Tag: DamaLie

  • Damalie wraps up, moves to Pearl Magic

    Damalie wraps up, moves to Pearl Magic

    Kampala: MultiChoice Uganda’s critically acclaimed commissioned drama series, Damalie, has concluded its two-season run on Pearl Magic Prime.

    After two years of compelling storytelling, high-stakes plots, and unforgettable performances, the series drew to a close when its highly anticipated final episode aired on 26th November in a one-hour finale.

    Since its debut, Damalie has captivated audiences, becoming a flagship production on Pearl Magic Prime (DStv Channel 148 and GOtv Channel 303). Throughout its airing, the show has delivered premium, high-quality Ugandan drama, making it a staple for audiences across Uganda every weekday at 8:30 pm.

    With the show now concluded, MultiChoice Uganda is delighted to announce a strategic move aimed at sharing this success story with a significantly wider audience. Following the show finale, the beloved series Damalie will transition from its current home on Pearl Magic Prime to the Pearl Magic Channel (DStv Channel 161 and GOtv Channel 304) where fans will be able to catch up on previous episodes every Monday to Wednesday at 8:30 pm.

    This tier-down speaks to the show’s immense popularity and a direct response to fan demand for greater accessibility. By moving to the Pearl Magic channel, Damalie will now be available to a broader segment of DStv and GOtv subscribers across various packages, ensuring that more Ugandan households can follow the trials and triumphs of their favorite characters.

    Rinaldi Jamugisa, the PR and Communications manager, MultiChoice Uganda, spoke into the essence of the shift. He said, “The move to Pearl Magic is a strategic effort to cement Damalie’s status as a national hit. And, as Uganda’s most-loved storyteller, we hope to be an entertainment companion, especially as we approach the festive season.”

    The producers promised a season finale that ties up loose ends and will give the show a befitting farewell. Viewers who have been following every twist and turn of Damalie’s journey braced themselves for a gripping conclusion which the show delivered with its Jaw dropping conclusion.

    Doreen Mirembe, the show’s producer, highlights what the audience should expect with the finale. She said, “Our viewers have walked this journey with us for two seasons, and we are very grateful for the support. The cast has worked tirelessly to deliver award-winning performances so they should expect a jaw-dropping series finale. We also want to thank MultiChoice Uganda for the support they have rendered to us during the show’s run. They have been a big part of the show’s resounding success.”

    Customers can now catch Damalie on Pearl Magic (channel 161 on DStv and channel 304 on GOtv) on its new, wider home on Pearl Magic. Get KaWeekie for as low as UGX 17,000 on DStv Lumba and UGX 5000 on GOtv Lite to watch the show.

  • How Doreen Mirembe went from dental nurse to award winning filmmaker

    How Doreen Mirembe went from dental nurse to award winning filmmaker

    When Doreen Mirembe walks onto a film set, she brings more than just talent. She brings a story of transformation, and unwavering passion. Today, she’s a celebrated producer, director, screenwriter, and actress. But her journey began in a dental clinic, far from the glitz of the screen.

    She is the first woman on Pearl Magic to play lead actress and producer at the same time.In season 3 of Pearl Magic Prime’s Home Of Our Stars, Mirembe sat down with host Judithiana Namazzi to talk about her journey from dentistry to an award winning filmmaker.

    Actress Doreen Mirembe

    For Mirembe, drama was not an acquired taste, it was an innate calling. “Drama has always been part of me. I believe I was born to do this. I don’t see myself doing anything else in the world. This is what I have always loved to do, “she said.

    Growing up on the outskirts of Kampala, Mirembe’s passion for the arts was met with skepticism especially from her parents. Like many Ugandan children, she was encouraged to pursue a serious career in medicine, law, or education. But her love for storytelling was unshakable.

    When she finally came to Kampala for studies. She took on two part-time jobs to support herself one of which was at a video library on Bombo Road. That seemingly small opportunity changed everything.

    “At that library, I was introduced to films because I had to watch them in order to sell them. I realised that I loved it and I was doing it with passion. I would watch like 10 movies a day,” she recalled.

    Because of her love for film, Mirembe started going to National Theater and joined different film clubs without the knowledge of her family.Her persistence paid off when she landed a role in the drama series Deception, but at the time, she struggled to balance school, work, and acting. She would dash from the clinic during lunch breaks, and hop on motorcycles to reach sets.

    “Whenever I had scenes to shoot, I would sneak out from work to go on set. I would literally do my makeup on a boda boda,” she laughed.

