Jonathan: The voice Uganda may be sleeping on

What the report says

Sqoop Uganda profiles Jonathan Sedrak Kigula, a Ugandan vocalist and recording artist whose unusual vocal range and gospel-and-soul roots have earned him attention and nicknames such as “the Diva” and “De Voice.” The piece presents him as an artist who wants to be known for more than technical ability, saying he sees music as a calling meant to express emotion, tell stories and affect listeners.

The article says Jonathan grew up in Komamboga, Kampala, in a Christian home under the care of his grandparents, where gospel music shaped his early interest in singing. He describes his style as a blend of Western and African influences, and says he works across gospel, blues, soul, R&B, jazz and classical music. Sqoop Uganda notes that his career is also informed by his work as a journalist and researcher.

Jonathan says his vocal identity is largely natural and that he prefers to develop his own sound rather than imitate other singers. The story also highlights his influences, which include Ugandan figures such as Philly Bongoley Lutaaya, Elly Wamala, Jimmy Katumba, Juliana Kanyomozi and Irene Namubiru, alongside international artists like Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Celine Dion.

The feature says much of his songwriting comes from real-life experiences. It points to “Nankinga” as a tribute to his parents and “Imelda” as a deeply personal song written during a painful period. Overall, the profile frames Jonathan as a young artist trying to build a distinctive place in Uganda’s music scene through range, authenticity and emotionally grounded songs.