Navio released his fourth solo album – ‘The Chosen’ – on Dec. 12, 2015, in a social nightclub setting at Panamera in Kampala. The artiste calls ‘The Chosen’ album “a snapshot recording,” most of which was produced within two weeks by Samurae at Talent Africa studio, and mastered at Audio Central by Dawoo, in Kampala.
“It is a clean image of my thoughts right now. As my next album will be all conscious music, I decided to make this an unapologetic snapshot into my feeling right now. It’s the raw Navio of old.”
The reigning king of Ugandan Hip Hop released his album at Panamera bar on Saturday night, competing with several other highly anticipated entertainment events around Kampala. The event attracted a mix of die-hard Hip Hop fans and the general public, and the crowd grew toward midnight, when Navio stepped on stage to reveal his latest music.
Navio performed a mix of old songs and new alongside other collaborating artists, including songs off the new album like Crazy with Keko, You Want It with The Mith, Wine Up Ya Ting with Silvastone, as well as his previous works like Nawuliranga and Glory Road with Ruyonga.
Before and after his performance, Navio mingled with the crowd, gave one-on-one interviews with attending media, and spoke with fans about the new music.
“This album release was a different experience for me,” Navio reflected. “We are used to trying to get masses through the door, but we tried something different. It was a relaxed event where I got to interact with the fans and friends about the album. Whether it was one of my fans, friends, special guests or news reporters, I got to interact with people one-on-one. That’s what made the event a success. I could perform brand new songs, then share insight on them immediately – a great luxury.”
The Mith, Navio’s life partner in rap, said of the release party: “it was dope seeing fans who’ve been riding with us from the start of our journey, as well as new fans. It was also dope seeing them react to the new music. The feedback was dope. A good night for #UGHipHop.”
Abramz Tekya, veteran Ugandan Hip Hop artist and MC at the release, said: “The crowd got to experience both the new and the old Navio. His interaction with the crowd both on and off stage made the event special.”
Keko, who performed at the release, said: “The album release was insightful of what the album is gonna sound like. I love the way Navio keeps reinventing himself. Every track on the album sounds different and interesting, which makes for good listening. Very hip, young and fun.”
Ruyonga, who also performed, said of the evening: “The night was awesome – a really organic example of how Hip Hop and support for it is alive and well – the crowd was hype! Asking for more looong after it was done. Fun performance!”
Alan Kasujja of the BBC, who was in the audience, spoke highly of the rapper, saying: “I’m a huge fan of Navio’s music. He’s a trailblazer! A real Hip Hop soldier. This album has the versatility that’s made him consistently relevant. It is definitely an elevation of his game.”
‘The Chosen’ album is now available for sale in stores, on iTunes, Soundcloud, Deezer, Spotify, Myziki and for delivery on Jumia.ug.