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For many people, alcohol is part of a night out.

For DJs, Sir Aludah says, it often becomes part of the workplace.

The award-winning DJ has opened up about what he describes as one of the least discussed challenges in the DJ industry, arguing that constant exposure to alcohol can quietly lead to addiction.

Writing on X, he explained that DJs rarely work in environments where temptation is absent.

Whether they perform in clubs, bars or at major events, alcohol surrounds them throughout the job, and many even receive drinks as a sign of appreciation.

Alcohol addiction in DJing is one of the least talked about struggles in our industry.

Aludah says that environment can gradually convince some DJs that drinking gives them confidence, removes fear and helps them perform better behind the decks.

Walking away, he argues, is only half the battle because the job never changes.

The hardest part about quitting is not making the decision to stop. It is having to walk back into that same environment night after night where the temptation never leaves.

Sir Aludah ended by reminding people that addiction often looks different from the outside, urging greater empathy for those trying to overcome it.

Unless you have lived it, it is difficult to understand just how hard that battle can be.

Alcohol addiction in DJing is one of the least talked about struggles in our industry.

We’re surrounded by alcohol every single day. Every gig & every event. it’s even often handed to DJs as a gesture of appreciation. Over time, many of us start believing it gives us confidence,…

— Sir. Aludah 👑 (@DjAludah) August 2, 2026

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Battle Group 45 has conducted a leadership training session for commanders and key staff at its headquarters in Embresso, Barawe, aimed at strengthening command capacity and enhancing operational effectiveness under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).

The training brought together Forward Operating Base (FOB) commanders, their staff, and Battle Group key staff serving in the Barawe Sector.

While officiating at the training, the Battle Group 45 Commander, Colonel Justus Musenene, underscored the importance of operating within the mission mandate to effectively achieve operational objectives.

“Every commander must understand and operate within the mission mandate. This is the foundation for achieving our operational objectives while maintaining the confidence of the population we are here to protect,” Col Musenene said.

He reminded the commanders of their responsibility to protect civilians and maintain the prevailing security and stability in the Barawe Sub-sector, noting that effective leadership remains central to mission success.

Col Musenene also encouraged officers to embrace continuous professional development to enhance their competence and improve operational performance.

“Leadership is a continuous learning process. Keep developing your knowledge and skills because a better leader builds a stronger and more effective force,” he noted.

The Commanding Officer of the 145 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Geoffrey Ochan, urged officers to prioritise their health and personal well-being, emphasising that good health is essential for operational readiness and effective service delivery.

The training covered a wide range of professional subjects, including command and control, military discipline, decision-making, the fundamentals of officership, food safety and personal hygiene, and the responsible use of social media during military operations.

Participants welcomed the initiative, saying it had enhanced their leadership knowledge and operational awareness.

“The training has equipped us with practical leadership skills and refreshed our understanding of command responsibilities. We look forward to more sessions of this nature.”

The training reaffirmed Battle Group 45’s commitment to professionalism, discipline, and mission success under AUSSOM by strengthening command effectiveness.

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ENTEBBE — Sam Kacungira and Vincent Katutsi produced a stunning comeback during a dramatic sudden-death playoff to win the 2026 Stanbic Entebbe Match Play Championship, with the bank announcing a renewal of its sponsorship partnership with this prestigious tournament.

The duo defeated former finalists Richard Mwami and Tony Kisadha on the 21st hole emerging as winners in one the most thrilling finals in the tournament’s history. It brought to a close five months of often fierce competition that attracted some of the country’s finest amateur golfers.

Played over the par-71 lakeside course at Entebbe Golf Club, the championship match swung dramatically between the two pairs. Kacungira and Katutsi established early control and went 2-up after the ninth hole, but Mwami and Kisadha mounted a spirited comeback, gradually erasing the deficit and taking the lead heading into the closing holes.

With defeat looming, Kacungira produced a brilliant shot on the 18th hole to force the contest into sudden death.

The playoff extended over three extra holes before Kacungira and Katutsi secured the decisive victory on the 21st hole, claiming their maiden Stanbic Match Play title.

The victory earned the champions a premium winners’ package that includes a fully paid trip to the DP Tour Championship in Dubai, a Stanbic Infinite Card, a free UGX investment account with an initial deposit of UGX500,000, and Stanbic MediProtect insurance cover for the whole year, among other rewards from partners including Johnnie Walker and CFAO Motors.

