The Ben Biography: Wife, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Albums, Songs, Family

Biography

The Ben (born Benjamin Mugisha on January 9, 1987, in Kampala, Uganda) is a prominent Rwandan singer-songwriter known for his smooth R&B and Afrobeats sound.

Raised in Rwanda, he began singing in a church choir as a teenager alongside friends who later became fellow artists (such as Meddy). He transitioned to secular music and gained recognition in 2008, winning “Best Afro R&B Singer of the Year” at the Salax Music Awards.

His breakthrough came with his 2009 debut album, Amahirwe Yambere, followed by popular singles such as “Ese Nibyo.”

In 2010, he relocated to the United States (initially spending time in Washington, D.C. and later Chicago), where he continued his career, collaborating with artists and releasing heartfelt tracks such as “Thank You,” “Fine Girl,” “True Love,” and more recent hits like “Plenty” and “Ni Forever.”

Now based in the U.S. but deeply connected to his East African roots, The Ben remains active with tours, new music, and a dedicated fanbase across Africa and the diaspora. He is married to Uwicyeza Pamella.

Rwandan singer-songwriter
The Ben
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name: Benjamin Mugisha
Stage Name: The Ben
Born: 9 January 1987 (age 39 years old)
Place of Birth: Kisugu, Kampala, Uganda
Nationality: Rwandan
Education: ES Kigoma, GS Gahini, and APADE Kicukiro
Height: 1.80 m
Parents: Jean Mbonimpa, Esther Mbabazi
Siblings: 5
Spouse: Uwicyeza Pamella (m. 2019)
Girlfriend • Partner: Not Dating
Children: Luna Ora Mugisha
Occupation:
Singer • Songwriter
Net Worth: $15 million-$25 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Benjamin Mugisha, professionally known as The Ben, was born on January 9, 1987, in Kisugu, Kampala City, Uganda, to Rwandan parents Jean Mbonimpa (also known as Jen Mbonimpa or Mbonimpa Jean) and Esther Mbabazi.

He is Rwandan by ethnicity and nationality, having been raised primarily in Rwanda after moving there at a young age due to his family’s background during the period of Rwandan exile.

He grew up in a Christian household and developed his musical passion early in his teenage years by singing in a church choir alongside childhood friends who later became fellow artists, such as Meddy, Lick Lick, and Nicholas.

He is the second-born of six children in his family, and one of his younger brothers is the Rwandan rapper Green P (real name Rukundo Elia Green P), a former member of Rwanda’s Tuff Gang music group; his siblings are also musically inclined.

For his education, he attended secondary school in Rwanda at ES Kigoma, GS Gahini, and APADE Kicukiro, where his singing talent already made him stand out as a school “superstar.” This church-rooted and school-honed foundation shaped his smooth R&B style before he transitioned to secular music and gained wider recognition in 2008.

Career

Benjamin Mugisha, known as The Ben, began his music career in Rwanda after moving from singing in a church choir to performing secular music as a teenager. He first gained attention in 2008 when he won “Best Afro R&B Singer of the Year” at the Salax Music Awards, which helped him stand out as a rising star in Rwanda’s R&B and Afrobeats scene.

His popularity grew with his debut album, Amahirwe Yambere, in 2009, and the hit single “Ese Nibyo,” which brought him widespread recognition in East Africa. Songs like “Amaso Ku Maso,” “Wigenda,” “Incuti nyancuti,” and “Amahirwe yanyuma” made him a leading figure in Rwandan R&B at the time.

In 2010, The Ben moved to the United States, first living in Washington, D.C., and then settling in Chicago after being invited by the Rwandan community there. He worked with artists like Detroit’s Mike-E Ellison and joined Pressone Entertainment with other Rwandan musicians.

Even after moving, he stayed connected to his roots, performing at events such as the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg and later at the United Nations headquarters. His 2012 single “I’m in Love” was a turning point, leading to a new category at the Salax Music Awards and earning him the first “Best Music Artist in the Diaspora” award.

He also continued to win honors like “Best Afro R&B Singer of the Year,” “Best Male Artist,” and “Best Song” in 2010 and 2011. Over the years, The Ben has released many singles that blend R&B and Afrobeats, often mixing English and Kinyarwanda.

Some of his well-known songs include “Habibi,” “Fine Girl,” “Naremeye,” “Ndaje,” “Thank You,” “True Love,” “Give It To Me,” “Lose,” and “Why,” a 2021–2022 collaboration with Tanzanian star Diamond Platnumz, with a video by Rwandan filmmaker Julien Bmjizzo.

His more recent music includes tracks like “Plenty,” “Better,” “Mon Coer,” and songs from the project Plenty Love. The Ben’s music has reached fans across the East African diaspora and beyond, leading to tours, steady releases, and awards like the HiPipo Music Award in 2025.

Social Media

  • YouTube: The Ben
  • Wikipedia: The Ben
  • Facebook: The Ben
  • Instagram: THE BEN (@theben3)
  • Twitter: THE BEN (@TheBen250) / X

Personal Life

Benjamin Mugisha, professionally known as The Ben, is 39 years old, having been born on January 9, 1987.

