Judith Babirye
Judith Babirye | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 23 September 1977 Nyenga, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| Citizenship | Uganda |
| Alma mater | Makerere University (Bachelor of Arts in Tourism) |
| Occupation(s) | Pentecostal pastor, gospel musician, Politician |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Known for | Musical skills |
| Title | Gospel musician & Member of Parliament for Buikwe District Women Constituency (2016–2021) |
| Spouse |
Paul Musoke Ssebulime
(m. 2018) |
Judith Babirye is a Ugandan gospel musician and politician.[1][2] She is a senior pastor at "New Life Deliverance Church", in Makindye Division, in the southeastern part of Kampala, Uganda's capital city.[3]
She also served as the elected Member of Parliament representing Buikwe District Women Constituency in the 10th Parliament (2016–2021).[4][5]
Early life and education
[edit]Babirye was born in Nyenga, Buikwe District, to Mr and Mrs Mukooza, on 23 September 1977. She attended Nalinya Lwantale Primary School in Luweero District. She studied at Ndejje Senior School for her O-Level education and at Iganga Secondary School for her A-Level studies, graduating with a High School Diploma in 1998.[5]
She was admitted to Makerere University, Uganda's oldest and largest public university, where she graduated in 2001 with a Bachelor of Arts in Tourism degree.[5][6]
Music
[edit]When she was in Senior Two at Ndejje Secondary School, Babirye won the music composition festivals in which they were tasked to compose the school anthem. At Iganga, she also composed the school anthem sparking off her musical career.[6]
Her debut song, "Beera Nange", won the best gospel single in the 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards.[7] She has had hits like "Wambatira", "Omusaayi gwa Yesu", "Ekitibwa kyo Mukama" and "Maama".[8][9][10]
Personal life
[edit]Babirye was married to Niiwo with whom they have a daughter. However, in January 2017, she filed for divorce. She later married Paul Musoke Sebulime, on 28 July 2018, in a traditional ceremony.[11]
Discography
[edit]Songs
[edit]- Ampisizaawo
- Golokoka
- Wanonda
- Maama
- Wambatira
- Wanonda
- Beera Nange
- Eno Mbaga
Albums
[edit]- Beera Nange, 2006
- Yesu Asobola, 2007
- Nzijukira, 2008
- Wanjagala, 2011
Awards and recognition
[edit]- Best gospel single, "Beera nange", in the 2006 Pearl of Africa Music Awards.[12]
- Album of the year in Victoria Gospel Music Awards (VIGA),2007.[13]
Family
[edit]In 2005, Judith Babirye was married to Samuel Niwo and became the parents of one daughter circa 2006. They separated in 2009.[14] In January 2017, Babirye filed for divorce.[15]
In 2018 she married Paul Musoke Ssebulime, at that time the MP representing Buikwe North Constituency. It was the second marriage for each of them.[16]
References
[edit]- ^ Akello, Joan (20 July 2014). "Frankly speaking with Judith Babirye". The Independent (Uganda). Kampala. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ David Lumu, and Juliet Waiswa (24 September 2014). "Singer Judith Babirye inspired by Jennifer Musisi to join politics". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Vision Reporter (10 March 2010). "Babirye Starts Church". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 16 January 2019.
- ^ Segawa, Nixon (14 March 2016). "MP Judith Babirye To Give Space To Musicians". Kampala: Chimp Reports Uganda. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ a b c Parliament of Uganda (2016). "Parliament of Uganda: Members of the 10th Parliament : Bbirye Judith". Kampala: Parliament of Uganda. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ a b Vision Reporter (7 December 2013). "Babirye's gospel of hope amidst trials". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ Gilbert Mwijuke, and Ronald Kabuubi (21 August 2008). "Judith Babirye Back". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Batte, Joseph (19 July 2007). "Babirye to launch 'Yesu Asobola'". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Nabiruma, Diana (26 March 2010). "Judith Babirye shakes off bad marriage to shine again". The Observer. Kampala. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Eupal, Felix (16 January 2011). "Judith Babirye chokes at Wanjagala launch". The Observer. Kampala. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ "Judith Babirye's marriage had a rocky start". New Vision. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
- ^ UGO (15 June 2016). "2006 Uganda Pam Awards Winners". Kampala: Uganda Online (UGO). Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Vision Reporter (28 June 2007). "Judith Babirye Shuns VIGA Awards". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
- ^ Vision Reporter (26 November 2010). "I want my wife back' Sam Niiwo". New Vision. Kampala. Retrieved 17 January 2018.
- ^ Babirye, Sania (27 January 2017). "MP and gospel singer Judith Babirye files for divorce, accuses husband of violence". Kampala: Capital Radio Uganda. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
- ^ Sunrise Rafiki (26 July 2018). "MPs Babirye And Musoke's Secret Kwanjula". Kampala: Sunrise Uganda. Retrieved 17 January 2019.