Who is Mesach Semakula? Flash Uganda Media looks at his biography, age, wife, family, tribe, achievements, Papaz Spot & Restaurant, and relationship with the late Fredrick Ssewalu and Mariam Nalubega, Sarah Nakayi, the early life and education of a Ugandan singer, songwriter, businessman and farmer.
Mesach Semakula is a Ugandan singer, songwriter, businessman and farmer.
He is famous for his Afro-pop music genre and several hit songs.
Semakula is the owner of Kann Records Studio, which he runs with Gospel artiste Travis Kazibwe a.k.a. Dr. Tee from Uganda.
Mesach is also acknowledged for being a devoted follower of God, which has impacted both his personal and professional lives.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Mesach Semakula has an estimated net worth of $580,000 and is considered one of the top ten richest musicians in Uganda.
He has constructed three houses: the first in Buwaate, Kira; the second in Namasuba; and the third in Buziga.
Early Life
Mesach Semakula was born in 1976 to the late Fredrick Ssewalu and Mariam Nalubega of Buwaate Village, Wakiso District in Uganda.
In his early years, however, Semakulu never involved himself in the music business since he saw it as a girlish activity.
Later, in his Senior Two, he became interested after witnessing the late Umar Katumba receive recognition as a wonderful artist.
He then decided to leave school since his father had stopped paying his school fees and even chased him away from home.
Being homeless and living on the streets, Semakula slept at Happyland Theatre in Kibuye for a long time although no one knew since he would sneak in at night and leave very early in the morning.
He also slept at Bat Valley Theatre for six months without anyone’s knowledge.
Education Background
Mesach Semakula attended Kira Primary School before enrolling at Wankulukuku Primary School to finish his primary studies.
He then proceeded to Kampala Secondary School and later to Kololo High School for his Secondary Level of Education.
He then changed his mind based on the circumstances and decided to proceed with his music career.
Marriage / Relationship
Mesach Semakula got married to his wife Sarah Nakayi on 14 February 2011.
They have children together.
Semakula sang Kulika Baby, a song that he dedicated to his wife after going through a near-death experience during pregnancy.
Music Career and Professional Work Experience
Mesach Semakula started the chase for music in 1993 where he had his first trip to Kampala purposely to meet Umaru Katumba who was a great artist of the time.
Katumba had invited young, gifted performers to an audition for young people to fill a company he was starting called Emitone. At the auditions, he met Geoffrey Lutaya, Fred Seruga, the late Fred Miso and Grace Sekamatte.
He made it to the top 100 out of 1400 contestants before he was kicked out of the competition since the judges were not only looking for good vocalists but also dancers and dramatists.
Grace Sekamatte and Geoffrey Lutaaya ended up winning among the final 30 candidates.
During the tryouts, Mesach grew close to Geoffrey Lutaaya, and after chasing him from the competitions, they formed their first band, Gibros (Geoffrey Brothers and Sisters).
Later, in 1996, they switched to Kato Lubwama’s Diamond Productions, where Mariam Ndagire was also introduced to them. While here, they were sacked abruptly after telling them that the situation could not favour them.
After they went bankrupt, Geoffrey Lutaaya sold his omnibus to raise money for the new instruments for the band. However, the funds raised were insufficient, which caused them to disappear from view for almost a year.
They returned in 1999, this time with Eagles Production, a new band that remained loyal to well-known acts.
Mesach recorded his debut album Ntomedde at Namulondo Studios in Bweyogerere; however, HK Music Recorders Sounds later purchased it for Shs700,000.
The singer made more money after releasing Silika Nkulojere and Sembera, which could be purchased for Shs2.5M and Shs3M, respectively.
His breakout hit, Tukwegomba Bangi, was one of the tracks that helped Eagles Production Band establish their presence on the radio in 2003.
Due to the song’s widespread adoration, Lusini Enterprises purchased it for Shs13M. Mesach used some of that cash to open Kann Records, a record store in Old Taxi Park that sold cassettes.
Other Career accomplishments
Mesach Semakula also doubles as a farmer and entrepreneur in real estate.
Papaz Spot & Restaurant: Where Music Meets the Plate
Tucked away in the Kampala suburb of Makindye, Papaz Spot & Restaurant has quietly grown into one of the city’s favourite evening hangouts. It opened its doors about five years ago and has since become known for more than just food — it’s also a hub for live music lovers.