He is married to Uwicyeza Pamella, a former Miss Rwanda contestant, model, and entrepreneur. The couple began dating around late 2019 and legally tied the knot in a civil ceremony on August 31, 2022, in Kigali, Rwanda, before celebrating their traditional wedding in December 2023.

In March 2025, they welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Luna Ora Mugisha(sometimes referred to as Icyeza Luna Ora Mugisha Paris), who was born on March 18 at Edith Cavell Hospital in Brussels, Belgium.

He is reported to stand approximately 1.80 meters (5 feet 11 inches) tall.

Net Worth

Benjamin Mugisha, professionally known as The Ben, has an estimated net worth ranging from $15 million to $25 million.

This valuation reflects his successful career as a Rwandan-American R&B and Afrobeats artist, including earnings from music releases, live performances, tours, and major endorsement deals such as his ambassadorship with Tecno Mobile and promotions for brands like Bellaire champagne.

His wealth is further bolstered by business ventures, including his clothing brand ‘Tigger B’, as well as his strong presence in the East African music scene and diaspora communities.

Note that celebrity net worth estimates vary by source and are approximate, often based on public deals, properties, and industry reports rather than verified financial disclosures.

Discography

Debut Album

  • Amahirwe Yambere (2009) – His breakthrough project, featuring early hits like “Ese Nibyo.”

Notable Singles & EPs

  • Urarenze
  • Ese Nibyo
  • Amahirwe yanyuma (Amahirwe Ya Nyuma)
  • Incuti nyancuti
  • Wigenda
  • Amaso Ku Maso
  • I’m in Love (2012)
  • I Can See
  • Habibi (2016)
  • Roho Yanjye (2016)
  • Thank You (2017, feat. Tom Close in some versions)
  • Lose Control (2018, often associated with collaborations like with Meddy)
  • Ndaje (2019)
  • Vazi (2019)
  • Suko (2019)
  • Ngufite kumutima (2020, feat. ZIZOU AL PACINO in some contexts)
  • Ni Forever
  • This Is Love (2020, feat. Rema Namakula)
  • Why (2022, feat. Diamond Platnumz)
  • Plenty / tracks from PLENTY LOVE (2025 project/album)
  • Mon Coer (2025)
  • FOLOMiANA (2025)
  • Indabo Zanjye (Impaka) / Indabyo Zanjye (2025)

Key Collaborations & Features

  • Binkolera (ft. Sheebah Karungi)
  • No You No Life (ft. B2C)
  • Lose Control (ft. Meddy)
  • Can’t Get Enough (various collabs)
  • SiKOSA (feat. The Ben & ELEMENT EleéeH, 2024 – as featured)
  • Others include tracks with Ugandan and Tanzanian artists like “True Love,” “Fine Girl,” “Baby,” “Naremeye,” and more recent features.

What People Ask

Who is The Ben?

The Ben, whose real name is Benjamin Mugisha, is a prominent Rwandan singer-songwriter known for his smooth R&B and Afrobeats music.
When and where was The Ben born?

The Ben was born on January 9, 1987, in Kisugu, Kampala, Uganda, to Rwandan parents.
How old is The Ben?

The Ben is 39 years old.
What is The Ben’s nationality and ethnicity?

He is Rwandan by nationality and ethnicity, though born in Uganda and raised primarily in Rwanda.
Who are The Ben’s parents and siblings?

His parents are Jean Mbonimpa and Esther Mbabazi. He is the second-born of six children, and one of his brothers is the rapper Green P.
Where did The Ben go to school?

He attended secondary school in Rwanda at ES Kigoma, GS Gahini, and APADE Kicukiro.
Who is The Ben married to?

The Ben is married to Uwicyeza Pamella, a former Miss Rwanda contestant, model, and entrepreneur. They had a civil ceremony in August 2022 and a traditional wedding in December 2023.
Does The Ben have children?

Yes, he and his wife welcomed their first child, a daughter named Paris Mugisha, in March 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
What is The Ben’s estimated net worth?

The Ben’s net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $25 million, derived from his music career, tours, endorsements (like Tecno Mobile), and business ventures such as his clothing brand ‘Tigger B’.
What are some of The Ben’s popular songs and achievements?

He debuted with the album *Amahirwe Yambere* in 2009, with hits like “Ese Nibyo,” “Amaso Ku Maso,” “Wigenda,” and later collaborations such as “Why” with Diamond Platnumz. He won Best Afro R&B Singer awards early on and continues to release music blending R&B and Afrobeats.
Where does The Ben live now?

He relocated to the United States in 2010, initially to Washington, D.C., and later settled in Chicago, while maintaining strong ties to Rwanda and East Africa through tours and releases.
How did The Ben start his music career?

His passion began in a church choir as a teenager alongside friends like Meddy. He transitioned to secular music and gained recognition in 2008 by winning Best Afro R&B Singer at the Salax Music Awards.

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