigeria’s Davido, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, and Tiwa Savage.

The continent was also for the first time introduced to Ugandan artists Sheebah, Alvin Kizz, Fik Fameica and King Saha through collabo reality show Coke Studio Africa.

Below is a list of some of the top Ugandan songs released in 2019, as selected by our East Africa content editor Lucy Ilado.

10. Guttuja by Rema and B2C

Veteran Ugandan singer Rema features boy group B2C in this slow-tempo romantic love song. B2C have had a great 2019, with nominations at the Zzina and AFRIMA awards, and 'Guttuja' winning the Teeniez Hottest Collabo at the 2019 Buzz Teeniez Awards.

9. Chupa Ku Chupa by A Pass

A Pass’ first single of 2019 became a club banger and an on-the-spot success. Artin on Da Beat produced the audio while the video for the slow-tempo dance song was directed by Marvin Musoke and Hosea Jemba. It was shot by Swagz Avenue.

8. Boom Party by Cyndy Sanyu

Self-proclaimed queen of dancehall Sanyu has had a successful year with the release of hits such a 'Copicat' and 'Boss', but it was 'Boom Party' that stood out. She has also scooped several nominations at major music awards in Uganda.

7. Sure by Vinka

Arguably the most successful Ugandan artist in 2019, Vinka started the year with 'Sure'. The song was released on 1 May by the Swangz Avenue label. Soon after, she signed a global multi-album recording deal with Sony Music Entertainment, joining other African stars such as Wizkid, AliKiba and Davido. In November she linked up with Romanian star INNA to release 'Bebe'.

6. Do Dat by John Blaq

Everywhere you turned in 2018 you couldn't escape hearing about John Blaq, and that trend continued in 2019. He was also the biggest winner at the Buzz Teeniez Awards. ‘Do Dat’ and the song’s positive reception is due to arguably the catchiest hook of the year. Dr Power On Dah Beat gets the producer’s credit while Aron On Dah Set shot the video.

5. Sweet Sensation by Sheebah ft. Orezi

Orezi released his highly anticipated single 'Sweet Sensation' in September featuring top Ugandan female artist Sheeba. The song was produced by TYMG, and mixed and mastered by MillaMix.

4. Fik Famaika ft. Joeboy

Rapper Fik Fameica dropped 'Wansakata' featuring Nigerian singer Joeboy on 13 September. ‘Wansakata’ is a dancehall song that was produced and mastered by Artin Pro.

3. Parte After Parte by BigTril

‘Parte After Parte’ is BigTril’s breakthrough song. The hip hop single was awarded the Teeniez Hottest Song of the Year and Teeniez Hip Hop Song at the 2019 Buzz Teeniez Awards.

2. Inabana by Eddy Kenzo ft. Harmonize

One of Uganda's most well-known musicians internationally, Eddy Kenzo, makes yet another groovy collaboration with Harmonize for the second time after the release of 'Pull Up' in July 2019. The 'Inabana' video has so far garnered more than 2 million YouTube views, making it one of Uganda's most popular songs of the year.

1. Sikikukweeka by Daddy Andre

Daddy Andre has proven to be a master of straddling the line of being a musician and producer, and in 2019 released top-charting projects 'I Like', 'Trumpet' and 'Baby Papa'. This year also saw him debut as the first Ugandan producer at Coke Studio Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.