The second and third placed winners received a pair of air tickets to Johannesburg and Mombasa respectfully courtesy of Uganda Airlines.  

Speaking after the victory, Sam Kacungira described their win as the biggest achievement of his golfing career.

“This was one of the toughest matches we have ever played. We had the momentum early, then lost it, and had to fight our way back. The 18th hole gave us a second chance, and we knew we could not waste it,” he said.

His playing partner Vincent Katutsi credited teamwork and resilience for the victory. He acknowledged the fact they were facing a very strong team that had even reached the finals in the 2024 matchplay but only to get beaten by the ladies duo of Lillian Koowe/Joyce Kisembo.

Katutsi said, “Richard and Tony are outstanding golfers, and they pushed us all the way. We stayed patient, trusted each other, and kept believing even when we were behind. This victory means a lot to us because of the quality of the competition and the history of this tournament.” 

Mwami said the final showcased the quality and competitiveness of Ugandan golf. “We gave everything we had and came very close. Sometimes golf is decided by a single shot, and today they executed better in the playoff. We congratulate Sam and Vincent, because they earned the victory,” he said.

During the awards ceremony, Ronald Makata, Chief Financial Officer of Stanbic Bank Uganda, congratulated both teams for delivering a final worthy of the tournament’s stature.

Makata also announced that Stanbic Bank Uganda will renew its sponsorship partnership with the Entebbe Match Play Tournament, reaffirming the bank’s long-term commitment to the competition and the broader golfing community.

“While we enjoy this wonderful game on this beautiful course, we are also conscious of the wider responsibility we have to the communities around us. 

At Stanbic, we are asking ourselves how we can use the green to create opportunities beyond the green,” Makata said.

He said Uganda continues to face challenges including youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, and livelihood constraints, but also presents enormous opportunities for growth and transformation.

Makata said Stanbic, which is celebrating 35 years of operations in Uganda, is focusing on using strategic partnerships to drive inclusive economic growth.

“We are in it for the long game. This renewed partnership reflects our belief that sport can build relationships, create opportunities, and contribute to a more prosperous society,” he said.

Through implementation of the Positive Impact Agenda, the bank has committed to investing up to UGX 1 trillion through strategic partnerships by 2028, with a focus on financial inclusion, job creation, climate resilience, and livelihood opportunities for women, youth, and farmers.

The finals also featured two debutants against two experienced finalists. Kacungira and Katutsi reached the championship match after defeating Ronald Pulle and Michael Monne 5&4, while Mwami and Kisadha advanced after a hard-fought victory over Brian Manyindo and Mark Musinguzi on the second extra hole.

Past Winners

2017: Isaac Mariera/John Muchiri 

2018: Shiela Kesiime/Peace Kabasweka 

2019: Richard Lutwama/Robert Busingye 

2020: Innocent Nahabwe/Luwum Adoch 

2021: COVID-19 affected 

2022: Dr Patrick Ndase/Philemon Akatuhurira 

2023: Richard Mucunguzi/Saidi Kirarira 

2024: Lillian Koowe/Joyce Kisembo 

2025: Charles Kabunga/Steven Kitamirike

2026: Vicent Katusti/Sam Kacungira 

 

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Baby Gloria has officially introduced her newborn daughter to the world.

A day after news emerged that the gospel singer and her husband, Jonas Mbaleka, had welcomed their first child, Baby Gloria shared the family’s first photos together and revealed their baby girl’s name.

Posting on Instagram, the new mother announced that they had named their daughter Ayla Sinza Elizabeth Mbaleka.

Yesterday 01.08.2026 we welcomed our bundle of Joy, AYLA SINZA ELIZABETH MBALEKA. Jesus did it.

The heartwarming photos showed Baby Gloria and Jonas cradling their newborn as they celebrated the newest addition to their family.

The singer also used the post to thank the medical team that cared for her throughout the delivery, describing her experience at Roswell Hospital as exceptional.

Also a special thanks to the best team in Uganda Roswell Hospital. I had the most wonderful experience.

Baby Gloria’s post comes a day after her mother, veteran gospel singer Betty Nakibuuka, announced the birth of the couple’s baby girl on TikTok.

The couple tied the knot on August 29, 2025, at Redeemed Church in Makerere, Kampala.

Less than a year later, they have begun a new chapter together as parents, with fans and fellow entertainers continuing to flood social media with congratulatory messages for the growing family.

The long-standing conflict between media personalities Faridah Nakazibwe and State Minister for local government Justine Nameere has erupted once again, proving that time has done little to heal old wounds.

