The mood for the ‘MTN Kings of Comedy’ cannot get crazier. Uganda’s Hip-hop sensation, real name Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, aka Navio, is set to grace the event. Navio will arrive tomorrow morning, as he is also expected to perform at the ‘Ugandan Night’ at Planet Club, KBC. For the uninitiated, you will witness his ‘star power’ when he performs tomorrow evening at the Expo Grounds and on Saturday, June 29, at Kigali Serena Hotel. This is a synopsis of what goes down this weekend in an event dubbed ‘MTN Kings of Komedy’ that will feature prominent comedians from around the region. “Fans should expect a raw Hip-hop show. At the same time as something for the ladies. It’ll be a real blend,” Navio told The New Times ahead of the shows. “I’m performing Kata, Ngalo, One and Only, the brand new Trouble, Dream, Whistle Song, MR DJ, Skamaress remix and many more. Get ready for action,” he warned. Rapper Navio will entertain Kigalians alongside a host of regional comedians, including Uganda’s Anne Kansiime, Patrick Idringi Salvador, Eric Muhangi, and Naboth Fisher a.k.a M7, Kenya’s comedy siblings Eric and Fred Omondi and locals Arthur Nkusi and Ronnie Nsengiyumva. Gates at both venues open at 6pm. Tickets go for Rwf 5, 000 for the ordinary seats and the VIP tickets will be sold at Rwf 10, 000. Tickets can be found at the Nakumatt stores (UTC & KCT). The 30-year-old star will be giving Rwandans a taste of his fine music. Navio, who has performed in the country a few times before, said: “Definitely, Rwanda is a beautiful country. The food and culture are beautiful and the women are beautiful. It doesn’t get better.” Also expected at the event is homeboy Uncle Austin. Both the comedians and the musicians have promised an overdose of entertainment. The monthly show is organised by Glam Investments Ltd and this month’s sponsors are The New Times Publications, Skol, Bank Populaire du Rwanda, Air Uganda, Kigali Serena Hotel, Nakumatt, KK Security as well as Pergamon Group. “I’m not a big fan of comedy but I am happy because of Navio,” John Kamali, a Kigali resident said. “He is my favourite Ugandan artiste because of his good reputation. I remember watching him on the Big Brother Star edition 2012 finale show on August 5, where he delivered an awesome performance.” “I respect Navio because I think he is a great musician. I’m already warming up for the shows,” Sandra Uwimana, a local Navio fan, said. The Hip-hop icon, whose song “One & Only” has garnered him regional recognition, is said to be the most popular rapper in Uganda now. Not only does Navio live his life through music but he also acts as an inspiration to Ugandan youth, showing the achievements that can be made through talent. He emerged from Klear Kut, a group which rocked in 2000-2004. After separating from the group, Navio embarked on making a name for himself. Since then, Navio has gone from strength to strength, working his way to become the most recognisable Hip-hop artiste in Uganda, and receiving recognition and awards at both local and international levels. As a solo act, Navio won Best Video at the PAM Awards 2007, Best Hip-Hop Artist in 2008 and earned a nomination for the hit single ‘Rukus’ in 2004 to name a few. The Buzz Teens have also awarded him Best Hip Hop Artist in 2008 and “Flyest Video” in 2009. He was also nominated in Kenya for the Kisima Awards 2008 in the categories of Best Male Artiste, Best Music Video and Best Hip Hop Artiste. Navio also won the award for Song of the Year. Navio’s highly anticipated new album entitled ‘Half the Legend’ is a fresh, youthful sound with strong African influence that looks set to take the East African Music scene by storm. The album has a global appeal. He has performed in Ghana, Belgium, South Africa, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Tanzania, UK, Zanzibar, Germany, Benin, Burundi, and Nigeria.
