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VIDEO REVIEW: Navio – Mad.

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By @paulothewriter

I am constantly fascinated by Navio’s energy and relentless effort to outdo himself. He has been running in his own lane for the longest time and it’s truly his extra push for perfection that ages his creativity like wine.

The type of wine that gains complexity and depth as it ages.

“Mad” is an insanely beautiful music video. It captivates the nerves of your visual senses that acknowledge beauty. With stunning visuals that are as gentle as the song, the presentation is one where it’s not possible to imagine a better video.

Coming off his latest album Vibes Out The East (VOTE), the Mio Made produced “Mad” slots in at track 9 on an album where it’s not that obvious to choose your best song. Every song is different from the other and inexplicably better than the other.

The intricate choreography; the Balinese dancers with their vibrant colors and their delicate wavy dancing, the mesmerizing natural sceneries that are the backdrop of the video, the  Maganda Dancers on the bridge walkway, the stunning video vixen that is the perfect portrayal of “there is a thin line between elegantly classy and sexy,” she nails it – every aspect of the video is an intentionally crafted detail that compliments the song.

The theme is immediately obvious and Navio’s kitenge outfits (African print, designed by @nasimbwaforyou) beautifully blend into the nature and cultural fusion concept that breeds this breathtaking visual composition.

The statement that the video is relaxing is not an exaggeration. The vacation setting and the laid-back tempo of the song provide a sense of relaxation that many of us may not have the chance to experience. It is a bit unfortunate, but thankfully, we have this video to transport us to that type of enjoyment.

Navio deploys what we have called his superpowers and “Mad” essentially has everyone covered.

If you’re not a fan of rap, don’t worry, he’s got singing covered. And for those who prefer rap, he’s got that covered as well creating a unique experience of “Navio featuring Navio” and if you are him, this is the only way to serenade your Queen.

In essence, the video for “Mad” is simply beautiful. When you take an honest moment to think about it, this piece marks a significant milestone in Navio’s evolution as an artist and a brand. Everything he has created has surpassed typical conventions and trends, affirming his position as a legend. It doesn’t matter how you may feel about this; Navio knows he is a legend, and we all recognize it too.

On my scale, I give it a perfect score of 10 out of 10.

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INTO THE B’RAKA LAND

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Last weekend we got our visas stamped as we took a trip into the B’raka Land. After a Euro-tour through Denmark, Finland and others… All the way to a sold out show in London, the fastest rising star on the African continent came back home to Kampala to deliver an epic concert on 29th November 2025, one day after dropping his debut album, JUVIE.

In one weekend, Joshua gave us so much to unpack. So, let’s start from the Music.
We have seen Joshua evolve from projects like Baby Steps, where songs like Tewekweka exposed some of us to his talent, all the way to Watershed, which let people know and confirm that he was for real. We journeyed with him through his Growing Pains, where the continental appeal was beginning to ring true, and then he gave us Recess. Through these many projects and countless features, Joshua has showed us his talent, consistency and heavy work ethic. It was constantly Moves on Moves until we finally got JUVIE.

Right from One of One, we knew we were in for some flames, and we did not have to wait to get them because the next song on the album, Morocco, delivered all the heat and then some. The song is a Banger, and from early reviews and reactions on the socials, it is clearly a crowd favorite. Joshua immediately follows this up with Dive In, which was released earlier as a single, so we already knew that JAE5 and Joshua Baraka had given us an anthem. The project does not slow down at all, as he continues into Still Young, another early crowd favorite, which confirmed that we were four for four with eight to go!

One of the things that made the listening process epic was the sequencing. After starting with all that heat, Joshua gives us a mini interlude, before slowing down the tempo with one of my favorite songs on the Album, This Time. It is a well written song with silky melodies and smooth vocals that will definitely appeal to the fans that are into his more afro RnB side.
Joshua kept the energy going with State of My Heart, which features Kenyan sensation, Bien, which he followed it up with Wrong Places, which spent most of 2025 as the number one song on Apple Music in Uganda and was by far the most streamed song on Spotify in Uganda this year.
Joshua Baraka’s Juvie makes for a nice, smooth and simple listening session, right from the start, all the way to the final song, So Low, featuring The Compozers, which was a perfect way to close the project and leave us on a high note.

By the time we got to Ndere Cultural Center for the concert, we were pumped and ready to get right to it. Those of us who knew all his projects and collaborations were eager to see what selection of songs he had picked to sing to us. Those of us who have watched him perform multiple times in the past were eager to witness his growth on stage and to be a part of yet another chapter of his story. Overall, there was a high dose of FOMO in the air. Before Joshua even sang, the show had already hit a number of positives in my books; great price structure from the early bird to the last day – This was perfect to allow the core fans to access and afford their night out with their superstar.

Another win for me was the strategic partnerships, from Talent Africa to Bell Citrus and Mirinda– this set up the perfect vibe and energy, making the drinks and food affordable, enabling every fan to have a total blast in this economy, especially with DecemBAR loading and Kampala about to throw event after event our way. By the time Joshua jumped on stage, the crowd was fully charged and ready to go! Shout out to Joshua and his team for ticking all the boxes.

