{{Short description|Ugandan musician, and guitarist (born 1992)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}} {{Infobox social media personality | name = Bruno K | image = | alt = | caption = | birth_name = Bruno Kiggundu | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1992|7|21|df=y}} | birth_place = Namulonge,Wakiso, Uganda<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K on why every man would want Sheila Nduhukire |url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle-entertainment/bruno-k-on-why-every-man-would-want-sheila-nduhukire/ |access-date=24 July 2025 |website=Observer |date=13 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref> | education = {{ubl|Ndejje University|(Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)|Kampala German Language School|(German B2 Course)}} | citizenship = Uganda | occupation = {{hlist|Musician|vocalist|guitarist|actor|influencer}} | youtube_handle = brunokug | youtube_display_name = Bruno K | youtube_years_active = 2010–present | youtube_genre = RnB, Reagea | youtube_subscribers = 48.1K | youtube_views = 3.4 million | tiktok_handle = brunokug | tiktok_display_name = BRUNO K | tiktok_years_active = | tiktok_genre = | tiktok_followers = 1.3 million | stats_update = 24 July 2025 }} '''Bruno Kiggundu''' (born 21 July 1992), professionally known as '''Bruno K''', is a Ugandan musician, guitarist, actor and social advocate.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/entertainment/who-is-funding-bruno-ks-luxury-life-NV_188738 |title=Who is Funding Bruno K's Luxury Life?. |access-date=24 July 2025 |website=New Vision |date=24 May 2024 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202504/four-one-one/bruno-k-finally-gets-justice-after-four-year-battle.html |title=Bruno K finally gets justice after four-year battle |access-date=24 July 2025 |website=SQOOP |date=2 April 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Katwesigye |first=Christian Samuel |date=2021-08-08 |title=Black Market Records wants to steal my song, Bruno K cries out |url=https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/showbiz/20210808/118843/black-market-records-wants-to-steal-my-song-bruno-k-cries-out.html |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Watchdog Uganda |language=en-GB}}</ref>
He rose to prominence after finishing second in the Airtel Trace Music Stars competition and later released singles such as ''Faridah'', ''One for the Road,'' and ''Omuwala''. Bruno is recognized for his vocals, guitar-playing skills, and lyrical storytelling, often inspired by personal experiences.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Bruno K on why every man would want Sheila Nduhukire |url=https://observer.ug/lifestyle-entertainment/bruno-k-on-why-every-man-would-want-sheila-nduhukire/ |access-date=24 July 2025 |website=Observer |date=13 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K on why he dumped his Amooti-inspired stage name {{!}} Pulse Uganda |url=https://www.pulse.ug/articles/entertainment/celebrities/bruno-k-on-why-he-dumped-his-amooti-inspired-stage-name-2024073109113613611 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.pulse.ug |language=en}}</ref>
==Early life and education== Bruno K was born on July 21, 1992, to Donovan Kiggundu (father) and Cissy Kasozi (mother) in Namulonge, Wakiso District, Uganda. He is the second of three children and the only boy. He attended Kitante Primary School and Kazinga Parents School for his primary education before joining Seroma Christian High School and later St. Joseph's Senior Secondary School Naggalama for his O-level and A-level education respectively. He later pursued a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication at Ndejje University, where his music journey began.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Covid-19 is worse than we thought! Singer Bruno K narrates ordeal after battling and defeating the deadly virus |url=https://pmldaily.com/features/celebrity/2020/12/covid-19-is-worse-than-we-thought-singer-bruno-k-narrates-ordeal-after-battling-and-defeating-the-deadly-virus.html |access-date=24 July 2025 |website=PMLDAILY |date=25 December 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
==Career== ===Music=== Throughout his school years, Bruno participated in school music, dance, and drama activities. He began his professional music career in university after forming the Pearl Music band with four friends. He was later discovered by MC Kats while performing at Centenary Park, who encouraged him to join the Airtel Trace Music Stars competition. Bruno finished as the runner-up in the Ugandan edition, which marked the start of his professional journey.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K on why he dumped his Amooti-inspired stage name {{!}} Pulse Uganda |url=https://www.pulse.ug/articles/entertainment/celebrities/bruno-k-on-why-he-dumped-his-amooti-inspired-stage-name-2024073109113613611 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.pulse.ug |language=en}}</ref>
