Halima Namakula, a prominent figure in Uganda's music industry, has come to the defense of Rema Namakula and The Ben, who recently faced criticism for their on-stage chemistry during a concert in Uganda. The controversy arose after a video of the two artists performing their love song 'This Is Love' went viral on social media, with some critics accusing them of crossing professional boundaries. Halima, who has worked closely with Rema in the past, argues that artists should not be judged solely on their on-stage performances.
The incident occurred during the 10th-anniversary celebration of the Comedy Store Uganda, held at Lugogo Cricket Oval in Kampala on October 30, 2026. The event featured several prominent East African artists, including The Ben from Rwanda, Diamond Platnumz from Tanzania, and Rema Namakula from Uganda. During their performance, Rema and The Ben's energetic and intimate stage presence sparked debate among fans and critics.
Halima Namakula took to Instagram to address the controversy, stating that artists should not be expected to maintain a certain image outside of their performances. She emphasized that music is not just about singing, but also about conveying emotions and telling a story, which may require artists to adopt different personas or characters. Halima's comments were seen as a defense of Rema and The Ben's artistic choices.
Rema Namakula, a renowned Ugandan artist, has had a successful music career spanning over a decade. Born on April 24, 1991, in Kampala, he began singing at a young age and gained popularity with his debut single 'Oli Wange' in 2013. He has since released several hit songs, including 'Kukaliba', 'Sili Muyembe', and 'Banyabo'. Rema has collaborated with various artists, including Halima Namakula, who played a significant role in his early career.
The Ben, a Rwandan artist, has also made a name for himself in the East African music scene. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he moved to Rwanda with his family in 1999. The Ben has worked with several artists, including Sheebah Karungi and B2C Entertainment. His collaboration with Rema on 'This Is Love' in 2020 was well-received, and the two artists have since performed together at various events.
Halima Namakula's defense of Rema and The Ben highlights the complexities of artistic expression and the need for audiences to distinguish between on-stage performances and real-life relationships. Her comments have sparked a wider conversation about the boundaries between artists' public and private lives. As the music industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how artists will navigate these complexities.
Rema Namakula is married to Dr. Hamza Ssebunya, with whom he has two daughters. He also has a daughter with Eddy Kenzo, a fellow Ugandan artist. The Ben, on the other hand, has kept his personal life private. Despite the controversy, Rema and The Ben's collaboration on 'This Is Love' remains one of the most popular songs in East Africa, and their on-stage chemistry continues to captivate audiences.
Key points
- Halima Namakula defends Rema Namakula and The Ben's on-stage chemistry, arguing that artists should not be judged solely on their performances.