    The Deception crew sensing her dedication accommodated her chaos. They would prioritize her scenes, wrapping them swiftly so she could race back before her boss noticed her absence. Colleagues at the clinic became her unsung heroes by covering shifts and fabricating excuses for her.

    “Thankfully, I had a strong support system,” Mirembe said. “They would stand in for me so the bosses don’t get to know that I wasn’t around.” She added that the reason she still kept her dental job while chasing her film career was because by that time, film was not making so much money, and required one to invest in themselves while getting almost nothing in return, but because it is what she loved, she had to persist.

    In Damalie, Mirembe not only stars but also shapes the story line as a screen writer and producer. Interestingly, her character of Damalie mirrors her own life of a determined woman striving for the best for her family.

    “Both Damalie and Doreen are go-getters. They don’t want to be broke. They want the best things for their families. They love their children and want the perfect family.”

    Her writing process also draws heavily from real life experiences where while in the writers’ room, she most of the times tries to refer to herself while laying down story lines for the show.

    “I try to refer to myself and the things I have experienced. I don’t want to write things I have not seen. I try to relate to what is happening and what I have seen. I think that is why the story is so relatable because these things have happened to people,” she told Judithiana.

    Her background in medicine as a dental nurse also influenced her storytelling having always wanted to do a medical drama even before pitching Damalie to MultiChoice Uganda.“I have lived my life around hospitals since I was a child. I have seen how doctors behave, I have worked in a hospital and I understand the environment. There is a lot of untapped drama there,” she revealed.

    However, the logistical challenges of hiring medical consultants and training actors in complex medical terminology made her pivot. Instead, she merged the idea into a family drama with ties to the medical business bringing both authenticity and relatability.

    Damalie features renowned actor Philip Luswata who acts as Pinto, a casual worker at the hospital. Mirembe noted that working alongside Luswata has been one of the highlights of her career because he is someone she has idolized since childhood.She vividly remembers watching Luswata as the first Ugandan to appear in an Mnet drama and it is from there that she knew it was possible for everyone.When she later approached him with her first script, Luswata welcomed her warmly and was always willing and available to guide her through her film-making journey.

    Today, she beams with pride to share scenes with him. “It is an achievement working with a person I have always looked up to as a girl. On set, he always comes on time, knows his lines, and adds his expertise where necessary.”For young actors dreaming of a career in Uganda’s film industry, Mirembe’s advice is blunt; “Wake up. We sleep so much in Uganda,” she said. She insists that success requires sacrifice, resilience and relentless work ethic.

    Catch Doreen Mirembe in Damalie, airing Monday to Friday at 8:30 p.m. on Pearl Magic Prime DStv (Channel 148) and GOtv (Channel 303). Stream live or catch up using the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage your subscription with the MyDStv or MyGOtv App, available on iOS and Android.

    Want to watch full episodes of Home Of Our Stars? Visit the Pearl Magic Prime YouTube channel and dive into inspiring stories from Uganda’s brightest stars. Not yet subscribed? Join Ka Weekie on DStv Access or GOtv Plus today and enjoy local gems like Damalie. There’s never been a better time to tune in.

  • More Damalie, More Drama: Award-Winning Hit Series Now Airs Every Weekday!

    More Damalie, More Drama: Award-Winning Hit Series Now Airs Every Weekday!

    Kampala: 5 days of award-winning drama, 5 days of Damalie, 5 days to stay connected!
    Pearl Magic Prime is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Uganda Film Festival’s Best TV Drama, Damalie, is expanding from a three-days-a-week broadcast starting Monday, 7th July 2025. Following its remarkable success and overwhelming viewer demand, the hit series will now air Monday – Friday at 8:30 PM, bringing fans even closer to the characters they love every single weekday!

    In this new chapter, Damalie takes an even darker and more gripping turn. Audiences will be introduced to unforgettable new characters including Solaire Mbidde, Damalie’s ruthless sister-in-law and newfound nemesis. Her two adopted sons, Josiah and Owen, enter the scene with ambition, rivalry, and romantic entanglements, especially as they both fall for the mysterious Zabuli – a girl with deep ties to Damalie’s past. As Damalie flees from justice and confronts betrayal, buried secrets, and personal losses, viewers can expect explosive drama, tangled loyalties, and a power struggle like never before.

    ” We have seen how Damalie has resonated with audiences, not just for its gripping plot, but for its rich characters and fearless storytelling,” said Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda. “This move to a five-day broadcast reflects our commitment to delivering compelling Ugandan stories at a scale and consistency that keeps our viewers hooked.”

