Dancehall Queen Spice names baby Rhino "Nankula Spice Nile" ahead of maiden concert

It’s not every day that a global dancehall star trades the stage for the wild, but Spice is making her Ugandan visit one to remember.

Ahead of her much-anticipated maiden concert this Saturday, the Jamaican star has visited Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch and this time, she didn’t just admire the wildlife, she made history.

In a heartwarming and symbolic moment, Spice officially named a baby rhino “Nankula Spice Nile,” sealing a unique bond with Uganda’s wildlife and culture. The name blends her global identity with “Nankula,” the Ugandan name she was given by Buganda’s prime minister during a royal visit to the Kabaka’s Palace, where she met the Katikkiro of Buganda.

Beaming with excitement during the naming moment, Spice shared her joy and love for the experience.

“I am so excited, I love big animals, and being here in Uganda, seeing these beautiful rhinos up close is just amazing. When the organiser told me I would get the chance to name a rhino, I couldn’t believe it. And now knowing I’m the first person to name a baby rhino here, that makes it even more special,” she added with pride.

“I’ve named her Nankula Spice Nile, a name that connects me to Uganda, a name I was given with so much love by the Prime Minister of Buganda when I visited the palace. This is something I will carry with me forever. And I will be monitoring her growth even when I leave.”

The organisers of the event have praised Spice for embracing Ugandan culture and leaving behind more than just music. For them and Uganda Tourism Board, the naming of “Nankula Spice Nile” is a powerful blend of celebrity influence, cultural appreciation, and wildlife conservation awareness.

In a gesture that underscored both her excitement and commitment to conservation, dancehall star Spice paid $10,000 to officially secure the naming rights of the baby rhino at Ziwa Rhino and Wildlife Ranch, with the contribution going directly toward efforts to protect and sustain the endangered species.

“We call this entertainment tourism,” the organizers explained. “It shouldn’t always be about musicians flying into Uganda to perform and then leaving the next day. Moments like these show that artists can create a lasting impact contributing to conservation, culture, and experiences that grow Uganda’s tourism sector. It’s about leaving a footprint that goes beyond the stage,” say Pollah Nahamya the CEO of Safari Beats who are the organisers of the Spice Concert.