In 2015, Bruno released his first major single, "Where You Been At," followed by a series of hits including "One for the Road," "Faridah," "Omuwala," and "Leero Mbaga."His guitar skills and emotive delivery contributed to his visibility in Uganda’s music scene. In 2020, he signed with Black Market Records, but the partnership soured over contractual disputes, leading to a legal battle.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-01-23 |title=Court stops US record company from interfering with Bruno K's songs |url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/court-stops-us-record-company-from-interfering-with-bruno-k-s-songs-4500488 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Monitor |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=bigeyeadmin5 |date=2025-04-02 |title=Bruno K Wins Court Case Against Black Market Records, Awarded UGX 130 Million |url=https://bigeye.ug/bruno-k-wins-court-case-against-black-market-records-awarded-ugx-130-million/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=BigEye.UG |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruby |first=Josh |date=2020-05-13 |title=Bruno K signs deal with USA-based Black Market Records |url=https://mbu.ug/2020/05/13/bruno-k-signs-deal-with-usa-based-black-market-records/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=MBU |language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2025, the Ugandan High Court awarded him UGX 130 million in damages after ruling that the label had infringed on his copyright and withheld royalties.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Independent |first=The |date=2024-01-24 |title=Court stops US music record firm from interfering with Bruno K's songs |url=https://www.independent.co.ug/court-stops-us-music-record-firm-from-interfering-with-bruno-ks-songs/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=The Independent Uganda |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Byamukama |first=Fred |date=3 April 2025 |title=Fans Celebrate Bruno K's Court Victory against Black Market Records |url=https://sanyufm.com/fans-celebrate-bruno-ks-court-victory-against-black-market-records/ |access-date=25 July 2025 |website=Sanyu Fm}}</ref>
He has since joined Source Management under the mentorship of Manager Roger, aiming to revive and further his musical career. He continues to release music and has announced plans for a reggae EP and new collaborations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gloria |date=2025-04-29 |title=Bruno K announces Manager Roger as his new music manager |url=https://exclusive.co.ug/bruno-k-manager-roger-his-new-manager/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Exclusive Bizz |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ivan |first=Bwetunge |date=2025-04-30 |title=Bruno K Announces New Management Deal with Source Management's Lubega Roger |url=https://lifestyleuganda.com/bruno-k-signs-with-source-management-boss-lubega-roger-after-legal-with-former-label/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Lifestyle Uganda |language=en-GB}}</ref>
'''Acting'''
In 2023, Bruno expanded into acting with a role in the popular Ugandan TV series ''Junior Drama Club'' produced by Allan Manzi and Nisha Kalema.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ruby |first=Josh |date=2023-08-07 |title=Bruno K Announces Dream Come True with JDC Acting Role |url=https://mbu.ug/2023/08/07/bruno-k-launches-acting-career-with-jdc/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=MBU |language=en-US}}</ref> He expressed optimism about growing his fan base and diversifying his income through acting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=NewVision |date=2023-08-08 |title=Singer Bruno K takes on acting role |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/entertainment/singer-bruno-k-takes-on-acting-role-NV_167059 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=New Vision}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K's past follows him in new Pearl Magic acting role {{!}} Pulse Uganda |url=https://www.pulse.ug/articles/lifestyle/bruno-ks-past-follows-him-in-new-pearl-magic-acting-role-2024073110300433225 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.pulse.ug |language=en}}</ref>
==Musical style and influences== Bruno K's music is a blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, often accompanied by acoustic guitar. His lyrics focus on love, heartbreak, social commentary, and personal experiences. He cites his Christian faith and personal struggles as key inspirations behind his music.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-05-13 |title=Pulse MCM: Meet Bruno K, the Much Appreciated Acoustic and Fashionable Adonis |url=https://pulse.mtn.co.ug/pulse-mcm-meet-bruno-k-the-much-appreciated-acoustic-and-fashionable-adonis/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=MTN Pulse |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K Songs, 2025 Music, Videos, Albums & Lyrics |url=https://pearltunes.com/BrunoK |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=PearlTunes |language=en}}</ref>
==Personal life== Bruno K is a born-again Christian. He embraced Christianity during a difficult period in his life, marked by emotional distress following a failed relationship. He regularly attends Phaneroo Fellowship and attributes his spiritual healing to Apostle Grace Lubega.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benjie |date=2025-06-30 |title=Healing From A Heartbreak: Bruno K finds solace in faith, not love |url=https://mbu.ug/2025/06/30/bruno-k-struggles-healing-heartbreak/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=MBU |language=en-US}}</ref>
He is a father to three children. His daughter, Briella, was born to his partner, Racheal Nasasira, who died of skin cancer in 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |title=DNA Result Confirms Bruno K As Biological Father of Vanessa's Son Seth Kiggundu – Howwe.ug |url=https://www.howwe.ug/news/showbiz/35484/dna-result-confirms-bruno-k-as-biological-father-of-vanessas-son-seth-kiggundu/amp |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=www.howwe.ug}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Apolot |first=Catherine |date=2021-12-08 |title=PHOTO: Here is Bruno K's baby mama who passed on |url=https://www.watchdoguganda.com/entertainment/20211208/126307/photo-here-is-bruno-ks-baby-mama-who-passed-on.html |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Watchdog Uganda |language=en-GB}}</ref> Bruno faced public scrutiny over her death but denied allegations of neglect, clarifying that her family was well-off and had provided adequate medical care.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=NewVision |date=2021-12-09 |title=Crocodile tears: Bruno K trashed for 'milking' baby mama's death |url=https://www.newvision.co.ug/category/entertainment/crocodile-tears-bruno-k-trashed-for-milking-b-NV_121960 |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=New Vision}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nabunjo |first=Aidah |date=2022-02-03 |title=Bruno K: Losing My Baby Mama Was One Of The Most Trying Moments I've Ever Experienced |url=https://www.rxradio.ug/post/bruno-k-losing-my-baby-mama-was-one-of-the-most-trying-moments-i-ve-ever-experienced |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=RX Radio |language=en}}</ref>
