Traditional Musician Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa Nominated for Hollywood Music Awards, 2025

Ugandan traditional music artist Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa has earned a nomination at the prestigious 2025 Hollywood Independent Music Awards (HIMA), marking a major milestone for the local music industry.

Aligaweesa’s song “Stress”, which blends the soulful cadence of kadongo kamu with rich, cultural storytelling, has been shortlisted in the World Music category of the annual awards, scheduled to take place on July 30, 2025, at the Avalon in Hollywood, California.

The nomination was announced as part of the HIMA’s official 2025 shortlist, which recognises outstanding achievements by independent musicians across the globe.
Speaking shortly after the news broke, representatives of Aligaweesa hailed the nomination as a victory not just for the artist, but for Uganda’s traditional music heritage.

“This is a proud moment for Uganda. Jjumba has carried our culture through music for years, and this nomination shows that the world is finally listening,” said one of his managers.

Jjumba Lubowa Aligaweesa has for decades been a prominent figure in Uganda’s traditional music scene, known for his poetic lyrics, cultural themes, and signature storytelling style. Songs such as “Esawa Yokufa”, “Omuzadde Nomusomesa” and now “Stress” have earned him a loyal following both at home and in the diaspora.

The nominated song “Stress” speaks to the struggles of everyday life, delivered with raw emotion and authenticity—a hallmark of Jjumba’s work.
Music critics say the song’s originality and heartfelt message may have helped it stand out among thousands of international entries.

The Hollywood Independent Music Awards are among the leading platforms recognising independent and emerging talent worldwide. Past editions have spotlighted artists from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and now, East Africa.

Aligaweesa will be among the nominees attending the award ceremony, which also features live performances and industry networking.

The singer is expected to use the opportunity to showcase Uganda’s traditional music to a wider international audience.
As the countdown to the July 30 awards continues, the nomination has sparked excitement among fans and local industry players alike, many of whom are rallying support behind Aligaweesa.
The singer’s management has also encouraged fans to stream the song “Stress” on platforms such as YouTube and digital music services to raise its global profile ahead of the ceremony.

ABOUT HIMA:

The Hollywood Independent Music Awards celebrate excellence among independent artists across genres including pop, hip-hop, world, folk, and electronic music. The 2025 edition will be held in Los Angeles, bringing together artists from across the globe.