Ugandan music producer and Swangz Avenue co-founder Benon Mugumbya has opened up about the long-standing mystery surrounding Irene Ntale’s departure from the label, admitting the split left a deep mark on the team.
Ntale, one of Uganda’s most recognisable voices, parted ways with Swangz in January 2017 after four years with the label. Her decision surprised many at the time—and years on, it’s clear the pain of that exit still lingers behind the scenes.
Speaking on Galaxy TV’s Deep Talk with Mr Henrie, Benon said the departure was hard to process, not just because of Ntale’s talent, but because they never fully understood her reasons for walking away.
“I won’t lie, it hurt us so bad when Irene Ntale left us,” he said. “She is very talented—still one of the most talented Ugandan female artists. I think part of why it hurt was that her departure was unbelievable. If I tell you that I know why she left, I would be speculating. Even up to now, we have never had that conversation.”
Benon, who helped shape the early years of Ntale’s rise, was quick to add that he bears no bitterness, only a lingering sense of what might have been.
“But it is cool, and that is life,” he said. “I wish things played out differently because it is okay for people to leave; things change, plans change.”
For her part, Ntale has been forthright about her decision. Speaking last year, the Gyobera hitmaker said she had no regrets and believed she had done more as an independent artist than during her time at Swangz.
“I was ready to leave and I left,” she said. “No one ever leaves a good place without a reason.”
She also spoke candidly about the struggles she faced behind the scenes, hinting at deeper frustrations with the music industry itself.
“Nothing frustrates you like your music being everywhere yet you have no money in your pocket,” she told fans. “People think you are successful, but it’s just the music that’s everywhere.”
Despite walking away from label life, Ntale said she has found peace and autonomy in her new path.
“I don’t want a record label, no,” she said. “Many people have approached me, but no. God helped me and I built a small team that I work well with. I’m happy where I am.”
In 2023, during a Q&A session with fans on X, she again reiterated her stance: there was no fallout, no drama—just a personal decision made at the right time.
“I had nothing to recover from. The time came and I left, and I don’t regret my decision.”
And despite speculation over tensions with Swangz Avenue CEO Julius Kyazze, Ntale has only expressed respect.
“That’s one of my mentors,” she said. “I learnt a lot from that man.”
Ntale’s story is one of reinvention and resilience. From school choirs to national charts, and from label life to full independence, she’s carved a career on her own terms. Tracks like Gyobera, Love Letter (with Bebe Cool), Stay With Me, Olindaba and Nkubukinze still resonate, years after their release.
As for Swangz Avenue, it has continued to grow—yet Ntale’s departure remains one of the most talked-about chapters in its journey.