    “At M-Net, our mission is to keep audiences entertained, engaged, and eager for more,” said Margaret Mathore, Head of Channels – M-Net East Africa. “Expanding Damalie to five days a week means more opportunities to immerse yourself in the drama, connect with the characters, and a reason to tune in.”
    The countdown is officially on! Mark your calendars for 7th July 2025 and don’t miss a single moment of action, exclusively on Pearl Magic Prime, DStv Channel 148 and GOtv Channel 303. Stay tuned for more updates and join the conversation on our social media platforms.

    As part of MultiChoice Uganda’s commitment to giving customers more value, you can now take advantage of the “We’ve Got You” promotion running until 31 July 2025; where active, new, and recently reconnected GOtv customers get upgraded to a higher package at no extra cost. It’s the perfect time to enjoy even more entertainment, including Damalie, at exceptional value.

    Not yet subscribed? Join Ka Weekie today and get access to local favourites like these for only UGX 14,000 on DStv Access or UGX 11,000 on GOtv Plus. With so much to watch and more value packed in, there’s never been a better time to tune in.

  • Doreen Mirembe: The heart and soul of Damalie

    Doreen Mirembe: The heart and soul of Damalie

    In the vibrant world of Ugandan television, a captivating saga of love, deceit, and family unfolds on the screen, and at its core stands the multi-talented Doreen Mirembe.

    She not only graces the role of Damalie but also serves as the driving force behind the telenovela Damalie. The show has taken the Ugandan entertainment scene by storm, and it’s no surprise given the passion and dedication Doreen pours into both her character and the show behind the scenes.

    “We are excited. It has been amazing how people receive it. Everyone is interested, everyone wants to know what has happened and what will happen next. Everybody’s excited,” says Doreen when asked about the show’s reception. Viewers’ enthusiasm is contagious, and Damalie has quickly become a must-watch series on the Pearl Magic channels.

    When asked about her favourite fan message, Doreen shares stories of people approaching her on the streets, intrigued by her character, but ultimately enjoying the beauty of the show. “People stop you everywhere, asking, ‘why are you like that? But I am enjoying the show, it’s so beautiful…’ It’s heartening to see how viewers are not just watching but also connecting with the characters and the storyline.”

    Doreen’s ten year journey in the entertainment industry has taken a momentous turn with Damalie. She reflects, “Yes, it has been totally different. It’s my first telenovela. It’s my first TV series.” While she’s previously worked on feature films that garnered love from audiences, the scale and impact of Damalie is on a whole different level. Viewers are not just passive spectators; they are actively invested in the story, even offering ideas for future episodes.

    Doreen’s love of storytelling goes beyond her acting career. “I’ve always loved telling stories, and through my company Amani Production House, we love telling the real Ugandan stories, the African stories that touch us,” she explains. Her passion for relatable narratives led her to take on the challenge of producing Damalie when MultiChoice called for telenovelas. Doreen believes that Uganda has the talent, and she was determined to ensure their stories found their way to television screens.
    As for her character, Damalie Mbidde, Doreen’s connection runs deep. “Damalie is about people who move abroad and come back – which has been seen in most African countries,” she notes. “It’s a storyline that resonates with many, reflecting the experiences of family members who seek better opportunities overseas.” Doreen’s passion for the character and the story is evident in her portrayal.

    Damalie’s relationship with her husband Charles, played by Denis Kinani, is the central theme of the show. “Charles loves Damalie. He has loved Damalie since childhood,” she says. Their love story is a slow burn, challenging the notion that love at first sight is the only path to a lasting bond. Viewers can expect to see their relationship evolve in intriguing ways.

    Beyond Damalie and Charles, the relationships between Damalie, her brother Maxwell, and long-time friend Joel form another critical thread in the series. Doreen emphasises that love is the glue holding these characters together, and viewers will witness how love can both strengthen and strain these bonds as the story unfolds.
    What sets Damalie apart is the dedication and passion of the entire team. Doreen adds, “People behind and in front of the camera have received the show well. They love their characters, they’re passionate about them, they research their characters. Cast and crew commitment is clear, making Damalie a labour of love for everyone involved.”

    The ensemble cast features a mix of seasoned actors and newcomers. Doreen’s casting choices were guided by talent and discipline. “For me, however talented you are, discipline is important,” she shares. The combination of talent and professionalism contributed to the show’s success.

