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Jimmy Katumba

1955 – 2006

Ugandan singer

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About Jimmy Katumba

Lived 1955 – 2006 (aged 50–51). Jimmy Katumba was an Ugandan singer.

Jimmy Katumba (1955 – 13 August 2006) was a Ugandan popular music singer. Starting out as a singer of gospel music in his early years, he rose to fame as the country's premier pop star from late-1970s to the 1990s. Jimmy Katumba helped shape popular music in Uganda and has earned a place among the country’s leading music artists. His band, The Ebonies, dominated the Ugandan music scene in the 1980s and 1990s.

Early childhood Katumba was born to Reverend Blasio Katumba and Alice Nakyagaba. His music career started in the numerous church choirs to which he belonged. He attended eight schools including Makerere College School and Lubiri Secondary School.

Music Katumba started his music career as an eight-year-old singer in Mukono Church of Uganda where his father was a preacher. In 1977, he formed the Light Bearers, which he renamed Jimmy Katumba and the Ebonies. Popularly known for his baritone voice, Katumba became celebrated for songs like "Twalina Omukwano," "Drums of Africa" and "Fa Kukyolina." He left for the UK in 1990. He went to the United States in 1992 and returned in 1995.

Discography Atalina Kigere Congratulations Usiuwe Tembo - 1990 Queen of Love - 1981

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Important facts

Born
1955, Uganda
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Jimmy Katumba's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Jimmy Katumba?

Ugandan singer

When was Jimmy Katumba born?

Jimmy Katumba was born in 1955 in Uganda.

When did Jimmy Katumba die?

Jimmy Katumba died on 14 August 2006.

What was Jimmy Katumba's occupation?

Jimmy Katumba was a singer.

What nationality was Jimmy Katumba?

Jimmy Katumba was Ugandan.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Jimmy Katumba

· Wikidata: Q16017445

· DBpedia: Jimmy Katumba

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jimmy Katumba. https://biography.guide/jimmy-katumba/

MLA: "Jimmy Katumba." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jimmy-katumba/.

Chicago: "Jimmy Katumba." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jimmy-katumba/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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