KAMPALA, UGANDA — Benon Mugumbya, a prominent Ugandan music producer and co-founder of Swangz Avenue, has publicly addressed the enduring mystery surrounding Irene Ntale’s departure from the record label.
In a recent interview, Mugumbya acknowledged that Ntale’s exit had a significant and lasting impact on the Swangz Avenue team.
Irene Ntale, a celebrated vocalist in Uganda, ended her four-year association with Swangz Avenue in January 2017. Her decision at the time came as a surprise to many, and Benon Mugumbya’s recent comments indicate that the reasons behind her departure were never fully understood within the label.
Speaking on Galaxy TV’s Deep Talk with Mr Henrie, Benon Mugumbya stated, “I won’t lie, it hurt us so bad when Irene Ntale left us. She is very talented—still one of the most talented Ugandan female artists. I think part of why it hurt was that her departure was unbelievable. If I tell you that I know why she left, I would be speculating. Even up to now, we have never had that conversation.”
Benon Mugumbya, who played a crucial role in Ntale’s early career development, clarified that he harbors no resentment towards her decision, but there remains a sense of what could have been. “But it is cool, and that is life,” he said. “I wish things played out differently because it is okay for people to leave; things change, plans change.”
Irene Ntale has previously been open about her choice to leave Swangz Avenue. Last year, the artist behind the hit song “Gyobera” asserted that she had no regrets and believed she had achieved more as an independent artist than she did during her time with the label. “I was ready to leave and I left,” she stated. “No one ever leaves a good place without a reason.”
Ntale also alluded to challenges she faced behind the scenes, suggesting deeper frustrations with the broader music industry. “Nothing frustrates you like your music being everywhere yet you have no money in your pocket,” she shared with her fans. “People think you are successful, but it’s just the music that’s everywhere.”
Despite moving away from the structure of a record label, Ntale expressed that she has found peace and autonomy in her independent career path. “I don’t want a record label, no,” she affirmed. “Many people have approached me, but no. God helped me and I built a small team that I work well with. I’m happy where I am.”
In a 2023 Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter), Ntale reiterated that her departure was a personal decision made at the appropriate time, clarifying, “I had nothing to recover from. The time came and I left, and I don’t regret my decision.”
Furthermore, despite past speculation regarding potential tensions with Swangz Avenue CEO Julius Kyazze, Ntale has consistently expressed respect for him, stating, “That’s one of my mentors. I learnt a lot from that man.”
Irene Ntale’s journey is characterized by reinvention and resilience. From her beginnings in school choirs to achieving national chart success, and from her time under a label to embracing full independence, she has forged a career on her own terms. Popular tracks such as “Gyobera,” “Love Letter” (featuring Bebe Cool), “Stay With Me,” “Olindaba,” and “Nkubukinze” continue to resonate with audiences years after their initial release.
While Swangz Avenue has continued its growth and success, Irene Ntale’s departure remains a significant and often discussed chapter in the label’s history.
