Attending music concerts is more than just enjoying live performances—it’s an expression of love for music and a way to celebrate artists for their incredible work.
Like previous years, 2025 has been a mixed bag of electrifying shows, surprise flops, and headline-making drama.
As we hit the halfway mark of the year, let’s look at the most talked-about Ugandan music concerts—the ones that nailed it and those that missed the mark.
1. King Saha – A Royal Triumph
Date: January 24, 2025
Venue: Lugogo Cricket Oval
Status: ✅ Huge Success
2025 kicked off with a bang thanks to King Saha, whose concert dominated headlines. Despite some pre-show drama involving security threats during sound checks, the KingsLove Empire frontman rose above the chaos. The venue was packed, and many dubbed it “the most successful concert of 2025” so far.
2. Spice Diana & Catherine Kusasira – The Ladies Lead
Date: January 10, 2025
Venues: Serena Hotel (Spice), Sheraton Gardens (Kusasira)
Status: ✅ Moderate Success
These two powerful voices opened the concert season. Spice Diana had early birds filling up her show, while Catherine Kusasira saw a late but strong turnout. Although Kusasira faced early criticism on social media for empty seats, by 9 PM, her venue was lively and full.
3. A Pass – Debut Done Right
Date: January 31, 2025
Venue: Serena Hotel
Status: ✅ Resounding Success
A Pass left a lasting impression with his debut concert. From sound quality to stage presence, everything screamed “well-prepared.” He even stayed after his performance to interact with fans—something rarely done but highly appreciated.
4. Naava Grey – Valentine’s Day Magic
Date: February 14, 2025
Status: ✅ Sold Out
Naava Grey gave fans a Valentine’s Day to remember. Her heartfelt performances and polished delivery had the crowd hooked, marking a major milestone in her career.
5. Bruno K – Online Fame ≠ Offline Turnout
Status: ❌ Disappointing Turnout
Following his viral TikTok show “Kiboozi,” Bruno K gambled on that momentum to stage a concert. Unfortunately, online numbers didn’t translate to real-life turnout, resulting in a barely filled venue despite a late arrival of fans.
Alien Skin – Shock Value Gone Wrong
Status: ❌ Controversial & Poor Turnout
Known for his online buzz, Alien Skin took a bizarre approach, arriving on stage crucified and smoking weed, sparking backlash from both fans and religious leaders. Coupled with a low turnout and a post-show assault in Jinja, the year hasn’t been kind to him.
Pallaso – A “Sanyu Sanyu” That Wasn’t
Status: ❌ Underwhelming
Despite the hopeful title “Sanyu Sanyu,” Pallaso’s concert failed to live up to its name. Many blame his chaotic public persona for the poor attendance. It’s a pattern he needs to break to win back fans.
Kabuye Ssembogga & Diplock Ssegawa – Veteran Turns Mixed
Status: Kabuye – ❌ Flop, Diplock – ✅ Fair Turnout
Kabuye Ssembogga’s long-awaited debut didn’t pan out as expected, with poor numbers that even the organizer admitted were disappointing. In contrast, Diplock Ssegawa, celebrating 52 years in the music industry, managed a decent showing with a nostalgic audience.
What’s Next for Uganda’s Music Scene?
The first half of 2025 has shown us that star power alone doesn’t guarantee concert success. Consistent engagement, proper promotion, and connection with fans are more important than ever.
As we gear up for the second half of the year, all eyes are on who will rise and who might fall again.
