Nandor Love
We did not have Artiste of the Year in our annual sQoop awards. Not that we have not had good music or artistes outdoing themselves, but we felt much needed to be done, which they failed to do. Not just in music, but in other entertainment sectors as well; comedy and film inclusive. Last year was the year where concerts were all that everyone talked about and we also saw so many throwback concerts selling out as we put 2024 behind us, Isaac Ssejjombwe takes a look at some of the talents to look out for in 2025.
Dax Vybez
It looks like Dax Vybez has finally found a winning formula in the music business. For two years in a row, Bobi Wine’s younger brother has managed to have songs that have topped charts and become people’s favourites. In 2023, he had Believe alongside Vinka, and last year, he managed to get Tabbu alongside Ava Peace. The two might be collaborations but maybe that is where his strong asset is in music.
Born Ivan Bugembe Sentamu, Dax Vybez musical journey began in 2016 during his high school years when he released his debut single, Ntwaala, featuring popular singer King Saha.
Born in 1995, some of his other songs include Mayumba Kumi, Misege, It is Ok, Vibe Kyekyo, Eno Love, among others.
Aaronx
Two collaborations have been enough to announce Aaronx’s presence on Uganda’s music scene. Real name Aaron Mukwaya, Aaronx is signed to Tunez Records, a label founded by former Swangz Avenue artiste manager Joel Peter Wadero. The singer has had a good year with two songs; Masanyalaze featuring Winnie Nwagi and Njalwala remix featuring Sheebah.
He also dropped My Love, his debut EP last year, a body of work that captures the raw beauty and complexities of love in each track. He has built a loyal fanbase through singles off the EP that blend soul and contemporary vibes, and has drawn listeners in with his authenticity and unique sound. The EP highlights Aaronx’s potential to carve out a lasting presence in the music industry, giving audiences a taste of what is to come and hinting at his potential as a defining voice. He also has some other songs, including Boda Boda, My Love and Tambula.
Zafaran
Zafaran. Photo/Courtesy
A true definition of patience, Josephine Nakyoonyi, alias Zafaran, was officially unveiled to the public as Swangz Avenue's fourth artiste, having been signed on March 18, 2022. It took the singer two years to make her mark on the scene, despite being signed to a big brand such as Swangz. Her breakthrough came in 2023 with Tulo, one of the biggest songs that year. She further proved her vocal ability by perhaps delivering the best verse on the Swangz All-star gospel song God Ye Buddy that features Azawi, Vinka, Winnie Nwagi and Levixone. Usually when an artiste gets a breakthrough song, the rest is history and Zafaran will only have herself to blame if she does not own 2025.
Acidic Vokoz
Acidic Vokoz during his Ndi Musoga Concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval. Photo | Isaac Ssejjombwe
Acidic Vokoz, real name Kakaire Mutwahilu, has been featured in this magazine for some time now and he is not about to stop, unless he decides to disappoint us.
The boy from Busoga had 2023 for the taking and no wonder he was our breakthrough Artiste of the Year in the annual sQoop awards. From a successful concert at Lugogo Cricket Oval to topping charts with It Is Ok, a song that has been the oldest Ugandan song in the top 40 YouTube charts, managing to stay on for 300 days. If Acidic Vokoz keeps up with this pace, 2025 is his for the taking.
Tracy Melon
A name is not so known, but according to many music critics, Tracey Melon is definitely going to make an impact this year.
Tracy Melon’s journey in music started at the Pearl of Africa (POA) star search competition in 2021, where she emerged second runner-up. After the competition, she got signed by Troy Music, where she has been able to produce and make music to date but acknowledges that Talent Africa gave her the platform, including a chance to record a song with Lydia Jazmine and Navio during the POA star search.
She says she is different from other artistes because of her ‘angelic voice’, which stands out and resonates deeply with the fans.Real name Tracy Mirembe, Tracy Melon, is a singer, songwriter, vocalist, and performer. She was born in Iganga but raised in Mutungo, Kampala.
Nandor Love
Dorcus Nantume Tendo, popurlarly known as Nandor Love, had a very unexpected 2024 to our surprise. Out of nowhere, she featured in some of the hottest collaborations such as the all-star female Six Killas where she joined forces with Ava Peace, Zafaran, Nina Roz, Recho Rey and Jowy Landa on Kukyakala na Kubwa and went on to be consistent throughout the year, churning out songs such as Byadala, Empologoma, Mumbulamu and perhaps one of last year’s biggest songs, Kinawolovu.
These achievements underscore Nandor Love’s rising influence in the music industry.
Born on November 25, 2002, Nandor Love’s extraordinary musical talents have not only gained her widespread recognition but also a record deal with Redzone Government, a renowned record label with operations in both Denmark and Uganda.
Her discography boasts hit songs such as Baby Wa Boo, Mumbulamu, Nyama Choma, Tuveeko, Blessing, Bamutwala, among others.
Ava Peace
Maureen Peace Namugonza is her real name and she was officially introduced to the Ugandan entertainment industry after releasing Nsitula, a song she recorded alongside Spice Diana and Daddy Andre in 2019.
This landed her a deal with Black Market Records, who signed her. Her most significant breakthrough arrived last year after releasing Shabada featuring Mudra D Viral. The song ascended to the top of local music charts. Building on that momentum, Ava Peace released Dada, a song that also captivated audiences. Since then, her career has been on an upward trajectory.
Meanwhile, also in 2023, Ava Peace graduated from Makerere University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences.
She is currently being managed by Jeff Kiwa, known for his contribution and success of the Goodlyfe duo Radio & Weasel, as well as Sheebah Karungi. Some of her songs include Teri Agaana, Guma, Tabbu with Dax Vybez, Whisky, Dada, among others.
