For many, childhood memories are filled with laughter, innocence, and milestones. For others, they carry lessons forged in hardship and resilience. For Ugandan musician Sheebah Karungi, one memory stands out above all: the day she watched her mother evicted over a meager Shs8,000 rent.
That moment, she says, left a mark on her life and shaped the way she measures success.
On Monday, Sheebah unveiled a new home she built for her mother in Mityana, a project she describes as deeply personal and profoundly meaningful.
The housewarming ceremony, attended by close friends, family, and fellow artists, marked the culmination of years of hard work, ambition, and determination.
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"I watched my mum being thrown out of a house over rent worth just Shs8,000. I was about five years old. That memory still hurts," Sheebah recounted to guests. She spoke of her mother's repeated struggles with renting and the humiliation that came with it.
"I saw her crying as if Kamya, our landlord, was her God at that time. We lived renting until my mother bought a small plot where we stayed for many years in hardship."
For Sheebah, building a home for her mother was not merely an act of love; it was a statement about overcoming adversity.
"To come from such a life and be able to do what we have, and I have managed to build my mother a house, shouldn't be seen as just a usual thing but rather as an inspiration that it's possible," she said.
Growing up in Kawempe, Kampala, Sheebah--born Samali Karungi on November 11, 1989--was raised by a single mother. Her early years were shaped by financial constraints and the realities of a modest household.
She often hid her home from friends, showing them someone else's house instead, embarrassed by the conditions they lived in.
Despite these challenges, Sheebah's artistic talents emerged early. She began her career in the early 2000s as a dancer with the Obsessions Dance Group, one of Uganda's leading dance troupes.
Her skills and stage presence quickly set her apart, and she became known for her energetic performances and charisma.
Transitioning into music, Sheebah carved out a niche for herself in Uganda's entertainment industry. She gained recognition for her versatility, stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences.
Over the years, she has become one of Uganda's leading female artists, amassing a series of hits including "Wankona," which solidified her reputation as a household name.
Her music spans genres and resonates with diverse audiences, blending contemporary beats with themes that reflect personal and societal experiences.
Sheebah's career has been marked by both artistic and entrepreneurial growth. Beyond music, she has ventured into business, establishing multiple enterprises that complement her entertainment career.
These ventures have not only contributed to her personal wealth but have also allowed her to invest in projects close to her heart, such as building her mother a home.
Her achievements in music have been recognized with multiple awards, including several HiPipo Music Awards, which celebrate Uganda's musical talents.
These accolades underscore her impact on the industry and her role in shaping the landscape of Ugandan music.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sheebah has also focused on personal milestones. In November 2024, she welcomed her first child, a son named Amir, in Canada.
She described the 12-hour labour as a transformative experience and returned to Uganda after more than six months abroad, balancing motherhood with her ongoing career in music and business.
Sheebah's personal investments in real estate reflect her commitment to long-term stability and family. She has built her own dream house in Munyonyo, a five-bedroom mansion she fondly calls "QueenDom."
The property reportedly cost over Shs800 million and features luxury finishes, a private bar, and ample space for her family and personal endeavours. This mansion contrasts with the modest home she built for her mother, demonstrating how she balances personal luxury with family support.
Her story of giving back to her mother resonates deeply because it highlights themes of gratitude, responsibility, and the importance of remembering one's roots.
It is a reminder that personal success is not solely measured by wealth or fame but by the ability to uplift those who shaped and supported one's journey.
Sheebah's journey is also emblematic of broader societal narratives in Uganda. Many young artists and entrepreneurs face financial and social obstacles yet manage to carve out spaces of influence and impact.
Her life illustrates how perseverance, talent, and strategic investment in one's career and family can yield both professional and personal fulfillment.
Her commitment to family extends beyond material support. By sharing her story publicly, Sheebah creates a platform for conversations about poverty, single-parent households, and the struggles many Ugandan children face growing up.
She embodies the message that success should be paired with empathy and responsibility.
Looking back, Sheebah's path from dancer to music sensation and entrepreneur was neither linear nor easy.
The discipline and resilience she cultivated as a child navigating financial hardship have translated into a professional ethic that drives her work in entertainment and business.
Her ability to navigate the competitive music industry while maintaining strong family ties is a testament to her dedication and values.
As she celebrated the new home for her mother, Sheebah reflected on the significance of the moment.
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"Whenever me and my friends came from school, I used to show them someone else's house as ours, and when they left, I could go to my real home. But now, I will no longer hide our home," she said, her voice full of emotion.
In this gesture, Sheebah not only honored her mother but also symbolically closed a chapter of hardship and opened a new one filled with dignity and pride.
Her story encourages young people to pursue their dreams relentlessly while remembering those who supported them, demonstrating that success carries a responsibility to uplift others.
Sheebah Karungi's life and career continue to inspire fans and aspiring artists alike. From humble beginnings in Kawempe to becoming a multi-award-winning musician, entrepreneur, and mother, she exemplifies how talent, hard work, and gratitude can intersect to create a life of impact.
Her new home for her mother stands as a testament to the power of remembering one's roots and the wealth that comes not from money alone but from love, generosity, and resilience.
In celebrating Sheebah's journey, one lesson stands clear: when you make it in life, think of your mama.
Her story reminds Ugandans that true success is measured not only by what you achieve for yourself but by the legacy and support you provide for those who mattered most in your journey.
