Uganda's 70s Music Queen Hadijah Namale: A Pioneer Now Silent and Struggling

Hadijah Namale, a name that once echoed with the vibrancy of Uganda’s 1970s music scene, is now a whisper of her former self. Once lauded as an energetic performer and skilled linguist, singing in multiple languages including Luganda, Lingala, French, and English, Namale is now battling chronic illnesses and gnawing hunger in her modest home in Mpigi District.

Born Jane Francisca in 1945, her early life was marked by hardship, including a forced marriage at 13. It was through music that she found an escape and a voice, eventually becoming a sensation in Kampala’s nightlife and across East African airwaves. Her hits like ‘Eriza’ and ‘Bbosa,’ along with her festive anthem ‘Mukulike Omwaka,’ made her a household name.

Decades after her prime, the stage lights have long dimmed, replaced by the harsh realities of rural poverty and failing health. At 81, Namale suffers from high blood pressure and leg pain, further complicated by her daughter and caregiver also being unwell. Their access to essential medication is limited by financial constraints and a depleted family food source due to alleged land grabbing.

Despite her circumstances, Namale retains an entrepreneurial spirit, expressing a desire for a small business to earn a living rather than rely on handouts. She notes with disappointment that contemporary musicians often use her catalogue without offering royalties or support. While she admires modern artists, her current plea is for assistance with medical bills and startup capital to regain a sense of dignity.

This story highlights the plight of a national icon, who despite her significant contributions to Ugandan culture, now faces neglect and financial distress, a stark contrast to the celebrated figure she once was. Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)