By One thing that stood out about 2024 in the music scene was how it brought back the nostalgia of the golden era of Ugandan music. The past year has been filled with tribute concerts and reunion shows celebrating the careers of legends like Blu*3, Juliana Kanyomozi, Iryn Namubiru, Jose Chameleone, and Mesach Semakula, among others.
Continuing this trend, Naava Grey finally held her much-anticipated maiden concert on Friday at Kampala Serena Hotel. For years, fans had been waiting for a show from the gifted singer-songwriter who, despite penning hits for others and releasing modern classics, had never hosted a solo concert.
It was no surprise that her concert was one of the most sought-after events in town. Tickets sold out days before the show, with only a few resale and last-minute provisional tickets made available—these, too, disappeared within hours. Even then, many Ugandans still showed up at the venue with cash in hand, hoping to get in. While a few lucky ones managed, many were turned away as the venue had reached full capacity.
At exactly 9:30 PM, Naava Grey took to the stage, dressed in an elegant all-white outfit. She opened the night with Aliba Wani, the song that introduced her to the world after her memorable stint on Tusker Project Fame. The track, produced by her longtime collaborator Steve Jean, set the perfect tone for the night. Fittingly, Jean’s Fenon Events was in charge of the production, ensuring a world-class experience.
Naava took the audience on a journey through her impressive catalog—one that has quietly cemented her status as one of Uganda’s most bankable artists. Although many of her songs were not massive radio hits when they were first released over a decade ago, they have since evolved into modern classics.
She showcased why she has endured in an industry where many hitmakers fade away. Her strength lies in writing music that she deeply understands and connects with, which translates into raw honesty that resonates with her audience. This became evident as fans sang along to every word, barely allowing her to start some of the songs on her own.
Tracks like Aliba Omu and Ninga Omuloge turned into mass singalongs, with the crowd essentially becoming her background vocalists. At times, she could only stand back in awe as the audience belted out her lyrics word for word. The entire venue transformed into a choir, with fans recognizing songs from just the first note and starting the verses before she could.
When they weren’t singing their hearts out, fans had their phones raised high, capturing every moment for social media. The illuminated screens and phone flashlights on the ground floor created a dazzling display that added to the magic of the night.
The energy reached its peak when Naava invited her final set of guest performers, beginning with Kenneth Mugabi. Known for his soulful sound and poetic lyrics, Mugabi treated the crowd to three of his signature songs—Wamanyiza, Sanyu, and Naki—before joining Naava for their collaboration, Owuwo.
Mugabi and Naava represent the new wave of Ugandan love ballads, making many wonder why they haven’t yet delivered a joint concert or album.
However, the biggest surprise of the night came when Naava brought out Joshua Baraka. Few in the audience expected this collaboration, yet their musical connection runs deep. Long before Baraka became a Trace Music Awards nominee, before he collaborated with stars like Bien and King Promise, he was an upcoming artist covering other musicians’ songs at weddings and small gigs.
One of his standout performances from those early days was a cover of Naava’s Ninga Omuloge, and on this special night, he got to share the stage with her to perform it together—a full-circle moment for him.
Naava closed the concert with Nteredde, and once again, the audience took over, competing with her for vocal dominance.
Her maiden concert was more than just a show—it was a testament to the power of timeless music. With the support of a few friends and the unwavering love of her fans, Naava Grey rekindled the same connection she had with Ugandans over a decade ago. The night was not just about music; it was about cementing a legacy
