ENOCK MUSIKA
Celebrated Ugandan singer and songwriter, Asha Naava Grey Zziwa aka Naava Grey has this afternoon organized a heartfelt surprise for Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, the head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC).
The surprise came as a gesture of appreciation to Hajjat Namyalo for her immense support during Naava Grey’s recently concluded live concert at Kampala Serena Hotel. The concert, held on the 14th of February 2025(Valentine’s Day, was a major success, with a packed audience that exceeded expectations and filled up spaces at Serena Hotel.
The surprise took place at ONC headquarters in Kyambogo, where Naava Grey personally delivered a bouquet of flowers and a cake to Hajjat Namyalo as tokens of her appreciation. Naava Grey, known for her soulful voice and powerful lyrics, expressed deep gratitude to Hajjat Namyalo noting that she played a vital role in ensuring her concert’s success.
According to the singer, Hajjat Namyalo not only purchased a significant number of tickets for herself and her team but also took it upon herself to mobilize the Bazzukulu to attend the event in big numbers. The overwhelming support from the Bazzukulu filled the prestigious Serena Hotel, marking Naava Grey’s first-ever live concert as a huge success.
Speaking shortly after handing over the gifts, Naava Grey recalled how nervous she was about the turnout for her debut live concert but noted that Hajjat Namyalo encouraged and supported her which gave her the confidence to deliver an unforgettable show.”I owe much of this success to Hajjat Namyalo. She believed in me and supported me in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” Naava Grey said emotionally.
In response, Hajjat Namyalo commended Naava Grey for putting up such a spectacular show. She also highlighted that supporting local talent, especially young Ugandan artists is part of her broader vision to uplift the Bazzukulu and foster cultural growth in Uganda.“Music is a powerful tool that brings people together and speaks to the soul. Naava Grey is one of the brightest stars we have and I am glad to have played a small part in her journey,” Hajjat Namyalo said, adding that she is one of a kind because many artists rarely return to appreciate after that much success.
Furthermore, Hajjat Namyalo urged Naava Grey to continue pursuing her musical dreams and encouraged other Ugandan artists to seek strength in unity.”When we support each other, we rise together,” she said, adding that ONC will always stand by artists who use their talents to inspire and uplift communities.
She praised Naava Grey’s music for its deep messages and cultural richness, stating that it was important for Ugandans to celebrate their own and invest in homegrown talents.
In response, Naava Grey reiterated her appreciation and promised her fans even more music and live performances in the near future.”This is just the beginning, I am overwhelmed by the love and support I’ve received, and I am more determined than ever to continue making music that resonates with the hearts of Ugandans.” she notedMore About Naava Grey’s ConcertNaava Grey’s Valentine’s Day concert drew hundreds of fans , featuring her popular hits such as “Ninga Omuloge” and “Soka Lami.”Naava Grey took to the stage at 9:30pm. Clad in an all-white outfit, she started her set with Aliba Wani, the song that introduced her to the music scene, after a stint on the reality show Tusker Project Fame.
The song was produced by Naava’s long-time creative partner, Steve Jean, the same man behind Fenon Productions, that was behind this very concert.On songs like Aliba Omu and Ninga Omuloge, the artist did not need her background vocalists, as the audience assumed the duty to sing out loud and cheers which almost put Serena Hotel security on ‘tension’.
The evening reached its peak when Naava invited some of her collaborators that included artists such as Mun*G, with whom they sang Sejjusa and Champion together.Bruno K and Kenneth Mugabi are some of the other artists that performed.
Mugabi had the audience singing to songs like Wamanyiza, Sanyu and Naki, before being joined by Naava to perform Owuwo.Uganda’s solo Trace Awards nominee- Joshua Baraka joined Naava Grey to do her classic- Ninga Omuloge, and also joined him to sing his Dalilah hit.With a host of dancers, she crowned the night with Nteredde, a song which many consider multifaceted, bumpy, and soulful at the same time.
The event was praised for its high production value, audience to full capacity and Naava’s captivating live performance marking a milestone in her music career.