The performance was great, overall. Joshua had great song selection, and did not leave us feeling as if we’d missed out on anything. He catered to the different fan groups that were present, from the day ones to the late comers. He even delivered some extra throwback fire for the older fans too. He picked the right collaborations in A Pass, IzabelUG, BigTril, Mun G and Maurice Kirya. We were not left wanting. And for any little thing that didn’t go according to plan, I just got more excited, because it just showed that there is still room to grow, and we can only trust that he will step right in and through that room.

Keep streaming JUVIE Here

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Kohen Jaycee’s ‘Gundeze’: A Soulful Anthem of Love.

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Photo Credit: Next Media/NXT Radio

Am I the only one imagining how a mix of Kohen’s “Gundeze” and King Saha’s “Gundeze” would sound in a DJ set? And I’m not saying that just because King Saha’s concert is kicking off as I type this. Maybe it’s just me.

From his critically acclaimed album, RWEBEMBERA: The Raising Echoes, Kohen Jaycee’s “Gundeze” is a vibrant celebration of love wrapped in his signature RnB and Afro-fusion style with a sprinkle of Amapiano’s log drum. The track’s heartfelt lyrics and infectious rhythm make it a soulful anthem for anyone who cherishes the beauty of love. The lyrics are simple yet profound, with Kohen professing unwavering devotion to his partner:“I love you, Gundeze / I feel you, Gundeze / I want you, Gundeze / I need you, Gundeze.”

The music video for Kohen Jaycee’s Gundeze perfectly complements the song’s soulful and romantic essence. Staying true to Kohen’s signature style, the visuals are minimalistic yet captivating, set against the serene backdrop of a lush forest. The video follows Kohen as he alternates between intimate moments with his significant other and heartfelt solo performances amidst nature. This simplicity allows the focus to remain on the song’s message of love and connection, making the video a beautiful extension of the track’s uplifting and heartfelt vibe.

The chorus, repeated like a mantra, draws listeners into a melodic trance, while the verses paint a picture of intimacy, trust, and connection. Kohen’s soothing voice and heartfelt delivery elevate the song into a timeless ode to love. Whether it’s the wish for stars to align or the plea for mutual vulnerability, Kohen’s “Gundeze” resonates with anyone who has experienced the magic of love. The simplicity of the video enhances the song’s essence, focusing entirely on the connection between two souls.

“Gundeze” is more than just a track; it’s a reminder to cherish the ones we hold dear, dance to the rhythm of love, and embrace the beauty of the present moment. Kohen Jaycee has once again proven why he’s a standout artist in Uganda’s music scene, leaving us eagerly anticipating his next move.

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On the Move by Denesi: A Powerful Anthem of Hustle and Ambition

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Denesi’s “On the Move,” the opening track on his debut album Everything Is Real, is an anthem of ambition, resilience, and community, underscored by a gritty hip-hop aesthetic. Produced by Northbound Beats, the track captures the pulse of Kampala’s streets, blending hard-hitting lyrics with a hypnotic beat that mirrors the hustle it portrays.

The accompanying video brings the song’s narrative to life, embracing the classic hip-hop imagery of camaraderie and grind. From the corner store to the stage and finally to the laid-back moments of planning the next move, the visuals reflect Denesi’s journey and the community he’s built. Cameos from collaborators like Lagumtherapper, Akeine, Lucass Blacc, and Manly add depth, showcasing the collective spirit that defines his artistry.

Lyrically, “On the Move” is both a reflection and a manifesto. Denesi paints vivid pictures of Kampala’s dualities: the sunlit streets masking a tougher reality, where survival demands creativity and grit. Lines like “Welcome to the city of the dogs and the criminals / You ain’t making money, you ain’t working, you ain’t real enough” set the tone, balancing raw honesty with undeniable swagger.

The hook, with its repeated refrain of Who dat on the move, me I’m on the move”, is a declaration of aspiration. It positions Denesi as a trailblazer, reaching for heights beyond the ordinary while staying grounded in his roots. The mention of his collaborators in the hook reinforces the communal ethos of his work, a nod to the people who’ve shaped his journey.

Denesi’s storytelling is sharp and layered. He captures the struggles of navigating Kampala’s streets (“You know Kampala streets, man, the trouble’s never over”) and dreams of transcending them (“When I make a billy, prolly settle down / Maybe buy a villa, buy the whole town”). His versatility shines as he shifts from local struggles to global ambitions, even hinting at cross-border hustles with lines like “I trap on some Lingala shit, they pay me plus the benefits”.

The production complements the lyrical intensity, with Northbound Beats crafting a soundscape that feels both contemporary and rooted. The beat’s steady rhythm mirrors the relentless drive described in the lyrics, while the layered instrumentation adds depth and texture.

Overall, “On the Move” is a powerful introduction to Denesi’s world. It’s a song that celebrates ambition, acknowledges struggle, and underscores the importance of community. With its infectious hook, sharp lyricism, and dynamic visuals, the track sets the stage for what promises to be an impactful debut album. Denesi isn’t just on the move—he’s carving a path to the moon, and he’s taking his people with him.

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