Signed to Swangz Avenue, Irene Ntale is the beautiful voice behind top hit Love Letter alongside Bebe Cool. She meets her fan Cathy Lusaggi.
Hi Irene, I love your single Love Letter. Please tell me who Irene is?
Irene is a 24-year-old singer, song writer and guitarist. She comes from a family of 13 and is the last born of George William Ntale and Robina Kamya. I went to Kitante Primary, Kitante Hill, Makerere High and graduated with a Bachelors in Procurement and Logistics Management (BPLM) at Kyambogo University in 2011.
Why did you join this competitive industry yet you did a very good course at campus?
I joined the music industry to basically share my talent with the people. Yes I did procurement but it wasn’t the kind of job for me. Because I was in the church choir, I fell in love with music in 2011 and decided that was where I belonged.
Where your parents supportive in your decision to join music?
I was raised as a Christian girl and my parents have always supported me in every decision I make. Being in the music industry doesn’t necessarily mean getting spoilt, it depends on the family background.
It was reported that you are dating Toniks. How true are these allegations?
It is not true. I’m single and enjoying it all the way. Toniks is just a friend and we have a song together that is yet to be released.
Why did you sign with Swangz Avenue and what do they do for you?
Swangz presented the opportunity, which I couldn’t refuse. I believe with Swangz my career is going to sky rocket. They handle everything in my music career from management, bookings, promotions, image, video and audio name it.
If someone asks what the difference between you and other musicians is, what would be your answer?
Well, I would tell him or her that I’m one artiste who can sing, play the guitar and have a unique voice.
Where did you learn to play the guitar?
Like I said, I was in the church choir at Victory Church in Ntinda and we used to play different instruments. I was more interested in the guitar, that is why I’m so good at it.
What do you call your style of music?
It’s a fusion of acoustic soul, RnB, reggae and dancehall. What I mean by acoustic soul is combining my voice with the guitar.
Your breakthrough song Love Letter with Bebe Cool has worked magic for you. How did you link up with him and how did the song come about?
Bebe has always had projects at Swangz and when he heard the raw version of Love Letter through my management, he agreed to add a few verses and because he is so good at Reggae, the song had to be magical.
Are you planning to do more collaborations?
I already have Banyilila with Viboyo, Akatambala with Ray Signature, which is coming out next week and another with Toniks which is still in the works.
How many solo songs do you have so far?
I have three so far namely Nkubukinze, Eno Ye Sawa and Stay with Me.
What is you dream in the music industry?
Like any other artiste, my dream is to go international. I would like to be the only Ugandan artiste who will have Beyonce and Rihanna fight for collaboration with me. I would also love to have a music academy and set up my own studio.
Who is that one artiste you would love to work with and why?
Mowzey Radio because he’s so emotional in his verses. You can know he means the message in his songs. I like what he delivers.
What is your timeless song?
Unbreak My Heart by Toni Braxton.
Your message to upcoming artistes?
Practice a lot, trust God and have vision. The right opportunity will present itself.
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