Gloria Bugie Puts Herself at No. 1 in Bold 2026 Artist Ranking
When most artists are asked to name their favorite musicians, they usually start by praising industry legends, chart-toppers, or global superstars.
Gloria Bugie had a different answer.
The fast-rising singer recently revealed her top five favorite artists of 2026 so far—and she didn’t waste a second before putting herself at the very top of the list.
The confident declaration instantly caught attention, sparking conversations among fans and music lovers who weren’t expecting the singer to rank herself ahead of some of the hottest names currently dominating playlists across Africa.
And that was only the beginning.
Gloria Bugie Didn’t Hesitate
During a quick interview with MC Casmir, Gloria Bugie was challenged to reveal the artists she has enjoyed listening to most this year.
Some celebrities take time to think through their answers.
Not Gloria.
Without hesitation, she confidently announced her first choice.
“Number 1 is Gloria Bugie. Number 2 is Vyroota,” she stated.
Just like that, she placed herself ahead of every other artist in her rotation.
The response immediately stood out—not just because she picked herself, but because of how naturally and confidently she delivered it.
For many artists, self-belief is essential.
For Gloria Bugie, it appears to be non-negotiable.
But that’s not even the most interesting part.
The rest of her list offered a fascinating glimpse into the music currently inspiring one of Uganda’s most talked-about female artists.
Vyroota Earns the No. 2 Spot
Coming in second was Vyroota, one of the country’s hottest artists at the moment.
The choice is hardly surprising.
The singer has enjoyed an impressive run in recent months, thanks largely to the success of “Toma,” his collaboration with producer and artist Nessim.
The track has become one of the most discussed songs in Uganda, attracting significant attention from music fans and industry observers alike.
By ranking Vyroota second, Gloria signaled her appreciation for an artist whose momentum continues to grow.
And judging by the impact of “Toma,” many fans would likely agree with her assessment.
Joshua Baraka Continues His Rise
The third position on Gloria’s list went to Joshua Baraka.
The young singer-songwriter has steadily become one of the standout names in Uganda’s new generation of artists.
Known for his versatility and ability to connect with younger audiences, Joshua’s profile has continued to rise both locally and beyond Uganda’s borders.
His inclusion among Gloria’s top artists reflects the growing respect he commands within the industry.
And then things got really interesting.
Rather than filling the remaining slots with more Ugandan artists, Gloria expanded her list beyond national borders.
Tyla Makes the Cut
For her fourth pick, Gloria turned her attention to South Africa.
The singer selected Tyla, one of the continent’s biggest breakout stars.
According to Gloria, Tyla’s latest song, “Chanel,” has become one of the tracks she keeps returning to.
The South African sensation has continued to attract international attention through her distinctive sound and growing global appeal.
Her inclusion highlights the influence African artists increasingly have across the continent, with music fans embracing songs regardless of nationality.
It’s a reminder that today’s playlists are more global than ever.
Nigerian Star FOLA Rounds Out the List
The final spot went to Nigerian artist FOLA.
The singer first captured widespread attention following the release of “Ginger Me,” featuring Bella Shmurda.
Since then, FOLA has continued building his profile among Afrobeats fans, earning recognition for his smooth vocals and distinctive style.
For Gloria Bugie, his music has clearly made enough of an impression to secure a place among her favorite artists of the year.
While some fans may have expected bigger household names to appear on the list, Gloria’s choices reflected her personal listening habits rather than popularity contests.
Fans Immediately Reacted
As clips from the interview began circulating online, one particular moment grabbed attention.
Not Vyroota.
Not Tyla.
Not Joshua Baraka.
It was Gloria naming herself number one.
Fans immediately noticed the confidence behind her answer.
The internet had thoughts, and they were not holding back.
Some praised her self-belief, arguing that artists should be their own biggest supporters.
Others found the moment amusing, joking that nobody can promote Gloria Bugie better than Gloria Bugie herself.
Within hours, the ranking had become a talking point among music fans discussing who truly deserves the title of Uganda’s standout artist in 2026.
Confidence Has Always Been Part of the Brand
Beyond the viral reactions, Gloria’s answer speaks to something bigger.
Success in the music industry often requires an enormous amount of confidence.
Artists face criticism, comparisons, and constant competition.
Believing in your own talent is often what helps performers push through those challenges.
By placing herself first, Gloria wasn’t necessarily dismissing other artists.
Instead, she appeared to be expressing confidence in her own work and journey.
And honestly, it would be strange for an artist not to believe in their own music.
The Twist Everyone Is Talking About
The most surprising part of Gloria Bugie’s ranking wasn’t who made the list.
It was who topped it.
While fans expected her to shout out another superstar, she looked straight ahead and crowned herself the artist she’s enjoyed most in 2026.
That’s either elite confidence—or the most honest answer an artist can give.
One thing’s for sure: Gloria Bugie isn’t waiting for anyone else to hand her flowers. The real question is—if you were making a Top 5 list right now, would she make the cut?