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The closing year 2024 has been an exciting one for Ugandan music, with a wave of new talent captivating audiences both locally and beyond.
While some of these breakout artists have been in the industry for years, it was only this year that they truly found their stride, gaining widespread recognition.
Others launched their careers entirely in 2024, making an immediate impact with their sounds and stellar performances.
Here are five Ugandan artists who defined the year with their remarkable rise to fame:
The Stream of Life Choir
Over the years, Ugandan school and children's choirs such as Buddo SS, Watoto Children’s Choir and others have shot to national fame.
But arguably never before, have we had the kind as the Stream of Life Choir.
Originating from Kennedy Secondary School, this choir has rapidly ascended to national prominence.
Their gospel hit "Lukusuuta" earned them the Song of the Year award at the 2024 HiPipo Music Awards, where they also made history as the first school group to win the prestigious Artist of the Year accolade.
Their soulful performances, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary gospel, have captivated audiences, leading to widespread acclaim and numerous invitations to perform across the country.
Nandor Love
This talented young songstress, songwriter and poet born Nantume Dorcus Tendo, sprung into fame this year.
Born on 25 November 2002 in Kampala, Nandor Love has swiftly risen in the music industry with bangers Nawolovu and Empologoma.
Her 2023 single "Nyama Choma" was what first caught people’s attention, followed by collaborations with artists like Vyroota on "Gukuba" and Pinky on "Inside" which expanded her reach.
Signed to Redzone Government, a record label operating in Denmark and Uganda, Nandor Love is poised to become a leading figure among African female artists.
Gloria Bugie
The ending year was bitter-sweet for this Rwandan-born and well-endowed singer. Her 2024 songs Nyash, See Me and even the recently dropped Panama captivated fans, pulling her out of obscurity where she had languished for over 5 years.
Despite a few stumbles including her not-so-flattering performance at the Acidic Vokoz concert and later on the release of her private videos, Bugie, real name Gloria Busingye has braved the storms to put her mark as one of the biggest Ugandan entertainers of 2024.
Kapeke
The year was also bountiful for 24-year-old Derrick Nsubuga who goes by the stage name Kapeke.
This young talent, who not long ago contemplated quitting due to initial struggles, has seen a big breakthrough with hits like "Swiriri," "Shuu," "Akasanyalaze," and the recent "Polokoto."
The bangers and his unique style have solidified his status as a rising star in Uganda's music industry.
Pretty Banks
This is another artist that reaped big in 2024 with her unique blend of dancehall, R&B, Afrobeat, and soul.
She’s been around since 2019 with songs like "Tunulakko Eno," captivating audiences across Africa.
Like Kapeke and many other artists, she had a rough start having been forced to flee her home at 17, due to familial challenges.
In 2024, she released "Insido (Insider)," a track brought her to front of stardom.
Other songs by Banks that did well include Meant To Be and Bakundekere.
Ava Peace
Finally on this we have Ava Peace, born Maureen Namugonza who has also struggled for over 5 years until 2024
He Team No Sleep songstress dropped big tunes this tyear including "Shabada" featuring Mudra D Viral, have topped local music charts, solidifying her status as one of Uganda's promising female talents.