The renewed clash follows Nakazibwe’s decision to leak a recorded audio file, firing back after Nameere reportedly threatened another woman with a defamation lawsuit.

According to the former NTV Uganda news anchor, Nameere had previously demanded Shs 500 million in damages during their past legal wrangles, only to skip mediation sessions and court hearings while subsequently claiming victory.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter) under the caption “A MEDIA TOUR OF LIES,” Nakazibwe addressed public accountability and image management:

“When you are a public figure, you are accountable to yourself, your audience, the public you serve, family, and more. Indeed, your image matters, and so does the image of others. You can’t continue maliciously damaging others while you portray yourself as a…”

In response, Nameere brushed off the allegations, claiming that “karma has already humbled Nakazibwe.” She further stated that broadcaster Andrew Kyamagero previously intervened to help Nakazibwe avoid an ex-parte court ruling by admitting fault during their past disputes.

The friction between the two public figures dates back to 2018 when Nakazibwe publicly accused Nameere of creating fake social media profiles to harass her and sabotage her then-relationship with Justine Nsubuga. Nameere vehemently denied the allegations and initiated legal proceedings for defamation, demanding an apology and financial settlement. While both women have moved on to distinct career paths in media and public service in the years since, this latest exchange highlights that the underlying tension remains far from resolved.

 

In just a few short months since his appointment as Minister for Local Government in late May 2026, Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi has injected a refreshing blend of street-level energy, moral urgency, and absolute authenticity into a ministry historically bogged down by inertia, ghost payrolls, and siphoned public funds.

Refusing to hide behind official protocol or polished press releases, Minister Balaam has redefined public service in Uganda. He shows up unannounced, personally counts heads, seizes fraudulent documents on the spot, and ensures suspect officers face immediate investigation—all in full view of the citizens whose interests he defends.

The style is bold, transparent, and thoroughly grounded: a seasoned entrepreneur turned cabinet minister who speaks the language of the common citizen, referencing scripture one moment and passionately declaring that “every shilling must be recovered” the next.

Alongside his State Minister, Justine Nameere, Balaam’s “Expose the Corrupt in Local Government” campaign is already yielding remarkable, tangible results nationwide—breathing unprecedented vitality and accountability into local administration systems many Ugandans had resignedly given up on.

Bugisu Sub-Region: Ghosts Exposed in Broad Daylight

In Mbale District, the heart of Bugisu, Balaam’s surprise field inspections provided a masterclass in direct, outcome-driven leadership.

Naiku Health Centre III: Arriving early at Bungokho Central, the Minister discovered that while the government was paying salaries for 19 personnel, only three had actually reported for duty by 9:00 AM.
A quick verification revealed that nine of those listed were non-existent “ghosts.” Documents were instantly confiscated for cross-matching against District Health Officer (DHO) records.

Naiku Primary School: Official rolls claimed 1,352 pupils—a figure used to siphon large capitation grants. Under Balaam’s direct supervision, a physical headcount revealed only 705 learners present, uncovering a single-school discrepancy costing taxpayers approximately UGX 14 million per term. The headteacher was promptly handed over to law enforcement.

– Nabumali Secondary School: Unlawful fee collections were swiftly exposed and flagged for resolution.

Busiu Health Centre IV: A late-night spot-check at 3:00 AM unmasked five additional alleged ghost health workers who had drawn government salaries unearned since mid-2025.

By late July, four senior Mbale officials—including the District Health Officer, District Education Officer, District Inspector of Schools, and a secondary school headteacher—had been arraigned before the Anti-Corruption Court on charges including abuse of office and neglect of duty. Additionally, several technical staff and engineers were interdicted or detained over compromised road and water infrastructure projects.

Moving into neighbouring Bulambuli District, Balaam inspected the Tunyi-Kimuli-Bumasoba Road and other Road Fund initiatives. Confronted with substandard delivery, the arrest of District Engineer Paulo Walimbwa sent an unmistakable signal: long-serving officers will no longer use entrenched positions to shield themselves from accountability.
Crucially, these were not ivory-tower exercises. Balaam walked the terrain, engaged directly with local communities, and publicly commended local representatives—including Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) General Secretary and Tingey County MP Hon. Fadil Twalla—who joined the field operations. The core message resonated loud and clear: public funds belong to the people of Uganda, not to payroll syndicates or substandard contractors.

