about the
Emperor
Legendary Background
Emperor Orlandoh was born in September 1974 to a humble, God-fearing family. He grew up with his siblings in a home that valued faith and church life. Attending Sunday church was a must for the family, and Orlandoh loved participating in the choir. He enjoyed wearing his new clothes to church, a contrast to his childhood friends who only got new outfits on Christmas.
Orlandoh attended primary school at Nabingo St. Joseph’s, St. Anne’s Kabowa, and St. Anne’s Lutengo in Mukono, where he was a boarding student. His secondary education took place at St. Charles Lwanga – Kasasa, and St. Maria Goretti – Katende, before completing his senior six at Progressive Senior Secondary School. Though he enrolled for a Bachelor of Laws Degree, he was unable to complete it due to various challenges.
Music Career: Orlandoh’s passion for music started in school, where he sang in the choir. His interest in rapping began during his secondary school years. A defining moment came when he performed at a senior four class leavers’ party while still in senior two. His performance impressed legendary Ugandan DJ, DJ Rota, who was a key figure at the event.
After completing his studies, Orlandoh fully committed to music. His early albums, including Kyana, Mbalabasa, Kyambe, Omukyala, Tomukoba, and Glass Etangaala, gained popularity at a time when Congolese and Jamaican music dominated Uganda’s music scene. His unique style of ragga music stood out.
At Club Silk, a popular nightspot in Kampala, Orlandoh met a fellow musician who would later become his partner in the music duo “Orlandoh and Menton Summer.” Together, they teamed up with Deluxe Disco and legendary DJ Rasta Rob, performing at various events across Uganda, including prestigious schools such as Namagunga, Namilyango, and Lubiri SS.
Radio Career: In addition to music, Orlandoh also had a successful career as a radio DJ, hosting drive-time shows on Radio Sanyu, Star FM, Suubi FM, and Dembe FM. He became a well-known radio personality, loved by his fans.
Key Albums: In 2000, Orlandoh released the album Kagutema and played a major role in organizing the Millenium Concert, a historic event that brought together musicians to perform a collective song. In 2003, he released the Nakonkona album under Fat Drums Entertainment, which became a major hit in Uganda. His 2005 album, Ffa Kumudaala Gwo, launched at Hotel Equatorial, included the popular song Maama Wange, featuring Dr. Jose Chameleone. At the launch, Tycoon Mike Ezra bought the album for US$10,000 in a surprise auction.
Orlandoh continued to release successful albums, collaborating with artists like Tanzania’s Saida Karoli, and creating hits such as Ssinsonga and Sonyiwa.
International Success: Emperor Orlandoh’s talent has earned him international recognition. He has performed alongside global stars such as Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Lucky Dube. His international performances include concerts in England, the USA, Denmark, Rwanda, and Canada, where he recently hosted “The Orlandoh Experience 2024” on May 18.
Milestone Achievements: On September 9, 2024, Orlandoh celebrated his 50th birthday, marking a major milestone in his life and career. He continues to work on new music, with plans to release a new album before the Orlandoh @50 Musical Experience in Toronto, Canada, on May 17, 2025.
Personal Reflections: Orlandoh expresses gratitude for the support of his fans and the opportunities he has had throughout his career. He thanks God for the gift of life, wisdom, and success. Looking to the future, Orlandoh is excited to continue sharing his music with the world and working with talented producers to create new projects.
Emperor Orlando