Alright, let’s get into it…
#1. Merry Christmas (Album) by Philly Bongoley Lutaaya
Released in 1987 as his second music album, Merry Christmas was produced in 1986 and carries some of Uganda’s biggest Christmas songs of all time. The album’s title track Merry Christmas, and its opening song, Katujaguze (Luganda for ‘let’s celebrate His birth’) remain the most popular Ugandan Christmas songs of all time, along with Gloria, Sekukkulu (Luganda word for Christmas), Tumusinze (‘let’s worship Him’), Yesu Annidiridde (‘He awaits me’), and Zukuka (‘Get on Up’).
On streets and in trading centres across Uganda, where speakers play music from every corner, you’ve probably heard these songs. Some tracks, like Sekukkulu, Tumusinze, and Zukuka, are often performed in certain churches. To most people in Uganda, for as long as we’ve been alive, any of the eight songs on this album, when played aloud, signal the coming of Christmas. The album and the rest of Philly Bongoley Lutaaya’s music catalogue were remastered and released on streaming platforms in 2015.
#2. Christmas Y’omwaka by Bobi Wine and Paddyman
The earliest YouTube upload of Christmas Y’omwaka by Bobi Wine featuring producer Paddyman dates back to December 2010. Produced by Paddyman at Bobi Wine’s Fire Studioz, the song stands out for its chorus, supported by verses, all centred on the excitement of a sibling looking forward to celebrating this year’s Christmas (Christmas Y’omwaka guno) with their family after missing out the previous year due to work and financial challenges. For many Ugandans, the message in this song feels more relatable than most Christmas songs.
All songs listed in this article are in a YouTube playlist at the bottom.
#3. Merry Christmas by Judith Babirye
In a country where Christianity is the predominant religion, Merry Christmas (also known as Sekukkulu Ennungi) by Judith Babirye, one of Uganda’s leading gospel artists, though no longer active in music, remains one of the most cherished Christmas favourites in Uganda. Released on her 2012 Merry Christmas album, Sekukkulu was produced by Paddyman at Audio1 Records in Kampala. Sung in Luganda, the lyrics celebrate a joyous Christmas and a happy New Year.
#4. Sekukulu by Jose Chameleone
Produced by Paddyman at Audio1 and released around November 2013, Sukukulu, also known as Olunaku lwa Sekukulu and Sekukulu yo Mwaka, by Jose Chameleone, urges joy on Christmas Day, even amid life’s hardships.
#5. X-Mass by Maureen Nantume
Featuring lyrics in Luganda, English, and Swahili, Merry Christmas–also referred to as X-mas–by Maureen Nantume, from the then-prominent Eagles Production Band, is one of Uganda’s most ethereal solo Christmas songs. Written by Ugandan songwriter Grace Morgan, Merry Christmas by Maureen Nantume was produced by Paddyman at Audio1 Records in 2013.
#6. Merry Christmas by Ykee Benda
You have to give credit where it’s due. Merry Christmas by Ykee Benda remains one of the best Christmas songs from Uganda’s new-school artists. Released during his breakthrough period around November 2017, this song was produced by Nessim Pan.
#7. Merry Christmas by Bebe Cool
Initially released in 2010 and later included as track nine on his 2012 compilation album Akamwako, Merry Christmas by Bebe Cool is one of Uganda’s cult-classic Christmas songs, produced by Producer 2K at Dream Studio in Kamokya.
#8. Deck The Halls by Jose Chameleone & Various Uganda Artists
Released in December 2020, Deck the Halls was produced by Diggy Baur and features Jose Chameleone, Lydia Jazmine, Mun G, Pallaso, Carol Nantongo, Fresh Kid, Melody, Navio, Weasel Manizo, Viola Nakitende, Mary Bata, and Ambassador. The COVID stay-at-home Christmas video, featuring trumpet-led scene transitions, was shot by Jerome Kakande. Few people are keen to remember how they celebrated Christmas that year.
#9. Sekukulu by Dr Bitone
Released around 2015-2016 and co-produced by Man Polo and Zion Kay at Zue Records in Makindye, Sukukulu by Dr Bitone remains a popular pick among Ugandan Christmas songs, even though the artist hasn’t been heard from in recent years.
#10 is the Ugandan Christmas song I left out; probably your favourite one. Share it with the world in the comments!
