Ashaba Music holds debut Kampala concert

Pride Ashaba, known by her stage name Ashaba Music, held her first concert in Kampala at the National Theatre auditorium on Saturday, July 10, 2026.

Also referring to herself as the "Best Export from Kigezi," her curtain-raisers were drawn from that tip of the Western region. Dappy256 performed "Topowa," "Gumitte" and "Amooti." King David followed to little acclaim, while Mr. Blair Koono's acoustic performance was a welcome break.

Quex Music, the most popular of the curtain-raisers, warmed up the stage with songs including "Kachumbali," "Ugandan Made" and "What a Bum Bum."

After their performances, concert MC Mr. Philip Matogo invited Ashaba Music and the Kingdom Sound Band from Kabale district to take over the stage. During her first session, Ashaba performed songs from her 2023 "Fireflies" album, including "Mwana Wangye," "We Live to Love," "In His Image," "Humura," "Nvudde Wala" and "Abaana Bangye." Her last session was purely reggae, drawn from her "Mental Break" EP, with songs like "You Say," "Exhausted," "Magic," "Cry for Help" and "Munywani Wangye" featuring Man Irie.

"In March 2026, I performed in Nairobi, Kenya, and held another show in Kigali, Rwanda. This one was the last as I end my East African music tour," she said.

She also used the concert to launch a book titled "Ashaba Pride," which contains all the lyrics of her songs. In the book's preface, she revealed that she is a graduate of Kyambogo University, where she pursued Accounting and Finance. She also holds a postgraduate degree in Taxation. Following her divorce and loss of custody of her children, she turned to music to overcome the trauma.