Lovebirds Buula and Naaka launch own music genre at maiden concert

Singing duo Brian Busuulwa and Madrine Nakabuye, popularly known as Buula and Naaka, unveiled their newly-crafted music genre, 'Naaka Music,' at a concert held at the National Theatre on March 2, 2024.

The event, marked by a full house in both ordinary and VIP sections, showcased a mesmerising performance that left the audience in awe, pondering the preparation behind such a remarkable show.

Kicking off at approximately 7:00pm, guitarist Nathan Ssemanda set the tone with captivating renditions of Buli Lwenkulowoza and Nambooze, leaving the crowd eager for more and paving the way for the main performers, Buula and Naaka.

At 7:30pm, the duo captivated the audience with a choir performance of their song Tell of a Time, a traditional folk piece celebrating the timeless beauty of Uganda.

Guitarist Andereya Baguma performs. Photo by Hussein Kiganda

This performance set the stage for a narrative journey through their romantic repertoire, featuring songs like Omwana Wennambingo, Eva, and Flavia. The highlight was their rendition of Elly Wamala's Emilina, which resonated deeply with the audience.

The Tumbeetu Boys, a comedy group also known as Mary Heart, left the audience in fits of laughter, while guitarist Andereya Baguma presented a challenge to Buula with the heartfelt Take My Hand, a song proposing to Naaka, although it didn't manage to sway her.

Noteworthy moments included Buula inviting the audience to share their descriptions of a woman, eliciting diverse responses. Happy Kyazze showcased his trumpet skills, creating a symphony of musical sounds that resonated with the audience's core.

The grand finale featured Naaka's mother, Maureen Nakakembo, displaying her vocal prowess, showcasing how her daughter inherited her beautiful voice. The concert concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.

Discussing Naaka Music, their innovative genre blending Kadongo kamu, Afro-pop, and other styles, Busuulwa revealed that the name came about when Nakabuye proposed crafting a unique musical style appealing to both older and newer generations.

After their debut composition, You Should Know What I Feel Inside, the duo committed to producing music that stimulates listeners' imaginations through vivid descriptions and melodious tunes.

"We aimed to create music that touches the soul, heals broken minds, and bridges the gap between generations. I named it after Naaka because she initiated the idea and deserves the credit," Busuulwa explained.

Naaka added that the genre's roots traced back to their love journey in 2017, evolving into a profound connection that has birthed much more for the world to experience. She expressed optimism that in a few years, Naaka Music would have a global presence.

Naaka's mother acknowledged their romantic relationship and expressed joy that their love had resulted in creating something enduring.

While supportive, she advised them to prioritise completing their education before delving into the broader aspects of marriage.