Veteran Ugandan singer Halima Namakula has come to Rema Namakula’s defence following criticism of the singer’s recent onstage performance with Rwandan star The Ben.
The discussion erupted after the two performers got physically close while singing their collaborative song, This Is Love, during a recent performance in Uganda.
A video from the show captured Rema and The Ben rubbing their bodies together as they danced, drawing mixed reactions from audiences and social media users.
While some fans praised their stage chemistry and energetic delivery, others questioned the nature of the interaction, particularly because Rema is married.
The criticism prompted Halima Namakula to weigh in, arguing that people should understand the difference between a performance and what happens in an artist’s private life.
In a comment on Instagram, Halima suggested that singers sometimes take on acting roles to bring the emotions and stories in their music to life.
“Singers we are also actresses, ebyo bisigala ku stage,” she partly wrote, meaning that such performances should remain on stage.
Halima further argued that the chemistry between Rema and The Ben should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a romantic relationship beyond their musical collaboration.
Her comments offer a different perspective on the debate, which has largely focused on whether the physical nature of the performance was appropriate.
For performers, stage presence often involves choreography, movement and dramatic expression designed to connect with an audience. However, the way artists choose to express themselves can also attract public scrutiny, especially when their performances involve close physical interaction.
Rema and The Ben’s This Is Love collaboration has therefore become a talking point beyond the music itself, with viewers debating where artistic expression ends and personal boundaries begin.
Halima, however, appears convinced that audiences should not read too much into what happens during a live show.