If you’ve been anywhere near a speaker in Uganda (or the internet) in the last few years, you’ve probably heard Tupaate. But what you might not know is the full story behind the woman behind the anthem—Pia Pounds, born Tracy Kirabo. She’s more than just a singer. She’s a fighter, a fashion icon, a businesswoman, and now, a global name.
Let’s break down her journey—with songs, facts, and a touch of realness.
1. Who is Pia Pounds?
Pia Pounds is a Ugandan singer-songwriter whose music blends electronic dance, Afrobeat, and RnB. She’s also a performer, actress, entrepreneur, and proud owner of a fashion label. She’s got her hands in a lot—but it all comes from the same creative fire.
2. What made her famous?
Her breakout track, Tupaate, didn’t just top local charts—it went viral and made its way to the Netflix show Young, Famous & African. That’s history right there—she’s the first Ugandan female artist to get featured on the show’s soundtrack.
“Sometimes I sit back and I’m like… wow, that little girl from Buziga made it to Netflix?” Pia said. “That’s the magic of believing in yourself and never stopping.”
3. When and where was Pia Pounds born?
She was born on 8 November 1996 to Joseph and Jessica Musitate in Gomba, Uganda. After her mother passed away when she was just 2, she was raised in Buziga by her aunt. Life wasn’t easy—but it shaped her.
“I didn’t have a silver spoon,” she said, “but I had a strong will—and that’s all I needed.”
4. What was her childhood like?
Life wasn’t easy growing up. She did all kinds of odd jobs to get by and raise school fees. Her hustle helped fund both her education and early music dreams. That hustle shows up in her lyrics, her work ethic, and her presence.
In a recent interview, she opened up about finally reconnecting with her father:
“I did not know my father growing up. He showed up in 2018. We were looking for each other and right now, I am just getting to know about him,” Pia Pounds.
“When I met my father after years of searching, I thought life would get better. I thought he would take care of me. Turns out he also needed care. He loves me and I am working to better his life and the lives of my siblings.” she added.
5. When did she start singing?
She first hit the scene at 14 years old, still in school, with Just the Way You Are featuring Ragga Dee. She paused music to finish her studies, then came back ready to shine.
6. When did her professional music career really begin?
Pia returned to the scene while in university, and things kicked off fast. In 2018, she signed with Eddy Kenzo’s Big Talent Entertainment and dropped tracks like Tubawe and Wawangula.
7. Why did she leave Big Talent?
Creative freedom. Pia chose not to renew her contract in 2019. She became independent, launched her own company (Pia Pounds Limited), and partnered with producer Kuseim.
8. What is the African Bureau of Music?
It’s a music platform Pia co-founded to amplify African talent. That’s where she released major singles like Tupaate and Bitimba.
9. What are her biggest songs?
- Tupaate—a viral anthem
- Tupaate RMX—featuring Eddy Kenzo and McAfrika, awarded Song of the Year by Trace Muzik
- Bitimba—a fan favorite
Her Tupaate EP even topped the Apple Music Top 100 Uganda (2023).
10. Has she won any awards?
Yep. Pia’s shelf is growing:
- Janzi Awards 2021 – Outstanding Song (Tupaate)
- Janzi Awards 2021 – Outstanding Video
- ASFA 2022/2023 – Most Stylish Female Artist
11. Is she into fashion?
Big time. Pia runs a fashion store called Fancy Fancier, located at Ivory Mall, Bunga (Shop F17). The shop is all about bold, stylish fits—and it reflects Pia’s personal taste.
“My fashion is just an extension of my music—bold, vibrant, and unapologetically African,” she shared.
12. Is Pia involved in football?
Surprisingly, yes. She’s been vocal about supporting the Uganda Premier League (UPL) and Uganda Cranes. She even hyped up the AFCON 2025 qualifiers, urging fans to back the boys ahead of the game against South Africa.
FUFA President Moses Magogo even praised her support publicly.
13. What message does Pia Pounds stand for?
Her story is a masterclass in resilience and self-belief. She turned pain into power, and dreams into headlines.
“Ugandan girls can do it all,” she said. “We sing, we design, we support football—and we make it global.”
14. What’s next for Pia?
With music, fashion, and business all thriving, the sky’s the limit. Whether it’s another Netflix placement, a new clothing line, or a stadium performance—we know one thing: Pia Pounds isn’t slowing down.
Lastly: Pia’s story proves that being your full self—loud, stylish, creative, and unapologetic—isn’t just cool. It’s powerful. And it might just take you from Buziga to Netflix.