    Doreen believes that Damalie will deeply resonate with viewers, as many have already expressed that the show feels like their own story. “The comments I get, this is my show, this is my story, you’re telling my story,” she says. The relatability of the narrative has sparked excitement among viewers, who eagerly offer suggestions for future plot developments.

    As Damalie’s story unfolds, viewers can expect to be captivated and glued to their screens. Doreen promises engaging love moments, drama, and cliff-hangers that will keep audiences coming back for more.

    When asked which character she would switch roles with for a day, Doreen chose Isabella played by Hasifah Nande Nakitende. She admires the character’s journey and the way she evolves throughout the series. Isabella’s transitions and personal growth make her a compelling choice for Doreen.

    Doreen Mirembe’s journey from passionate storyteller to actress and producer of Damalie speaks to her dedication and belief in the power of Ugandan and African narratives. With a captivating storyline and a talented cast, Damalie promises to be a telenovela that viewers won’t want to miss. As Doreen herself says, “They should expect to run back home and watch.” The story has just begun, and the excitement is bound to continue building as Damalie unfolds its tale of love, deceit, and family in the heart of Uganda.

    Catch Damalie every Monday to Wednesday at 7:30pm on Pearl Magic DStv Channel 161 and GOtv Channel 301, Pearl Magic Loko on DStv Channel 142 and GOtv Channel 302, and Pearl Magic Prime on DStv Channel 148 and GOtv Channel 303.

  • Uganda’s Freshest TV Drama, DamaLie is Now Available on Pearl Magic & Pearl Magic Loko via DStv and GOtv

    Uganda’s Freshest TV Drama, DamaLie is Now Available on Pearl Magic & Pearl Magic Loko via DStv and GOtv

    Kampala; MultiChoice Uganda is delighted to announce an exciting development for television enthusiasts across Uganda.
    The highly acclaimed and locally produced TV drama series, DamaLie, is making a grand entrance onto the screens of all Ugandan viewers.
    Known for its captivating storytelling, ground-breaking narratives, and exceptional production quality, DamaLie which was only available Pearl Magic Prime, will be accessible to an even broader audience screens of Pearl Magic (PM) and Pearl Magic Loko (PML) from September 11, 2023.
    This strategic expansion reflects MultiChoice Uganda’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional entertainment experiences to its valued viewers. By extending access to DamaLie across all three Pearl Magic Channels – PMP, PM, and PML – we aim to ensure that a wider spectrum of viewers can immerse themselves in the intricate plots, compelling characters, and the high production values that have become synonymous with the show.
    “DamaLie” is not just a television series; it’s a sensation that has resonated with viewers across the nation. Its expansion to Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Loko comes as a response to popular demand, making it more accessible to a diverse audience eager to experience the captivating storyline.
    Behind the Scenes: DamaLie
    “DamaLie” is brought to life under the direction and lead performance of Doreen Mirembe, who takes on the role of the leading character, ‘Damalie.’ The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Denis Kinani as Charles, Ssewanyana Arthur as Glen, and Phillip Luswata as Pinto, among others. The story unfolds as a woman must quickly cover up a web of lies and secrets when her husband returns to Uganda unexpectedly after years of medical residency in the UK. The ensuing cover-up reveals even more lies and betrayals, creating a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
    Where to Watch DamaLie
    DamaLie will be available on Pearl Magic on DStv Ch. 161 and GOtv Ch.130, Pearl Magic Loko DStv Ch. 142 and GOtv 315, and Pearl Magic Prime DStv Ch. 148 and GOtv Ch. 301, ensuring that viewers across all the DStv and GOtv bouquets can indulge in this thrilling drama series. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding intrigue, compelling storytelling, or top-notch production, DamaLie promises to deliver it all.
    Don’t Miss a Moment of DamaLie and more shows on Pearl Magic, Pearl Magic Prime and Pearl Magic Loko
    To ensure you don’t miss a single episode of DamaLie, DStv and GOtv subscribers are encouraged to upgrade, reconnect, or manage their subscriptions conveniently. The MyDStv app, available for download on your mobile app store or by visiting www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com offers a seamless way to join in on the excitement and manage your account. For viewers on the go, the DStv Stream app is your ticket to catch all the action while on the move.
    GOtv subscribers can also upgrade to GOtv Supa+, reconnect, or manage their subscriptions via the MyGOtv App, which is readily available on your mobile app store. The MyGOtv App allows you to stream all the captivating episodes of DamaLie effortlessly, ensuring you never miss an exhilarating moment.