From housemaid to star: Maureen Nantume recounts her humble journey into music

• Maureen Nantume began her journey as a housemaid in Najjanankumbi.

• Her boss introduced her to Eagles Production after hearing her sing.

• She became one of Uganda’s top female artists before going solo.

Veteran band singer Maureen Nantume has opened up about her remarkable rise from a humble housemaid to one of Uganda’s celebrated female vocalists. The Nkuze hitmaker shared her inspiring story of determination, talent, and the kindness that set her on the path to stardom.

“I once worked as a housemaid doing all the chores that a maid does — washing utensils, mopping, washing clothes, cooking, everything,” Nantume narrated. “However, I always loved to sing, and my boss would often hear me singing while I worked.”

According to Nantume, her breakthrough came unexpectedly when her boss attended the Enkuka Y’Omwaka event at Lubiri, where Eagles Production band announced they were looking for new singers.

“When my boss came back from the event, he told me about it and promised to find their offices,” she recalled. “He found them in Makindye — and luckily, we lived nearby in Najjanankumbi. So I auditioned, and they shortlisted me. The rest is history.”

Nantume expressed deep gratitude to her former employer, saying he was instrumental in her music journey.

“My boss really wished me well, and even up to now, we are still very good friends,” she said.

Maureen Nantume went on to become one of the leading female artists in Uganda during the late 2000s and early 2010s under Eagles Production. She later pursued a solo career but maintains cordial relations with her former bandmates. The group eventually disbanded, giving rise to new bands such as Golden Band and New Eagles.