Biography

Winnie Nakanwagi, professionally known as Winnie Nwagi or Fire Baby, is a talented Ugandan artist, musician, songwriter, and singer born on July 20, 1989. Nwagi is currently signed to Swangz Avenue, a prominent local audio and film production house. Her versatile musical style encompasses Afrobeats, Zouk, Folk Music, Dancehall, and R&B, showcasing her diverse range as an artist.

Hailing from Namasuba, a suburb of Kampala, Nwagi was born to Mr. Henry Kabito and the late Sarah Namuddu. Tragically, she lost her mother when she was just nine years old, during her time in primary school. Nwagi attended St. Agnes Nagalama for her primary education before moving on to East High School for senior 1 and senior 2. For senior 3 and senior 4, she studied at Migadde College. Continuing her educational journey, Nwagi enrolled at Namagabi Secondary School for her Advanced Level education.

During her senior 6 vacation, Nwagi found herself pregnant, which led to her father sending her away from home and refusing to support her undergraduate education. Unfortunately, this meant that she missed the opportunity to attend university, where she had hoped to pursue a career in journalism. Nwagi's daughter's name is Destiny Valeria Mirembe.

Nwagi initially ventured into the workforce by working at MTN, where she registered people for mobile money services during the initial stages of its introduction in Uganda. She later transitioned to the sales department of Good African Coffee. However, her passion for music drove her to enter the music business.

Her journey in music began during her primary school years, where she showcased her talents as a soloist, traditional dancer, and drummer of the long drum known as 'Engalabi' in Luganda. Despite not having a job after completing secondary school, Nwagi decided to visit various studios to revive her singing talent. She eventually joined Monster Studios as a backup artist, providing vocals for musicians such as Haruna Mubiru, Evelyn Lagu, and Titie Table. It was during this time that she caught the attention of Benon Mugumbya, who was impressed with her performance in the Coca-Cola Rated Next Talent Search competition. As a result, Nwagi was signed to Swangz Avenue on October 13, 2014.

In 2016, Nwagi released her first single titled 'Embela,' followed by her breakthrough hit 'Musawo' in the same year. She also had the opportunity to perform alongside Afrigo Band at a live event called "Friday Night Live" at Guvnor in April 2016. To this day, Nwagi remains under the management of Swangz Avenue.

Notable performances and appearances include her involvement in the Tusker Malt Lager (TML) Conversations premiere show. Additionally, she held her highly anticipated debut concert, "Fire Concert," on September 9, 2022, at Lugogo Cricket Oval.

Throughout her career, Nwagi has released numerous hit songs, including "Kano Koze," "Magic," "Detergent," "Olukoba," "Show Me," "Oli Kirabo," "Gwobimala," "Busonsomola," "Munange," "Matala," "None Chance" ft. Rave, "Yitayo," "Amaaso," "Bwogana" ft. Recho Rey, "Sasi Ku Nyama," "Jangu," "Mukwano Gwo Remix" ft. Zulanda, "Kibulamu," "Aabantu Banyiivu," "Musawo," "Sili Taaba (I Am Ambition)" ft. Mun G, "Science," "Katono Katono," "Gwenonya," "Embeera," "Kyowulira," "Googo" ft. Kalifa Aganaga, "Amaaso Urban Remix," "Everything," "Kwata Essimu" ft. Freeboy, "One Chance," and "Fire Dancer" ft. Slim Prince.

Nwagi's talent and contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has received several awards and recognition. In 2016, she won the Breakthrough Artiste award at the Uganda Entertainment Awards and the Best Song of the Year award for "Musawo." She also received the Viral Video of the Year award for "Musawo" at the Club Music Video Awards. In 2019, Nwagi was honored with the Super Diva Stand Out Act award at the Hipipo Awards, and she received the Best Breakthrough Artist award at the Hipipo Awards in 2017.

Beyond her music career, Nwagi has taken on ambassadorial roles for StarTimes, Crown Beverages, and Sports Club Villa, all in 2016. She was also listed on Uganda's top 100 celebrities list in 2021.

However, Nwagi has not been without controversy. In 2019, she was summoned by the Pornography Control Committee in Uganda for dancing erotically during a show held at St. Mary's College Kisubi, where the majority of the audience were below 18 years old. This incident was in violation of the Anti-Pornography Act of Uganda in 2014. Additionally, Nwagi once slapped a fan for recording her private parts during a performance. Furthermore, she faced difficulties with the Uganda Ministry of Internal Affairs due to her dress code when collecting her Ugandan passport.

Winnie Nwagi's journey as an artist has been marked by talent, resilience, and a dedication to her craft. Through her music, she has captivated audiences and garnered recognition for her exceptional work. Despite the challenges she has faced, Nwagi continues to shine as a prominent figure in the Ugandan music scene.