Irene Ntale made her mark in the music industry when she signed with the Ugandan record label Swangz Avenue. She wrote several hit songs, including "Stay with Me," "Gyobela," and "Bikoola." Later, she left Swangz Avenue and signed with Universal Records Nigeria. She also served as the campaign ambassador for Uganda Breweries Limited's "Red Card to Drunk Driving" campaign.
#### Early Life
Irene Ntale was born at Mengo Hospital in 1989 to George William Ntale and Robinah Kamya Ntale. She grew up in Ntinda but hails from the village of Masaka. She is the only girl in her family but has stepbrothers. Ntale didn't grow up with her father and found it challenging to relate to men, having not grown up with boys in the family.
Ntale attended Kitante Primary School for her primary education and then Kitante Secondary School for her O level. She continued her A level education at Makerere High, now called Migadde College. During her school years, she began to sing. She later graduated from Kyambogo University with a Bachelor's degree in procurement and logistics.
#### Music Career
Irene Ntale's singing career began in a church choir at Victory City Church in Bukoto. She and three friends started a small band within the church. Ntale learned to play various instruments at church, eventually focusing on the guitar. At 16, while in her fourth year of high school, she began visiting different studios and became a studio backup singer.
Ntale spent considerable time doing radio jingles at Fenon Records, owned by Steve Jean. She also sang the song "For Better or Worse" by Bobi Wine. She gained further exposure by performing at the Emin Pasha Hotel every Wednesday night, where she had a 90-minute slot. She used this opportunity to build her reputation and invite more people to her performances. **Swangz Avenue Discovers Ntale**
Swangz Avenue discovered Irene Ntale in 2013, shortly after the death of their first signed artist, Sera. Upon joining Swangz Avenue, Ntale was paired with songwriter Zulanda, who penned her first major hit, "Stay with Me." Zulanda also wrote the reggae track "Love Letter," which Ntale initially recorded solo before Bebe Cool was added to boost its success.
Ntale's breakthrough came with the hit song "Gyobela," propelling her to new heights. She later collaborated with Radio and Weasel on the track "Bikoola" and held a successful concert at the Sheraton in 2017 before leaving Swangz Avenue.
**Universal Music Records**
After departing Swangz Avenue, Ntale began traveling to Lagos, Nigeria, and by August 2019, she had signed with Universal Music Group. Her first single under the label, "Nyamba," was released in her native language.
**Awards**
- Best Female Breakthrough Artist, Hipipo Music Awards, 2013 - Buzz Teeniez Awards, Best Female Artist, 2014, 2015 - Buzz Teeniez Awards, Best R&B Artist, 2014 - Hipipo Music Awards, Nominations for Best Zouk Song - Best Female East Africa, AFFRIMA Awards - Best Female Artist, Best Music Video, Uganda Music Awards, 2017
**Popular Songs**
- Gukuba (2018) - Kabugo (2016) - Nyamba (2019) - Olindaba (2016) - Gwe Aliko (2016) - He Go Down (2016) - Guluma (2018) - Stamina Daddy (2017) - Miss Kateteyi (2018) - Gyobera (2016) - No Matter What (2020) - Don't Leave Me (2016) - Nzenna Nzenna (2016) - Kikomando (2016) - Ono Omwana (2016) - Onkubira (2020) - Remote Control (2015) - Nkole Mpakase (2015) - Eno Ye Sawa, Turn Up (2016) - Work Together (2020) - Bikoola (with Radio and Weasel) - Love Letter (with Bebe Cool) - Addiction (ft. Bebe Cool) - Easy (ft. Bebe Cool) - Post Me (ft. Mr Eazi)
**Albums**
- Sembera - Sukaali
**Personal Life and Controversies**
Ray Signature, who wrote songs for Ntale, was rumored to have dated her, though Ntale denies this. She is currently single, has never married, and has no children, though she has been linked to several men.
Ntale left Swangz Avenue in early 2017 amid speculation that she departed due to the signing of her manager, Vinka, as an artist, whom she viewed as competition. This tension reportedly led to a fallout and her exit from the label. Ntale later criticized her former managers on Twitter, with some music critics believing her departure harmed her career.
Additionally, Ntale has faced accusations of being involved in the Illuminati and sacrificing her aunts for fame, which she has vehemently denied, even offering $5 million for proof. Her alleged relationships with other musicians and accusations of excessive drinking have also stirred controversy, impacting her music and performances.