Greater Masaka: Barazas, Grassroots Empowerment, and Swift Justice

By late July, the campaign carried its momentum into Greater Masaka, encompassing Masaka City, Masaka District, Sembabule, Rakai, Kalungu, and Kyotera.
Here, the Ministry combined open, interactive public barazas (community assemblies) with rapid law enforcement follow-ups. Ordinary citizens were given an unprecedented platform to directly report land grabbers, Parish Development Model (PDM) fund scammers, and abusive officials.

Working in tight coordination with the State House Anti-Corruption Unit (SHACU), Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID), and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), action was immediate:

Masaka Land & PDM Enforcement: Zulaika Nakabiri and three co-accused were charged over long-standing land trespass, property destruction, and extortion. Concurrently, an LC1 chairperson and an accomplice were remanded over the illegal diversion of PDM funds meant for community empowerment.

Sembabule & Rakai Engagements: Direct town halls resulted in the apprehension of four public officers implicated in administrative malpractice, culminating in an extraordinary Rakai District Council session dedicated to restoring transparency.

Rejecting traditional civil service comfort, Balaam reiterated his working philosophy to applauding crowds:

“I was not appointed to sit at Workers’ House and drink tea.”

For Minister Balaam, the ultimate performance audit comes from the ordinary public—the very people who rely on functional roads, well-staffed health centres, and equipped classrooms.

A Transformative Approach Restoring Faith in Governance

What makes Hon. Balaam’s campaign so groundbreaking is its deliberate elimination of red tape. Rather than allowing critical audit findings to gather dust in offices, he goes straight to the frontline—verifying numbers, inspecting materials, listening to residents, and bringing oversight agencies onboard in real time.

While bureaucratic traditionalists occasionally express unease at his rapid, highly public style, citizens and anti-corruption advocates recognize that decades of slow, quiet paperwork yielded little more than missing funds and abandoned works. Visible, swift consequences are finally instilling the discipline required to serve the public effectively.
Beyond immediate field enforcement, Balaam is driving key institutional reforms:

Service Commission Overhaul: He issued a strict deadline directing all local governments to fully constitute their District Service Commissions by August 30, 2026, putting an end to the practice of officers serving in temporary “acting” capacities for years without accountability.

Staff Rotations: He has proposed clear tenure limits on technical placements to prevent officers from becoming entrenched local fiefs.

The Verdict
From the rolling hills of Bugisu to the bustling hubs of Greater Masaka, the sleepiness that once characterized local government administration is rapidly giving way to urgency, discipline, and public service.

Hon. Balaam Barugahara Ateenyi is demonstrating what authentic, citizen-centered leadership looks like: action over empty rhetoric, uncompromised integrity, and an unshakable commitment to ensuring every single public shilling reaches the Ugandan citizen it was meant to serve—parish by parish, health centre by health centre, road by road.

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Ugandan reggae and dancehall star Alexander Bagonza, popularly known to fans as A Pass, has sent social media into an absolute frenzy after hinting that he is officially a married man.

The Guli Wano hitmaker took to X (formerly Twitter) to share an elegant photo standing beside a stunning bride. Dressed in a sharp white double-breasted suit jacket paired with dark trousers, the crooner held hands with his bride, who looked radiant in a graceful, light-green embellishment attire. Short, simple, and direct, his caption read: “Married ???”.

Known for his witty persona, playful online antics, and frequent jokes on social media, the announcement left fans and industry peers divided. While a flood of congratulations swiftly poured into his comment section from well-wishing fans, others remain skeptical, wondering if this is a genuine milestone or another one of the singer’s famous PR stunts to tease an upcoming music video.

Whether it is a real-life fairy tale or a clever promotional rollout for new music, A Pass certainly knows how to keep the internet talking. Time will tell if the self-proclaimed “Teacher” has truly settled down!

 

On a night dripping in high fashion, intense emotion, and history, Mitchelle Daka emerged victorious as the first-ever Miss Universe Uganda, marking the country’s official entry into one of the world’s most prestigious beauty pageants.
Powered by V&A Sherry, the historic grand finale unfolded on Saturday night, August 1, at Kampala’s Imperial Royale Hotel, where elegance met ambition in a celebration that redefined modern Ugandan pageantry.

