Biography

Irene Gladys Namubiru, widely known as Iryn Namubiru Morel, is a talented Ugandan female vocalist who has made a name for herself in the music industry. With her light-lyric, alto voice and Afro-pop style, she has captivated audiences with her soulful performances and catchy melodies.

Born in the Central Region of Uganda, Namubiru had a passion for singing since her childhood. She pursued her dream and made her first foray into the music industry in 1995 when she joined the group Da Hommies, consisting of singers-cum-rapper DJs Ragga Dee and Molar-Messe, as well as studio arranger/keyboardist Joss Jjew Mawejje. Together, they released several singles that gained recognition, such as "Bamusakata," "Mukwano," and "Mukyala tokaba." Namubiru's solo debut, "Learn to Say Goodbye," also appeared on the group's subsequent album. This marked the beginning of her journey in the music world.

In 1999, Namubiru teamed up with her former schoolmate at Namasagali College, Kanyomozi, to form the R&B all-girl group called I-Jay. They released their debut album titled "WAIT" in 2000, which received moderate airplay on Ugandan radio stations. However, shortly after the album's release, Namubiru left for France, and the group disbanded. Despite rumors of a fallout, both Namubiru and Kanyomozi denied any unfriendly separation. While in France, Namubiru formed the Afro-Soul group Nujeli with Julien Grout and released the album "ENSI LP."

It was in 2006 that Namubiru achieved widespread success with the release of her album "Nkuweeki?". Since then, she has continued to captivate audiences with hit songs like "Y'ono," "Lwaki," "Bonna Obasinga," "Begombeko," and "Birowoozo," earning her various awards in the Ugandan music industry. In 2011, she won in four categories of the Pearl of Africa Music Awards (PAM), including Artist of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Best RnB Single of the Year.

Throughout her career, Namubiru has also faced controversies. Critics have criticized her for what they perceive as inappropriate dressing in her music videos and concerts, as her costumes deviate from traditional Ugandan dressing customs. However, her fans have defended her creative attire, seeing it as a representation of artistic expression and rejecting the accusations as regressive.

Outside of her music career, Namubiru is fluent in English, French, and Luganda, her native language. She was married to Frank Galusy Morel, a Frenchman, and they have two sons together. Currently residing in France, Namubiru has a strong fan base in Uganda.

Notably, Namubiru is also the founder and CEO of an NGO called GATHER FOR CHILDREN. Established in 2006, the organization is based in Mityana, Uganda, and aims to empower and support women, caretakers, young mothers, and teenage mothers in caring for and educating their children and vulnerable children. GATHER FOR CHILDREN operates on a seven-acre plot of land owned by Namubiru.

In 2018, Namubiru survived a tragic accident in Lake Victoria, where a cruise boat carrying party revelers capsized, resulting in the loss of 33 lives.

In 2013, Namubiru faced a highly publicized incident when she was arrested in Tokyo, Japan, for alleged possession of illegal drugs. She was found carrying ecstasy concealed in her luggage. However, she was later cleared of the drug trafficking charges and released.

Namubiru's talent and dedication to her craft have earned her numerous awards and nominations throughout her career, including Best Female Artist and Best R&B Song at the PAM Awards, Best Female Artist at Buzz magazine, and Artist of the Year at the Diva Awards, among others.

Iryn Namubiru's musical journey has been one of perseverance, artistic growth, and the ability to overcome challenges. With her mesmerizing voice and vibrant performances, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the Ugandan music scene and beyond.