Phina Mugerwa

Josephine Mugerwa, also known as Phina Mugerwa and popularly referred to as Phina Masanyalaze, is a Ugandan singer and dancer widely recognized as "Uganda's Shakira."

Early Life and Education

Born in 1984 in Kawaala, a neighborhood of Kampala, Phina Mugerwa is the fourth of five children of Francis Kiwanuka and Annet Komugisha. She began her education at Namirembe Kindergarten and Namirembe Infants Primary School before proceeding to St. Andrew’s Kaggwa and Daniel Secondary School for her O-Level studies (UCE). She later attended Springfield College for her A-Levels (UACE).

Music Career

Mugerwa embarked on her music career in 2007 after completing her senior six. Radio presenter Kato Lubwama announced an audition for dancers to join his Diamonds Ensemble Band, attracting around 300 participants. Mugerwa was among the three selected, marking the start of her professional journey. She has gained fame for both her singing and dancing, with hit songs like Bampassudde and Gyobera cementing her place in Uganda’s music industry.