A Night of High Stakes and Glamour
Long before the winner was announced, the ballroom was buzzing. Sixteen finalists stood beneath dazzling white stage lights, clutching hands with smiles that mixed sheer confidence with nervous expectation.
In the audience, supporters waved custom placards while former beauty queens and socialites leaned in with bated breath. Hundreds of smartphones hovered above a sea of black tuxedos and shimmering evening gowns, ready to catch history in the making.
The atmosphere shifted the moment beloved hosts Dedan and Malaika called up the Chief Judge to hand the sealed envelope to Miss Universe Uganda National Director, Joram Muzira.

“And the winner is… Mitchelle Daka!”
For a split second, the ballroom went dead silent before erupting into loud cheers, deafening applause, and pure jubilation. Bouquets filled Daka’s arms while camera flashes turned the stage into a fireworks display. As the crown was gently placed on her head, Daka fought back tears before breaking into a radiant smile, quickly embraced by her fellow contestants in a beautiful show of sisterhood.
Star-Studded Entertainment & High Fashion
The Imperial Royale Hotel transformed into a living fashion spectacle. Sculpted gowns in rich jewel tones and metallic silvers glided alongside impeccably tailored tuxedos under cascading chandeliers.
It wasn’t just about the runway, though—the entertainment lineup kept the crowd on their feet all night. Electrifying performances by Maurice Kirya, Lilian Mbabazi, Tracy Melon, Minister Rachel K, and Valentino Kabenge turned the formal gala into a vibrant party.
Before the big reveal, Director Joram Muzira paused to thank the sponsors and partners who brought the inaugural vision to life, calling the event “a lesson in the power of collaboration.”

The Big Win & Prize Haul
As the inaugural queen, Mitchelle Daka didn’t just walk away with the crown and the honour of raising Uganda’s flag on the global Miss Universe stage—she also took home a handsome prize package:
• Shs 24 Million in cash
• A Toyota Wish, courtesy of the Miss Universe Uganda team
• Exclusive hamper packages from partner sponsors.

The Runners-Up & International Delegations:
• 1st Runner-up: Kimberly Jael Aremo (Shs 5M cash prize + slot to represent Uganda at Miss Africa)
• 2nd Runner-up: Bridget Katungi (Shs 3M cash prize + slot to compete at Miss Face of Tourism)
• 3rd Runner-up: Sureya Umeima
• International Delegate: Jemima Mpoza (Selected to represent Uganda at Miss Face of Humanity in China)

Full List of Category Winners
• People’s Choice: Kimberly Jael Aremo
• Multimedia Queen: Mitchelle Daka
• Miss Personality: Nabuzaale Elina
• Super Model Award: Teopista Aromach
• Wellness Queen: Kimberly Jael Aremo
• The Face of NRG & Play It Loud: Jemima Mpoza
• Best Swimsuit: Patience Mutesi & Joan Nabatanzi
• Miss Congeniality: Bridget Katungi
• Miss Photogenic: Faith Mugisha
• Miss Universe V&A Award: Mitchelle Daka
For Mitchelle Daka, this victory is far more than a personal triumph—it signals Uganda’s grand arrival on the global pageantry map and opens doors for generations of young Ugandan women dreaming way beyond the spotlight.

 

At one of the tables at Shisa Nyama Village in Bugolobi, on Thursday evening, a guest held a glass of whiskey as the brand ambassador explained what to look for before taking the first sip.

Across the venue, another group was following a cocktail demonstration, watching familiar ingredients come together around a new Irish whiskey. A few metres away, conversations about flavour, preferred serves and the changing ways people enjoy whiskey flowed as naturally as the music that would later take over the evening.

This was the setting for the Roe & Co brand immersion, an intimate gathering that introduced guests to the story and character of a whiskey that just got introduced into the Ugandan market.

Rather than relying on a formal presentation, the experience unfolded through conversations. Members of the Advocacy team from Uganda Breweries Ltd (UBL), moved from table to table, engaging guests individually and answering questions about Roe & Co; its background and the qualities that distinguish it within the Irish whiskey category.

The format gave the evening a more personal feel. Guests were able to explore the whiskey at their own pace, asking about its flavour profile, how it is made, and the different ways it can be enjoyed.

Roe & Co is a contemporary blended Irish whiskey inspired by the legacy of George Roe, whose name is associated with Ireland’s historic whiskey industry. The brand draws from that heritage while presenting Irish whiskey through a modern, social lens, one that places as much emphasis on versatility and shared experiences as it does on the spirit itself.

According to Melanie Kaita, a Reserve Brand Ambassador, Roe & Co stands out for the balance it brings to the Irish whiskey category.

