Iryn Namubiru’s life has been one of dazzling highs and devastating lows, but what we didn’t know until now is just how deep the wounds of betrayal, deceit, and broken family ties have scarred her.
On the latest episode of Tusker Malt Conversessions, the celebrated songstress took us on a raw and emotional journey, peeling back layers of her past to reveal a story that is both heartbreaking and eye-opening.
The highlight of her Conversessions was undoubtedly her confession about severing ties with her family, most notably her mother. In a moment that stunned viewers, Iryn revealed, “I have not spoken with my mother in eleven years.”
This revelation set the tone for a deep dive into how her world unraveled following the infamous 2013 Japan incident, where she was arrested at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport after drugs were discovered in her luggage.
During her Conversessions, Iryn disclosed that her then-manager, Tedius, was later revealed to be the mastermind behind the setup. She recounted how she fired him upon discovering his betrayal, but this was just the beginning of an even bigger heartbreak; her mother’s reaction. Rather than standing by her daughter’s side, Namubiru says her mother’s behaviour raised suspicion.
According to the singer, her mother was at first indifferent then became overly defensive before even being confronted, acting like a guilty party. It was through phone recordings and further investigations that Iryn came to terms with a devastating reality about her own mother.
She assured viewers that she has documented everything in a manuscript, which she has chosen not to publish just yet. However, she hinted at a future revelation, stating that should anything happen to her, she will instruct the release of the recordings and written accounts of everything she has endured.
Beyond her family turmoil, Iryn also opened up about why she stepped away from music. “I have been dead (figuratively) for over eleven years now,” she admitted. The weight of betrayal and public scrutiny drained her passion and morale.
“People you count on, people you trust, people you think are your everything—your heroes—can end up being the same people who destroy you, who really kill you,” she reflected. “People say words don’t kill, but words do kill, especially in a society like ours where you cannot talk about certain things.”
But Namubiru has not been sitting idly by. She revealed that she has been tracking online comments, saving the insults and conspiracies against her, even going as far as tracing IP addresses to uncover who has been behind the targeted attacks. The revelations, she said, have been shocking, but she continues to archive her findings, waiting for the right moment for the truth to come to light.
Her trials did not end with the betrayal and industry politics. She also recounted her near-death experience during the tragic 2018 Lake Victoria boat accident. That day, she recalled, all signs pointed to her staying home, but she ignored them and went along with a friend’s invitation.
“I heard a voice saying, ‘You will reach, don’t panic, don’t scream, you won’t die.’ If this is not God, then I don’t know,” she said, reflecting on the miraculous escape that solidified her faith.
Speaking about the vision behind the season, Elizabeth Mutamuliza, Head of Beer, UBL shared that the brand continues to celebrate the depth and authenticity of Ugandan music through the Conversessions.
“Tusker Malt has always been about celebrating true craftsmanship, and Conversessions is an extension of that. With Season 3, we wanted to go beyond the music and explore the depth of artistry, the sacrifices, the passion, and the real stories behind the craft. The fans get to see the journey, the heart, and the soul that goes into making great music.”
Despite the pain and struggles, Tusker Malt Conversessions proved that Iryn Namubiru’s voice remains as angelic and powerful as ever. She closed the episode with a stunning performance of Tebiba Bingi. She sang a total of six songs, each a nostalgic reminder of her talent and legacy: Nkwagala Nyoo, Nkuweki, Nsonyiwa, Birowoozo, and Kabi Ki.
As Tusker Malt Conversessions continues to unfold, audiences can expect more breathtaking performances and eye-opening conversations from Uganda’s most iconic musicians. Stay tuned for what’s next!