The spot is owned by veteran Ugandan musician Mesach Semakula, who not only manages the place but also takes the stage himself. On Mondays, the venue comes alive with live band performances, often headlined by Semakula and a rotating cast of local talent.
From birthday celebrations to open mic nights, Papaz Spot offers a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere where music, food, and community come together. Regulars say it’s more than a restaurant — it’s a place where stories are shared, and songs are born.
Mesach Semakula songs
Albums
- Baana Bange – 2015
- Maama Nzize – 2015
- Bampayiriza – 2015
- Let Them Play – 2015
- Laba Laba – 2015, EP.
- Happy New Year – 2015, EP
Singles
- Onkuba
- Tusonyiwe COVID-19 Corona Prayer
- Essanyu Lya Buganda
- Wampangula
- Am Losing You
- Jege Jege
- Jendaga Ndabayo
- Kyonkumira / Akaffe Kye
- Let The Children Play
- Love Kitone
- Mwenyango (Kabaka Tribute)
- Nakola Bubi
- Namukadiiya
- Teri Zimala
- Ffirimbi
- Jangu Eno
- Ekyeeyo
- I Do
- HIV Aids
- Oseka ki
- Bentah
- Lwaki Wanimba
- Tulaba Bingi
- Ntongo
- Taliiyo
- Namiroo
- Vva Ku Bantu
- Jendaga Ndabayo
- Nakazaana
- Ntendeka
- Kankuwe Omutima
- Mummy nzize
- Bwagamba
- Kankutendereze
- Bamuyita Maama
- Onsulirira Nyo
- Nkulinakao Love
- Kyalimpa
- Jangu Eno
- So Pretty
- Nyimbire Omutanda
- Namakula
- Abakazi Abaguma
- Sigwe Ansiimira
- Tukwegomba Bangi
- Size Yange
- Nakulwala
- Omwana Wa Muteesa
- Bwagamba
- Tewekyawa
- Omusumba Omulungi
- Ekyeeyo
- Muzibeewo
- Yesimye
- Abaagizi Bange
- Singa
- First Aid
- Embeera Bwekyka
- Nkugambe Ki
- Totya Bigambo
- Eddembe Mumaka
- Abantu Bekengere
- Kabirinage
Collaborations
- Semakokiro ft Ronald Mayinja X All-Stars.
- Binyuma ft Disan Kasasa
- Ntijisako ft Jackie Chandiru
- Time featuring Dr Jose Chameleone
- Vitamin ft Chocolate Nankya
Concerts
- 2018 – Bwagamba Experience Launch
- 2017 – My Journey, Totya Bigambo concert.
- 2015 – Omwana Wa Muteesa concert.
- 2008 – Nyimbire Omutanda Concert.
Achievements and Awards
Mesach Semakula has long been a key figure in promoting Ugandan music in the nation.
He has received several awards in the wake of this including the PAM Awards in 2004 as the Best Male Artist of the Year and two more awards in 2005 as the Best Live Single (Sigwe Onsimila) and Artist of the Year.
He also won the Star of Africa Award in Cape Town, South Africa for the Kulika Baby Song.
Mesach Semakula was on the 64th birthday of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II given the title of ‘Sir’. He was honoured with a certificate which was signed by the Kabaka himself thanking him for his outstanding efforts towards the Kingdom of Buganda.
He has for long been pivotal in fronting Buganda on several events he attends.
He is one of the great musicians who have over time portrayed affection for the Buganda Kingdom and also singing freely most notably performing at the annual ‘Enkuuka’ event.
Mesach Semakula has written songs such as Njagala Nyimbire Omutanda, Omwana Wa Muteesa, Njagala Kukutegeza and others which were about the Buganda Kingdom.
Controversies
Due to health issues, Mesach Semakula resigned from Golden Band production, according to a letter dated April 21 2022, from Lukwago and Company advocates.
Catherine Kusasira, a member and director of Golden Band blasted Mesach saying he was leaving them a rotten band.
Mesach declined to provide any more information on the subject, stating that the public should rely on the information in his formal statement.
Mesach also reportedly gave up his shares.
