Hadija Namale

Hadija Namale also known as Hadijah Kiryango Namale (born in 1947) is a Ugandan musician. She rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s.

Early life Namale was born at Mitala Maria in Buwama Sub-county, Mpigi District. When she was 13 years old, she entered a polygamous marriage but later separated from her husband. Her brother, Yusuf Kigambe, who owned disco equipment in their village, introduced her to music.

Musical career Namale’s professional music career began in the early 1960s. She first performed in Bunia, then part of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), alongside her brother Samuel Kayongo. Her singles included “Bbosa,” “Eriza,” “Zoozo,” “John,” “Mukulike Omwaka,” and “Nakiryowa.”