Maurice Kirya stands as a prominent Ugandan artist renowned for his contributions to music and culture across East Africa. Born on November 4, 1984, in Jinja, he excels as a singer, songwriter, actor, humanitarian, and business owner with more than two decades in the industry.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Maurice Kirya |
| Date of Birth | November 4, 1984 |
| Place of Birth | Jinja, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| State of Origin | Central Region (Buganda Kingdom), Uganda |
| Partner | Divorced from Lisa Gceverbeek (Dutch); amicable co-parenting |
| Children | One daughter, Sienna |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter, actor, director, entrepreneur, humanitarian |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500K–$1.5M USD (music, film, businesses) |
Early Life and Education
Born November 4, 1984, in Jinja to Tonny Munobbi and Sophie Baguma (deceased 2015), Maurice grew up in Kampala’s Najjanakumbi amid frequent moves and economic struggles. He navigated six primary schools, Kabojja Preparatory School Mugwanya, Shimoni Educational School, D.K. Primary School Masajja, Najjanankumbi Seventh Day Adventist Church Primary School, Mirembe Primary School, and Nakivubo Blue Primary School (completed 1997).
Secondary years spanned St. Joseph’s Secondary School Ndeeba for O-Levels, Kampala Citizens College for A-Levels, and Maisha Film School for acting. A musical home shaped him early, with his mother leading family sing-alongs and brothers Alex (Saba Saba) and Elvis (Vampino) exposing him to hip-hop and club scenes.
Career
At 15 amid family hardships, Maurice Kirya won parental support for music by agreeing to school and funding half his fees through gigs. His 2000 album with Gil Martin skipped radio over beat issues, leading to street shows mixing song, rap, and dance with a guitar fixed using car wires.
Hits like “Stop” by Steve Jean, 2003’s “Beera Naabo,” and gigs backing Richard Kaweesa on tours followed. The 2005 “Binadamu” with AY dominated East Africa, earning Kora recognition and his first solo Kampala concert.
Kirya launched “Mwooyo” (Luganda for “soul”) that year, blending Afro-soul, R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and Ugandan folk in tracks like “Misubbaawa” and “Nze Ani,” pioneering a style that shaped modern local artists.
The 2009 Misubbaawa album sold globally via digital platforms, fueling tours in 35+ countries, from SXSW Texas and Paris jazz clubs to U.S. festivals with BBC, CNN, and RFI coverage. His 2011 concert topped Uganda’s live honors.
Releases span Misubbaawa (2009), The Book of Kirya (2012), Mwooyo (2015), Free Dreams (2017), Beyond Myself (2019), The Road to Kirya (2022), and hits like “Busaabala,” “To Love You,” “Njagala Gwe.”
After Maisha Film School, he acted in The Hostel S3, The Last King of Scotland (2006), Queen of Katwe (2016) as Theo, and The Girl in the Yellow Jumper (2020).
He directed shorts “Hold On” (2014), “Crippin” (2018), and music videos. “The Maurice Kirya Experience” hosts monthly live talent shows.
Kirya founded The Sound Cup Coffee (2013, now Uganda-Netherlands fair-trade), leads Piz & Pots for events like Kiryalive Festival, and runs Out In Uganda Tours.
Personal Life
Once wed to Dutch Lisa Gceverbeek, Maurice separated amicably around 2021 post-Netherlands move; they co-parent daughter Sienna effectively. He balances Uganda and Dutch bases, from a sibling-filled musical family, while advocating youth health, refugee aid via UNHCR, and wildlife as a WildAid envoy.
Net Worth
Maurice Kirya’s net worth is estimated to be between $500,000 and $1.5 million USD. His income is derived from multiple sources including music sales, concert performances, acting roles in international and local films, and entrepreneurial ventures such as The Sound Cup Coffee and Piz & Pots, a branding and events company.
Discography
Studio Albums
- Misubbaawa (2009)
- The Book of Kirya (2012)
- Mwooyo (2015)
- Free Dreams (2017)
- Beyond Myself (2019)
- The Road to Kirya (2022)
Notable Singles
- “Stop”
- “Beera Naabo” (2003)
- “Binadamu” (ft. AY, 2005)
- “Misubbaawa”
- “Mulembe Gwa Kirya”
- “Nze Ani”
- “Busaabala”
- “To Love You”
- “Njagala Gwe”
- “Village Girl” (ft. Valerie Kimani)
- “Teach Me” (ft. Praiz, 2024)
- “Stronger” (2024)
Filmography
Films
- The Last King of Scotland (2006)
- Sins of the Parents (2008)
- The Painter (2009)
- Queen of Katwe (2016)
- The Girl in the Yellow Jumper (2020)
Television
- The Hostel (Season 3)
Music Videos Directed
- “Sejjiga,” “Akasolo,” “Crippin”
- Projects for Lillian Mbabazi, U.S. Embassy
Awards and Nominations
Music Awards (Won)
- RFI Discoveries Award (2010) – Best New African Artist
- Eworld Music Awards (2011) – Best Indie and World Music Artist
- Pearl of African Music Awards (2007) – Best R&B
- Museke Music Awards (New York)
Music Nominations
- Kora Award (“Binadamu”)
- KISIMA Awards (2005)
- Channel O Music Video Awards (2012)
- Multiple PAM Awards
Film Awards
- Uganda Film Festival – Best Supporting Actor nominee (The Girl in the Yellow Jumper)
Other Honors
- WildAid Ambassador
- Sauti za Busara top live act
- Tribe One Festival performer