“Roe & Co is a beautifully balanced Irish whiskey. It brings together a rich and smooth character with a depth of flavour that makes it approachable while still offering something interesting for people who already know and enjoy whiskey,” she said.

She further explained that the whiskey’s character is shaped by a carefully selected blend and its maturation process, giving it a rounded profile with layers that can be explored differently, depending on how it is served.

“What makes Roe & Co special is that it respects the heritage of Irish whiskey while presenting it in a way that feels contemporary. It has character, but it is also versatile. You can enjoy it neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail, without losing what makes the whiskey distinctive,” she said.

For many of the guests, the immersion offered an opportunity to go beyond the familiar ritual of ordering a whiskey and drinking it the way they always had.

Through guided tastings, they were encouraged to pay attention to the aroma, flavour and character of the whiskey. The ambassadors also demonstrated how Roe & Co could be used in classic cocktails and accessible serves that could be recreated at home.

The cocktail sessions were among the evening’s most interactive moments. Guests watched the drinks being prepared, asked questions about ingredients and learned how different serves could bring out different aspects of the whiskey.

Steven Baguma, also a Reserve Brand Ambassador, described Roe & Co as a whiskey that gives bartenders room to experiment.

“Roe & Co is a bartender’s whiskey because it is built for versatility. It has enough character to remain present in a cocktail, but it is also balanced enough to work with different ingredients without overpowering them,” Baguma said.

He noted that this makes the whiskey suitable for both established cocktail recipes and new creations.

“You can use it in familiar classics and still get a distinctive result, but it also gives bartenders the freedom to experiment and create serves that suit different tastes. Whether someone prefers something refreshing, citrus-forward or more spirit-led, Roe & Co gives you a strong foundation to work with,” he said.

The experience reflected a broader shift in how some consumers are approaching whiskey. While the neat pour remains familiar, there is growing curiosity around cocktail-making, food pairings and the stories behind the bottles people choose.

For bars and hospitality spaces, that curiosity is creating opportunities to turn whiskey from a drink ordered at the counter, into an experience built around discovery and conversation.

At Shisa Nyama Village, the combination of guided tasting and one-on-one engagement allowed guests to approach Roe & Co without the pressure of a formal masterclass. Some preferred to explore it through a straightforward pour, while others encountered it through cocktails.

As the evening progressed, the educational moments gradually gave way to music. The DJ took over, and the atmosphere shifted from tasting and discussion into a relaxed social gathering.

The transition captured the purpose of the immersion: to introduce a new whiskey while allowing people to experience it in a setting that felt familiar, over food, music and good company.

For Roe & Co, which is beginning its journey in Uganda, the event offered a way to engage people who already understand and enjoy whiskey, but may be open to discovering another expression of it.

By the end of the evening, guests had not only tasted Roe & Co but also learned about its story, explored its flavour and seen how it could be used beyond the traditional serve.

Related

Yemi Alade almost introduced herself to the world by a completely different name.

Before becoming one of Africa’s biggest music stars, the Nigerian singer explored several stage names, hoping to find one that matched her artistic vision.

The search, however, left her with one concern: she did not want her name to tell people who she was before they had even heard her music.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC, Alade said one of the names she seriously considered was “Electra.”

One of the names that I had played with in my early days was Electra, but I changed my mind because I felt that the minute you hear Electra, you already expect me to be electrifying, and I didn’t want people to see me coming or overexpect.

That realization pushed her back to the drawing board.

She then considered another stage name, “Ginger,” but quickly concluded that it created the same problem by revealing too much about her personality before fans had the chance to discover her themselves.

I wanted them not to know what’s coming, and then I tried another name, Ginger, but the problem is, in Nigeria, when you say ginger, it means energy, and I’m just telling everybody who I am before they meet me.

Instead of settling for another name, Alade decided to stop searching altogether.

She said she prayed for direction and soon found herself looking at her birth name in a completely different way.

I had a moment where I just sat on the idea, and I honestly just reached out to God and just asked, ‘Please lead me,’ and the reckoning that came to me was that I needed to stick to my birth name because it had a huge meaning behind it.

For Alade, the decision became even clearer after she reflected on what her names represent.

Opeyemi means ‘thanks be to God,’ and Alade means ‘the one who holds the crown.’ I feel like that embodies who I am, so I held on to it.

Years later, the decision has paid off.

Rather than building her career around a manufactured stage persona, Yemi Alade turned her birth name into one of the most recognisable brands in African music.