Bruno has been candid about his past struggles, including surviving COVID-19, dealing with abusive relationships, and overcoming career setbacks. He has used his platform to speak out on men's rights, emotional abuse, and mental health.<ref>{{Cite web |title=I BEAT COVID SERIES: Bruno K says he felt so helpless and sick |url=http://newvision-web-nuxt3.us-east-1.elasticbeanstalk.com/news/1536319/beat-covid-series-bruno-helpless-sick |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=New Vision}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
In 2026, Kiggundu enrolled in intensive German language courses at the German Language School Kampala, citing a desire to expand his professional horizons and creative opportunities abroad.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Odongo |first=Jacobs Seaman |title=Singer Bruno Kiggundu Enrolls in Crash German Lessons |url=https://nilepost.co.ug/entertainment/332673/singer-bruno-kiggundu-enrolls-in-crash-german-lessons |access-date=2026-04-04 |website=Nilepost News |language=en}}</ref>
==Philanthropy== In 2021, Bruno K gained attention for supporting two young boys who had been publicly humiliated on national TV due to body odor during a talent show. He tracked them down, offered support, and pledged to be a mentor in their lives.<ref>{{Cite web |last=G-Khast |first=Stuart |date=2021-04-27 |title=Bruno K meets the kids that were frustrated live on TV, promises to change their lives |url=https://bigeye.ug/bruno-k-meets-the-kids-that-were-frustrated-live-on-tv-he-promised-to-change-their-lives/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=BigEye.UG |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Controversies== Bruno was involved in a public dispute with US-based businesswoman Jalia Nassolo over a missed music video shoot. He claimed miscommunication and logistical delays, while she alleged unprofessional conduct. The matter sparked debate on artist-client relations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mboowa |first=Erich |date=2024-06-18 |title=Bruno K and US-based businesswoman Jalia Nassolo in music video dispute – Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos |url=https://www.sqoop.co.ug/202406/four-one-one/bruno-k-and-us-based-businesswoman-jalia-nassolo-in-music-video-dispute.html |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Sqoop – Get Uganda entertainment news, celebrity gossip, videos and photos – Life of Uganda's celebrities, lifestyle, music and humour |language=en-US}}</ref>
He also faced controversies with Black Market Records over unfair contracts, copyright infringements, and YouTube takedowns. He won multiple court rulings affirming his ownership rights over his music.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Artiste Bruno K Awarded UGX 130m for Copyright Infringement |url=https://ugandaradionetwork.net/story/artiste-bruno-k-awarded-ugx-130million-for-copyright-infringement- |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Uganda Radionetwork |language=en}}</ref>
==Discography== {{Columns-list|*One for the Road *Faridah
*Omuwala
*Leero Mbaga
*Ntaawa
*Nkooye Okulowoza
*Ffena
*Ebiro Bya Love
*Akaboozi
*Wanokiriza<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K albums and discography |url=https://www.last.fm/music/Bruno+K/+albums |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=Last.fm |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bruno K Songs, Biography, Music downloads {{!}} Blizz Uganda |url=https://blizz.co.ug/artist/162/brunok |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=blizz.co.ug}}</ref>|colwidth=10em}} ==Awards==
HiPipo Music Awards (Nominated & Featured Artist)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Winners – HiPipo Music Awards |url=https://hma.hipipo.com/winners/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=BigEyeUg3 |date=2020-01-09 |title=NOMINEES FOR THE 9TH HIPIPO MUSIC AWARDS ANNOUNCED; Eddy Kenzo, Sheebah, John Blaq, Spice Diana & Fik Fameica Most nominated |url=https://bigeye.ug/nominees-for-the-9th-hipipo-music-awards-announced-eddy-kenzo-sheebah-john-blaq-spice-diana-fik-fameica-most-nominated/ |access-date=2025-07-24 |website=BigEye.UG |language=en-US}}</ref>
Copyright Court Ruling – Awarded UGX 130 million for copyright infringement (2025)<ref name=":2" />
==Associated artists== {{Columns-list|*Kabuye SSemboga
*Nina Roz
*Don MC
*Spice Diana|colwidth=10em}}
== References == <references />
==External links== *[https://lifestyleuganda.com/bruno-k-announces-ekiboozi-concert-following-viral-tiktok-success/#google_vignette Bruno K Announces ‘Ekiboozi’ Concert Following Viral TikTok Success] *[https://mbu.ug/2025/05/18/bruno-k-successful-concert-ekiboozi/ Bruno K praises Ekiboozi Concert success despite low turnout]
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{{Authority control|state=expanded}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Kiggundu, Bruno}} Category:1992 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century Ugandan male singers Category:Ugandan male actors Category:People from Mukono District Category:Ndejje University alumni Category:Ugandan songwriters