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"Did you see my knicker? I was with Daddy; I had to show him the thigh. It was an intimate photoshoot. I always tell women, when you are with your woman, make it as suggestive as you can," Namakula, who mostly goes by Rema, told newsmen during a press conference held on Tuesday, February 2, to talk about her Melodies of Love concert that is slated for February 23, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala.
"Here at the press conference, you won't see my thigh, but if I am with my man, but when I'm with my man, the dress slit goes as high as the end of the upper thigh. Every part of the body is freed. It was an intimate photoshoot."
The Ngonze hitmaker said her concert will be more personal as she will share a lot about her musical journey and some of the challenges she's encountered.
Rema's biography
Born on April 24, 1991, Rema has emerged as one of Uganda's most celebrated artists, a status she has earned through her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
Early life and education
Rema's journey began in the bustling streets of Kampala, Uganda, where she was born as the last child of Hamida Nabbosa and Mukiibi Ssemakula.
Tragedy struck early in her life with the loss of her parents, a pivotal moment that shaped her resilient spirit. Her educational journey took her from Kitante Primary School to St. Balikudembe S.S. Kisoga and later to Kyambogo University.
A blossoming career
Rema's foray into music was not just a pursuit of passion, but also a means of survival. She began her career singing backup for renowned Ugandan artists like Bebe Cool and Halima Namakula. Her big break came with her hit single Oli Wange, which catapulted her into the limelight in 2013.
Her talent did not go unnoticed. In 2016, Rema was selected to represent Uganda at the fourth season of Coke Studio Africa, sharing the stage with prominent artists like Trey Songz and 2Face Idibia. This exposure helped her music gain popularity beyond Uganda's borders, marking her as a rising star in the East African music scene.
Personal life and relationships
Rema's personal life has been as eventful as her career. She was in a long-term relationship with fellow Ugandan artist Eddy Kenzo, with whom she shares a daughter, Aamaal Musuuza. The couple parted ways in 2017 amidst much media attention. In 2019, Rema found love again and married Dr. Hamza Ssebunya in a lavish ceremony, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Aaliyah Ssebunya, in 2021.
Discography highlights
Rema's discography is a testament to her versatility as an artist. Some of her notable songs include Oli Wange, Katonotono, Lean On Me, Lowooza Kunze, Deep in Love, Muchuuzi, Atuuse, Kukaliba, Fire Tonight, Ceaze and Sekkle, Banyabo, and Akaffe Che. Her music, often revolving around themes of love and social issues, has resonated with fans across Uganda and beyond.
Awards and recognitions
The Ugandan music industry has recognized Rema's talent with multiple awards. She has won several HiPipo Music Awards, including Best Female Artist, Best Breakthrough Artist, Best R&B Song for Oli Wange, and more. Her song Gutujja was named Record of the Year in 2020.
A role model and inspiration
Rema's journey is not just a story of fame and success; it's a narrative of resilience, hard work, and the power of dreaming big. She stands as a role model, particularly for Ugandan women, showcasing the heights one can reach with talent and determination. Her success story inspires many young artists in Uganda and across Africa, proving that music can indeed be a powerful tool for change and empowerment.